How to find a Long-Term Care Facility

Many times throughout the week we receive calls from frantic family members stating they have just been told mom or dad need to be put in a Long-Term Care (LTC) facility. The following is a list of the advice we give:

• Decide which area of the valley you would like your loved one to be.
• Start with about three facilities from that area.
• Visit the facility. Be sure to go at different times especially in the evening and on weekends as that is when we receive the most complaints.
• Print the nursing home guide on our website (it is under Ombudsman in the Salt Lake County Aging website). Use this guide as you are visiting the facility.
• Review the LTC facilities current State survey. It is usually at the front desk in a binder. If you can not find it, ask for it. This will give you an idea of the different types of complaints the facility has had with the state.
• Call us!!! We can give you additional information about any other complaints the LTC facility has received.
• We can also send you a 55+ book free of charge. This is a resource book of different services offered to people 55 years and older. The book also has lists of the different LTC facilities.

There is not one perfect LTC facility. Generally there is a consistent change of staff and administrators. The best thing to help with the care of your loved one is to visit on a regular basis. Get to know the staff and the other residents. Be aware of the care your loved one is receiving. If there are concerns and they are not getting addressed, call us! We can help you advocate for your loved one.