Helpful
Information
THE GRANDPARENT CONNECTION
Connecting Seniors with people who care.
QUESTIONNAIRE
The following is a list of questions that will assist you in choosing a long-term care home. Most deal with rights legislated in the Long-term Care Homes Act (2007), but the questions will clarify these rights for both you and the home. Upon your initial visit, you may find it helpful to take the questionnaire with you and also a list of your own questions to ask the administrator. Be sure to take notes of what you learn on your visit.
1) What is the application procedure?
2) What are the accommodation fee co-payments?
3) What services are included in the fees, e.g. personal supplies?
4) For what services is the resident/family responsible?
5) How and when are residents/families notified of a change in fees/service?
6) What is the home's policy on restraints and medication?
7) What is the home's policy on cardiopulmonary resuscitation? It is not necessary to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form on admission?
8) Can you continue receiving care from your family doctor after admission to the facility?
9) Is the staff physician a geriatrician?
10) Is a physician on call 24 hours a day?
11) Are the physicians and/or medical director available to take calls from families?
12) Is the staff physician or doctor on call willing to spend time talking to family members regarding medical care of the resident?
13) Are individual preferences recognized by the home? For example, do residents have a choice of showering or bathing? Do residents have the option of having breakfast in their room?
14) If English is not the resident's first language, will an interpreter be available when necessary?
15) If applicable, are there programs and services available to meet the diverse cultural needs of the residents?
16) Inquire about residents' assessments and care plans.
a) How often do case conferences occur?
b) Are residents and representatives (substitute decision makers) involved in the case conferences and planning for the resident’s care?
c) Are the assessment information and care plans available to residents and family (or substitute decision makers)? How often are the care plan review meetings?
17) Is there free access to the facility? At what times? Are people encouraged to visit?
18) Is there a volunteer program in the facility?
19) Are residents’ religious representatives encouraged to visit?
20) Are married couples housed together?
21) Are physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy training available? Who arranges for these? 22) Are staff trained to work with the visually impaired and hearing impaired residents?
23) Are dentists and dental hygienists available to provide dental care? Who arranges for this?
24) Are social work services available at the residents' request?
25) How many residents live in the facility?
26) How many floors are there?
27) How many elevators are there?
28) Are there regular fire drills for all staff (including part-time)?
29) Does the local fire inspector make regular visits?
30) Does the staff have training in managing difficult/aggressive behaviour? You may have a list of your own questions to ask.
Connect with Concerned Friends
for some great information about Long Term Care Facilities
www.concernedfriends.ca/understanding-long-term-care/long-term-care-guide
Useful Resources
www.concernedfriends.ca/understanding-long-term-care/useful-resources
Checklist
www.concernedfriends.ca/sites/default/files/LTC_Homes_Check_List.pdf
The Grandparent Connection -2015