Don't be distracted by the chandelier in the lobby. Here is what you really need to look for.
A scheduled tour is a sales pitch. The staff is on their best behavior, and everything is staged to look perfect. To find the truth, you need to look past the surface. Here are five warning signs that a facility might not be safe for your loved one.
Observe the staff members who aren't giving you the tour. Are they making eye contact with residents? Do they smile and greet them by name? Or are they rushing past them, looking at their phones, or talking loudly to each other while ignoring the seniors?
Obviously, the smell of urine is a major red flag indicating poor housekeeping or hygiene. However, be equally suspicious of an overwhelming smell of air freshener, bleach, or popcorn. Often, these strong scents are used to "mask" underlying odors rather than cleaning the source.
If the sales director cannot give you a straight answer about the "Level of Care" fees, walk away. Some facilities have a low base rent but charge exorbitant fees for simple tasks like medication administration or help with bathing.
Ask the staff members you pass in the hallway, "How long have you worked here?" If everyone you meet has been there less than six months, there is a management or culture problem. Consistency of care is impossible if the caregivers change every week.
Look at the residents in the common areas. Are they engaged, talking, or doing an activity? Or are they all slumped in wheelchairs in front of a TV that no one is watching? "The TV Babysitter" is a sign of an understaffed or unengaged activity department.
These are just the top 5. Our comprehensive PDF checklist has 20+ items to inspect, covering safety, legal, and medical questions.
Download Safety Checklist