Choosing the Right Brain Illness Care Facility: A Comprehensive Guide

Evaluating Facilities and Services for Care of Brain Illnesses Browse the article Evaluating Facilities and Services for Care of Brain Illnesses

Evaluating Facilities and Services for Care of Brain Illnesses

A diagnosis of a brain disease such as a brain tumor or dementia is often the first step into a new world. The facility where the person will receive care is an important part of that world. Although you might feel rushed by the fact of a new diagnosis, it's important to use whatever time is available to make the best choice possible.

First of all, make a list of facilities that are an option. The person's doctor will make recommendations about facilities, but you can also ask friends, family and colleagues who have had to make a similar decision.

It is very important to visit the places that are on your list. Arrange a tour by calling in advance. You might also want to visit at a time when you have not scheduled a tour. It is especially important to plan an unscheduled visit of residential facilities to try to get the "feel" of the place when they are not expecting you.

Approach to Care

Most facilities will have their mission, vision and values posted prominently so that patients and visitors can see them. Talk to the specialists you would be working with as well as patients or visitors in the waiting room to find out about less concrete issues such as the staff's approach to pain management, patient anxiety, communication with patients and philosophy of care.

Environment

Location and environment are important considerations. Find out:

• Is the facility close to home, friends and family? Are visiting hours reasonable?
• Is parking easy and accessible?
• If the facility is far from home, is there a place where family can stay overnight?
• Is the facility calm and soothing?
• Is the facility clean? (Ask about staff and room cleanliness and infection-control policies.)
• Can nurses and staff see into patient rooms easily?
• For patients with dementia, is there a wander alert system? (For people considering residential facilities, ask whether residents are registered with the police so they can be returned safely in the event of wandering.)
• Are there secure outdoor spaces for ambulatory patients, family and friends?

 

Evaluating the Staff and Services

Services

The services you need will depend on the brain health concerns you are coping with. For example, a person with dementia will need to have staff and physicians who specialize in caring for dementia. Some places might have a specific unit or wing for specific brain illnesses.

Services also include activities. This is of particular importance for residential-care facilities. You will want to find out about available activities and scheduling flexibility. Find out whether activities and schedules can be individualized.

It is also important to find out about the type of snacks, foods and drinks that are available. Look for places that offer nutritious and easy-to-handle snacks as well as water or caffeine-free drinks.

You might also want to ask about support services, such as support groups or transportation, that are available for patients and family.

Staff

Consistent and well-trained caregivers are very important, especially for people with brain illness. When you visit, try to meet the staff members who are likely to provide care for you or your loved one. Meet the people who direct activities and plan dietary programs. Also find out about staff trainings and the ratio of patients to staff.

Hygiene is an important part of care. Take note of whether you see staff washing their hands or using sanitizer regularly, as well as their attention to the cleanliness of rooms and bedding.