COUNSELOR ASSISTANCE

This page will guide you through the process of identifying the right care home for you or your loved one, from making contact with the care home administrator to screening the property and interviewing the administrator and staff.

We understand that moving into a new care home is a big step, but rest assured that the care home administrators you will meet have dedicated their lives to helping seniors. You should always feel comfortable speaking with administrators about your questions and concerns since you will be entrusting their team to care for you or your loved one’s most important needs. If you have questions regarding this process that aren’t addressed below, we welcome you to contact us using the form below so that a member of our team can provide you with the answers you need. If we don't have the answers you're looking for, we will direct you to the proper resources to find them.

If you’re feeling nervous or overwhelmed, take a deep breath and know that you’re on the right track and taking the first step in the right direction. By searching for the right care home on the CHC platform, you’ve proactively taken control of your search and given yourself the best chances of finding the care home that best fits your requirements instead of leaving the decision in the hands of a placement agency.

Contacting the Care Home

Once you identify a care home that interests you, the next step will be to contact the care home administrator. Unlike other websites and services, Care Home Central provides direct access to care homes without requiring you to disclose your personal information or speak with an agent first. Your personal information is private, and we respect that. Whether you decide to email the administrator through our website or call them directly with the phone number provided, you can be confident that you’re taking the next step without compromising your privacy.

Asking the Right Questions

Knowing what questions to ask will be the key to identifying whether a care home meets your requirements or not. You will find that administrators and staff at care homes are friendly and patient and do their best to address all of your concerns. Remember, there are no dumb questions. It is a good idea to write down all the questions you want to ask beforehand so that you are prepared for your phone or in-person meeting. Here are some questions that should be asked if the answers aren’t provided before your meeting:

• What is the model of payment? Is the pricing “all inclusive,” or is there a base rate with additional “levels of care?” (see below for pricing-model definitions)
  If the pricing is “all inclusive,” you want to get a clear description of exactly what is and is not included in their agreement. For "level of care" pricing, ask for detailed information on each level of care and the additional fees for each increase. Understand each care home’s evaluation or assessment process and how they decide when a resident has reached a new level. The more details you get, the better you can forecast your current and future costs.
• Can the care home provide the care I need or may need in the future?
  It is important that the care home you choose is able to provide the care that you currently need, as well as the care that you may need in the future. Consider your medical history and the path in which your health may progress. Being able to age in place without the need to relocate to a different facility will help you truly feel at peace once you make a decision.
• What is the frequency and process for re-evaluation of a resident's care requirements?
  It is not uncommon for a resident's care needs to go down as well as up. Is the resident, their family, or outside medical experts allowed or included in this process?
• How does the care home track the hours and care services provided, and is that information made available to the resident's family?
  Having a resident care binder or digital file that contains important information such as a plan of care, medical information, medication, meal logs, and emergency contacts is paramount in ensuring that you or your loved one is being provided optimal personalized care. 
• Is the care home licensed, bonded, and insured?
  You want to make sure that you are protected, along with your belongings, and that the care home is operating legally and covered in the event of any negligence, theft, or emergency. Care homes listed in Care Home Central’s platform are licensed by the State of California. Our licensure database is updated approximately every 4 weeks. During your due diligence, make sure to do a real-time check on the current licensure status of any care home you’re considering. You can do this through the State of California's website.
• How many staff and caregivers are present during the day and overnight?
  The benefit of being in a smaller care home setting is having more personalized care. It is helpful to know how many caregivers are there to help you and if the care home has an overnight and awake caregiver, if that is important to your needs. 
• Does the care home offer the amenities I want, as well as meals and activities that best fit my preferences?
  If you are choosing a place to make your home-sweet-home, be sure that it has all the little things that make you happy. Whether it is your own private bathroom, the ability to request special meals, or a weekly bingo night, asking the care home administrator will help give them a better understanding of your wants and needs. We have found that they welcome knowing what they can do to make you happy.
• Are there hospitals or urgent-care centers nearby?
  In the event of an emergency, or if you know you will need a certain specialist or doctor, it is valuable to know how close your potential care home is to these locations. 
• Are there any discharge or relocation provisions and, if so, what is the process?
  There are some cases when a resident can be asked to leave or relocate. It is important to understand how a care home handles this situation and how much notification is given if there is a discharge provision or relocation request. It is also important to know what the refund policies are if an individual is required or asked to relocate. 
• What precautions are the care home taking to prevent and monitor COVID-19?
  With the senior demographic being so vulnerable, especially in community settings, what is their plan to keep residents and staff protected against exposure to COVID-19?
• What differentiates their care home from others?
  One of our goals is to empower you in your decision. Whether the care home is for you or your loved one, knowing what differentiates them from other care homes can help you with your choice. 

Models of Payment

Once you gain an understanding of what is included in the price of a care home, it is also important to understand the models of payment that care homes utilize. We have found that these are the three most common models of payment:

1. “All-Inclusive” Model

This billing model groups the costs for monthly rent, meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, personal care, recreational activities, and nearly everything else into a single monthly bill. However, the definition of "all inclusive" will vary from one care home to another. For example, some care homes consider incontinence services and medication management to be add-on services and bill extra for them. It is also worth noting that optional services, if provided, may be charged to a monthly bill, such as trips to the hair salon or convenience store. While it may not be the most economical, the benefit of this model is that it is straightforward and simple.

2. “Levels-of-Care” Model

Also referred to as tiered pricing, this model has various levels, or tiers, into which a variety of services are grouped. Each tier addresses certain levels of needs often assessed through activities of daily living. For example, individuals who require very little or no extra care would be placed in the lowest level of care, which would also be the least expensive. Persons at the opposite end of the spectrum—those requiring significant care—are in the highest level of care. There may be special levels specifically for Alzheimer's care or, depending on the severity of dementia, these individuals may require a care home licensed for memory care. An assessment is conducted prior to moving into the care home to determine the level of care required and, when needed, a re-assessment is conducted to ensure the appropriate level of care is provided. Non-care-related services in assisted living typically account for 50–75% of an individual's total bill. A person paying $2,000 per month for room and board might require an additional $1,000 for their level of care. While this is the most common care-home-billing model, it is important to note that each care home is different in how they assess their levels of care. This brings us back to the importance of asking what is included in the price so you are not surprised by a sudden increase in billing.

3. “Fee-for-Services” Model

In this model, residents are charged a flat monthly fee for rent or for rent and meals. Each service provided comes with an additional cost. This is also referred to as “a-la-carte” pricing. Within the fee-for-service model, there can be hourly assistance fees, usually by the quarter-hour, or flat fees for a service. For example, the monthly charge for helping a resident manage his or her medications might be a flat amount or an hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours spent. The fee-for-services model is more common in larger facilities where there is a lower staff-to-resident ratio.

Things to Consider When Taking a Tour

• Once you have narrowed down your search or have decided to tour a care home, we recommend you observe and consider the following: 
• Is the care home near family and friends, and are there restrictions for when friends and family can visit?
• Is the staff at the care home compassionate and focused on the residents’ individual needs?
• Can residents come and go as they please, and are staff available to assist residents on outings?
• If you’re a fall risk or your loved one is a wanderer, are there security and safety measures in place? 
• Does the care home have in-house transportation for residents?
• Is the staff skilled and knowledgeable about the specific care needs of the residents?
• How often are linens and laundry done?
• Is there a menu available that shows what foods are served for the upcoming week or weeks, broken down by each meal?
• Are there social activities planned for the residents each day or week?
• Is the care home kept clean and accessible?
• Is the care home staff respectful of residents’ privacy and dignity?

If at any point in time during your search you have questions that we did not address, please feel free to contact us through the form below. Our team is ready to answer any additional questions or concerns that you may have and provide as much assistance and guidance as possible. We will respond quickly in the method of communication you prefer and wish you the best on your search. Let’s find the perfect care home for you!