What to Look for in a Long-Term Care Community

After being released from a hospital due to an injury, a stroke, or another health complication, some patients will need additional support to help them get better. They may ask, “What’s the next step in my recovery?” In most cases, the answer is short-term care or long-term care. A short-term care center rehabilitates patients so they can resume their normal lives in a few weeks or months. Short-term care typically has an “end date” because its goal is to help patients get to the point where they can care for themselves outside of the center.

But not everyone reaches that point. Some illnesses or injuries render patient’s incapable of performing basic tasks, such as bathing or dressing, even after short-term rehab ends. That’s where long-term care can help.

Long-Term Care

What is long-term care? The difference between long-term care and short-term care is how long patients stay at a facility. For instance, if a patient is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or dementia, they will likely need support for the rest of their lives. It’s possible that they will lose function over time and will need long-term care services because it’s no longer safe for them to live alone.

Family members who are searching for a long-term care experience for their loved ones should remember that they’re not alone. There are a variety of long-term care facilities that can support patients from all walks of life. The key is knowing what to look for in a long-term care facility.

What Long-Term Care Facilities Do

Searching for a long-term care facility near me can seem overwhelming, but there are a few aspects that can help family members narrow down their options. Providers should prioritize patient comfort, engagement, care, and communication. After all, the more “at home” a patient feels, the more promising their treatment outcomes and quality of life will be. Here’s what the best centers do:

1. Focus on patients’ experiences.

Because long-term care patients are becoming facility residents, the long-term care service should provide all the comforts of home. Patients should be able to engage in community programs, meet friends, and enjoy dining services all while receiving the daily care they need.

2. Be transparent about care accessibility and quality.

Residents should have access to nurses and physicians 24/7 in case of medical needs and emergencies. They should also have regular access to psychiatry services and on-site therapists. Most importantly, residents and their families should make sure the long-term care experience includes wellness check-ins and reviews.

3. Provide additional resources and support.

In addition to mental and physical care, patients may also require financial guidance and other resources such as long term care insurance cost to help them make sound decisions with their families. Residents should also be able to regularly visit with their families to enhance their quality of life. Long-term care candidates and their family members should look for programs and other similar scheduling services that make it more convenient for them to connect with the most important people in their lives.

Choosing a long-term care facility can be difficult for patients and families. That’s why it’s important to consider what’s most important when it comes to their long-term care experience. Once family members and their loved ones know what to look for in a long-term care center, they’ll feel prepared to make the best decisions for the future.

Contact Logan Square Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center for more information.