Once you know what type of residential care best suits a person's needs, you will need to choose a facility.  Try to visit as many facilities as possible before making a decision, so that you can compare them and the care being offered.  Spend time looking around, talking to staff and residents, and asking all of your questions.  You might find it helpful to make up your own checklist of things to look out for and to ask about.

This checklist provides headings for the "questions to ask, things to look for".  Two or three examples of the types of questions you might ask are provided under each heading.  However, it is highly recommended that you ring our freephone 0800-004-001 and ask for a copy of the Residential Care for People with Dementia brochure or the Detailed Booklet on Residential Care for People with Dementia, both of which are produced by Alzheimers New Zealand. 

Staff

• For rest homes, how many hours per week is a registered nurse on duty, and when?
• How often does the rest home use agency staff?
• Do staff have an understanding of and specialised training in caring for people with dementia?

Care

• How do management involve family/whanau in decisions and ongoing care planning, such as writing the care plan and reviews?
• What is the policy for communication between cares/family members and staff?  How are relatives kept informed?
• How would staff deal with a situation/behaviour that bothers the carer?

Ownership/Management

• Who owns the facility?
• If the manager is not the owner, what input does the owner have in the day-to-day running of the home?
• Does the manager have a special knowlege of dementia?

Location 

• Is it convenient for carers and visitors to get to the facility?
• If the person enjoys going out, are there shops or a park nearby?
• Is there a safe attractive outdoor area?

First Impressions

• Is the atmosphere homely and welcoming?
• How may lounges/living areas are there?  Is there a choice?
• Are the residents well presented; appropriately dressed in clean well cared for clothing?

Access

• Are the corridors wide enough for a walking frame or wheelchair?
• Are baths and toilets suitably adapted?
• Are there ramps or lifts?

Admission

• Will there be a member of staff who is particularly responsible for the person?
• Is there a waiting list?
• Does the facility offer day care or temporary stays so that the person can get used to the situation before moving in?

Bedrooms and Privacy

• Can the person have a single room?
• Can residents bring some of their own furniture and possessions?
• Can the residents go to their room when they want to be alone and do staff and other residents respect the need for privacy and always knock on doors?

Meals

• Ask the residents about the food.  Do they enjoy their meals?  Ask to see a menu.
• Does the home take into account residents' likes and dislikes and cater for special diets?
• Are residents supervised and/or fed if they have problems feeding themselves?

Activities

• Do they employ someone to organise activities?  If so, how many hours per week and what times, days?
• Are there games and activities designed for people with dementia?
• Are residents encourages to do as much for themselves as they can?

Health

• What happens if the person is unwell?
• Which doctor visits, how often, and is there a choice?
• What arrangements are made about medication?

Visitors

• Are visitors/children welcome at any time?
• Are there limits on the number of visitors at any time?
• Are visitors able to take the resident out if they want to?

Fees

• Does the facility have a contract with the District Health Board (and therefore accepts subsidised residents)?
• What is included in the weekly charge and what will be required to be paid for separately?

Other Services

• Are additional services such as laundry, dental care, hairdresser, optometrist available and if so, are there additional costs?
• Is transport available for appointments and activities?  Can it carry wheelchairs?  Is it an additional cost?
• Is there a private free phone for resident use?  Is there a telephone connection in the bedroom and is there a charge for this?

For more detailed information, please visit Alzheimers New Zealand website and browse their resources section www.alzheimers.org.nz/resources.php.