Choosing the Best Long-Term Care Facility for Your Loved One

 

Did you know that nearly 70% of individuals over 65 will need some type of long-term care service and support? When the time comes to find the right facility, the choice can feel overwhelming. You want to choose the right environment with the right care, but may not know where to start.

This decision is deeply personal and often requires balancing medical needs, comfort, and peace of mind.

At CCR, we understand the weight of this decision, and we’re committed to helping families navigate it with reassurance and certainty.

What is Long-term Care?

So, what exactly is long-term care, and how can you know if it’s the right option to serve you or your loved one’s care needs?

Long-term care encompasses a variety of care and support services designed to meet personal and medical care needs. This can range from simple daily tasks like eating meals, dressing, and bathing to advanced healthcare services like memory care or wound care.

Long-term care provides the support people need to live safely, comfortably, and as independently as possible when managing daily life on their own becomes challenging.

Benefits of Long-Term Care Facilities

Aging can bring emotional and physical challenges, from maintaining chronic health conditions to coping with feelings of isolation or loss of independence. These challenges are real and completely normal. But long-term care facilities can provide the support and sense of community needed to make these challenges easier to navigate.

Here’s how a long-term care facility can make a difference:

• Personalized medical care: Access to skilled nursing and specialized services like memory and palliative care.
• 24/7 support: Peace of mind knowing there is round-the-clock support from compassionate, highly trained professionals.
• Enhanced quality of life: Homey living spaces, chef-prepared meals, and amenities that make residents feel at home.
• Social connection: Community living with group activities and events helps build meaningful relationships.

8 Considerations for Choosing the Right Long-Term Care Facility

Selecting the right long-term care facility requires careful thought and research. You want to know residents are cared for with dignity, compassion, and respect—and that they’ll feel at home.

As you begin your search, there are some key questions to ask and factors to consider.

1. What kind of care is needed?

Every individual has unique health and personal care needs. Does your loved one need skilled nursing care for a chronic condition? Do they need memory care for conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia?

Not all long-term care facilities offer the same services, so it’s essential to find one that meets your or your loved one’s unique needs. Look for a center that provides:

• Assisted living services to help with daily tasks (bathing, dressing, medication management, etc.)
• Skilled nursing care for chronic conditions and daily medical needs
• Memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Rehabilitation therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Palliative care to provide comfort and symptom management

At Commonwealth Care of Roanoke (CCR), we offer individualized care plans designed to support each resident’s health and well-being.

2. Is the facility licensed, accredited, and well-regarded?

A facility’s reputation matters. Are they properly licensed? Do they have positive reviews from residents and families? These are all signs of a high-quality care provider.

A trustworthy facility should be fully licensed and accredited by the appropriate state and federal agencies. Research the facility’s track record by checking:

• State licensing and compliance records
• Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations

All of this information is readily available online with a simple search.

3. Do you feel confident in the staff and quality of care?

The people providing care make all the difference. When you visit, pay attention to how the staff interacts with residents. Do they seem attentive, warm, and patient? Is there a registered nurse available 24/7?

When touring a facility, be sure to ask about:

• Staff-to-resident ratios
• Nurse availability throughout the day
• Specialized training

At CCR, we know that great care starts with great people. Our Service Excellence Initiative ensures our staff receives ongoing training in the latest care techniques—but just as importantly, we hire people who truly care about their work and the residents they serve.

4. Does the facility feel clean, safe, and comfortable?

A facility should feel welcoming and well-maintained. Does it have a fresh, clean smell? Are there safety features like grab bars, call buttons, and secure entrances? Is emergency care readily available?

These details can give you peace of mind.

We take pride in investing in our facilities to ensure the safest, most comfortable environment possible for our residents.

5. What services and amenities are available?

The difference between a sufficient long-term care facility and a great one is in the way they foster a sense of home and community. You can easily get a feel for this when you visit on-site, but don’t forget to ask questions about:

• Living quarter set up (comfortable furnishings, private or semi-private)
• Chef-prepared meals for dietary needs
• Social and recreational activities to keep residents engaged
• Therapy and wellness programs

CCR provides a full range of amenities, ensuring that residents enjoy both exceptional care and a fulfilling lifestyle.

6. What are the costs, and what’s covered by insurance?

Understanding the financial aspects of long-term care is crucial for making informed decisions. From monthly fees to additional services, it’s important to have a clear picture of what’s included and what may come at an extra cost.

Ask about:

• What’s included in the base cost?
• Are there extra fees for certain medical services?
• Do they accept Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance?

Make sure you get a detailed breakdown of costs (monthly fees, additional charges), check if they accept Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance, and ask about deposit and refund policies if care needs change.

Learn more about CCR’s payment options from our FAQs.

7. How easy is it to visit and stay involved?

Regular family visits are so important for a resident’s happiness and well-being. Make sure the facility has flexible visiting hours and encourages family participation in care planning.

Consider:

• How often family members can visit
• Opportunities for family participation in care planning
• Virtual visit options for long-distance relatives

At CCR, we believe families are an important part of recovery. They’re welcome to visit at any time convenient for the patient or resident and we encourage family members to participate in the rehab process.

8. What does your gut tell you?

Sometimes, the best indicator is your instinct. Does the facility feel warm and inviting? Do the residents look happy and well cared for? Can you see your loved one feeling comfortable and at home here?

Talking to current residents and their families can provide valuable insight into daily life at the facility. Ultimately, you have to trust your instincts when making the choice.

Why Families Trust Commonwealth Care of Roanoke

The decision to move yourself or a loved one into long-term care is never easy, but it can be made with confidence when you choose a facility that prioritizes individualized care, respect, and well-being.

At CCR, we’re committed to showing up every day to provide individualized care for our patients. When you choose CCR for your loved one, you’re choosing:

• Comprehensive, long-term nursing services – Our highly trained medical team provides 24/7 skilled nursing care, including wound care, ostomy and trach care, medication management, and specialized therapies.
• A comfortable, home-like atmosphere – Residents enjoy private and semi-private rooms, beautiful common areas, and chef-prepared meals that meet dietary and personal preferences.
• Palliative care for advanced needs – Our dedicated palliative care unit offers enhanced privacy, comfort, and symptom management, helping residents make the most of each day.
• A commitment to excellence – Through our Service Excellence Initiative, we continuously improve our standards, ensuring our staff remains highly skilled.

We invite you to visit one of our 12 Health & Rehab centers across Virginia, meet our team, and experience the warmth and excellence of our staff. Because when it comes to the care of your loved one, nothing is more important than knowing they are safe, comfortable, and truly at home.

Contact us to schedule a visit or learn more about the services we offer.