Walker Methodist | Jun 7, 2022
Finding the perfect transitional care for your loved one can be a difficult and time-consuming task. After all, you want to make sure that you choose the right community, one where your loved one will get all of the care and attention needed to thrive. But, of course, there are also logistical considerations.
At Walker Methodist, we know how much time and effort families put into researching and choosing transitional care, so we’ve created a simple checklist that you can use when comparing TCU locations for an older adult in your life.
Does the Location Have Qualified and Caring Team Members?
Among the most important factors when choosing a transitional care location is the team, because they are the ones who will ultimately be responsible for your loved one’s well-being.
Team members should be friendly and qualified, caring and capable, patient and knowledgeable, respectful, and competent. There should also be team members available around the clock, including a variety of people with a range of skills, including:
- Nurses
- Cooks
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Social service professionals
- Therapists
Walker Methodist’s TCU locations employ dedicated, full-time team members in all of these fields, because we know how vitally important they are to your loved ones’ recovery and experience.
Are the Residents Happy?
Transitional care may not be permanent, but that doesn’t mean your loved one shouldn’t have a great experience. When you go on your facility tours, pay special attention to the residents. Talk to them and inquire if they're happy, if they have any complaints, if they'd recommend the TCU, and if they feel the facility is welcoming to new residents.
Is the Location Convenient?
Location, location, location. The old adage holds true, even for transitional care programs.
There are a number of factors to keep in mind when evaluating a TCU’s location. Is it in an area where your loved one feels comfortable? Is it somewhere that will be easy for you or another friend or family member to visit?
Family support is a very important factor in the recovery process, and the more time you can spend with your loved one, the easier transitional care will be. Look for a TCU that’s close to you or someone else who can drop by regularly, and who can be close if there's an emergency.
With two locations, one Minneapolis and one in West St. Paul, Walker Methodist’s TCU is an excellent choice for anyone in the Cities.
Does the Program Have Good Reputation, References, and Recognition?
Word of mouth has always been a powerful form of advertising, and this is even truer when people use the internet to rate and review everything from restaurants to hospitals to movies.
Before making any final decisions about a TCU, ask the family members of other residents for recommendations, research the program’s history of recognition, awards and accreditation, check out online reviews, and get a good sense of the transitional care unit's reputation.
Walker Methodist is proud to report that all of our communities are certified by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Not only that, we have been recognized by Pinnacle Quality Insight, a customer satisfaction measurement firm, as a top 15% senior living community in both 2020 and 2021. These awards are given based on open-ended surveys from residents, patients, and their families or caregivers.
Is the Community up to Your Standards?
Along with having the highest standards of care for residents, it’s also vital that the TCU you choose has high standards across the board, especially in terms of:
- Dignity of residents
- Safety and security
- Cleanliness
- Respect for residents and their families
You can get a good idea of the standards of the TCU during the facility visit, and also in the conversations you have with team members, residents, and administrators.
Is the Necessary Care Readily Available?
Transitional care serves different purposes for different residents, so your TCU must be capable of providing a broad range of services and meeting a wide variety of needs.
Special care services to look for include rehabilitation, therapy, memory, and cardiac care, as well as assistance with the activities of daily living, medication management, exercise, and transportation.
Do They Accept Insurance?
Many TCUs work with a variety of insurance companies and provider networks. To ensure that money doesn’t get in the way of your loved one getting the best care possible, look for facilities that are able to accept your loved one’s insurance.
We cherish helping your loved one regain their independence.
Choosing a transitional facility is a big responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. With this simple checklist, you can narrow down your search to a few facilities, and facility tours can help you zero in on the ideal TCU for your loved one.
With all of the facilities, accommodations, and amenities mentioned above, Walker Methodist remains one of the most comprehensive and best-reviewed care solutions in the Twin Cities area. Contact us today to learn more about our transitional care services.
