Q: I am a caregiver for a family member and currently doing OK, but I know in the future I will need to seek placement. What should I look for in selecting a facility?

A: You are to be commended for looking into placement well in advance of when you are actually going to need this type of care.

Since you didn't mention what type of care your family member needs, let me start with some simple explanations describing the types of facilities you might be considering.

A residential care facility for the elderly, also referred to as a board and care or an assisted living facility, is a home for people who can no longer live safely on their own but do not require any type of skilled nursing care. To accommodate patients with special needs, many of these facilities have obtained special waivers that allow them to provide dementia and end-of-life care.

An intermediate care facility serves residents who need assistance with such daily living activities as bathing, dressing, etc. They provide some nursing care though not as much as a skilled nursing facility. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), also referred to as nursing homes, convalescent hospitals and rest homes, provide continuous around-the-clock nursing care.

Some SNFs have special wings that specialize in care for patients who have progressive dementia and are unable to be safely cared for in regular care units.

Also there are psychiatric locked facilities for people whose symptoms include challenging behaviors that may include wandering, violence or disruptive behavior.

When evaluating any type of facility, there are some specific things that you should consider.

Make sure the facility is licensed. Look at the ratio of staff to patients. Is there enough staff to do the job expected of them, and do they appear to enjoy their work. Is the staff trained in the areas of care that your family member requires?

Does the facility appear clean and well maintained? Your nose should not be offended by smells of urine or disinfectant. Many times it is easier to evaluate an older facility in this area than a brand new one.

Since meals are an important part of care, inspect the kitchen, and, if possible, eat a meal. If that is not possible, observe a meal period to see if meals are attractively served and arrive at their destination at the appropriate temperature — hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Are patients who have trouble eating assisted with their meals?

What type of activities and functions are provided? Are they something your family member would enjoy taking part in?

Is there currently a bed available or do you have to go on a waiting list? Is the facility conveniently located so that you can visit often? Do the current residents look well cared for? Is there good interaction between the staff and the residents?

How much are the monthly fees and will they increase if additional services become necessary? Can your family member remain at the facility for the duration of his or her life or be required to move because of more intense care needed or lack of private funds to pay the cost?

When visiting facilities, it is recommended that you take someone with you so you can discuss what you found. Visit as many facilities as possible and go to each facility more than once. Go at different times of the day to see how conditions might differ during the day or the early hours of evening or at change of shift.

Don't be blinded by fancy accommodations or new beautiful buildings — look beyond the physical environment. It is the care that is given to each resident that counts.

May happenings

Can Savvy Seniors Pass the Street Smarts IQ Test? seminar will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. For information or reservations, call the center at 583-6363.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.