Search Guide

The search for the perfect care home has not been a straightforward or simple process until now. This page will provide suggestions and tips that will help in the screening process, from what to ask care home administrators during site visits to a detailed explanation of the models of payments most commonly used. If you have additional questions or concerns that are not addressed below, we welcome you to message us through the Contact Us form below. CHC team members are standing by, ready to assist.

Take a deep breath and know that you’re on the right track and taking the first step in the right direction. By searching for care homes on the CHC platform, you’ve proactively taken control of your search and given yourself the best chance of finding the care home that best fits your requirements instead of leaving the decision in the hands of a placement agency.

Contacting the Care Home

Once you identify a care home that interests you, the next step will be to contact the care home administrator. Unlike other websites and services, Care Home Central provides direct access to care homes without requiring you to disclose your personal information or speak with an agent first. Your personal information is private, and we respect that. Whether you decide to email the administrator through our website or call them directly with the phone number provided, you can be confident that you’re taking the next step without compromising your privacy.

Asking the right questions

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Knowing what questions to ask will be the key to identifying whether a care home meets your requirements or not. You will find that administrators and staff at care homes are friendly and patient and do their best to address all of your concerns. Remember, there are no dumb questions. It is a good idea to write down all the questions you want to ask beforehand so that you are prepared for your phone or in-person meeting. Here are some questions that should be asked if the answers aren’t provided before your meeting:

What is the model of payment? Is the pricing “all inclusive,” or is there a base rate with additional “levels of care?” (see below for pricing-model definitions

If the pricing is “all inclusive,” you want to get a clear description of exactly what is and is not included in their agreement. For "level of care" pricing, ask for detailed information on each level of care and the additional fees for each increase. Understand each care home’s evaluation or assessment process and how they decide when a resident has reached a new level. The more details you get, the better you can forecast your current and future costs.

It is important that the care home you choose is able to provide the care that you currently need, as well as the care that you may need in the future. Consider your medical history and the path in which your health may progress. Being able to age in place without the need to relocate to a different facility will help you truly feel at peace once you make a decision.

It is not uncommon for a resident's care needs to go down as well as up. Is the resident, their family, or outside medical experts allowed or included in this process?

Having a resident care binder or digital file that contains important information such as a plan of care, medical information, medication, meal logs, and emergency contacts is paramount in ensuring that you or your loved one is being provided optimal personalized care.

Make sure your loved one and their belongings are protected and that they’re covered in the event of negligence, theft, or emergency. Care homes listed on Care Home Central are tagged as either “licensed” or “opening soon.” Care homes that are opening soon are pending licensure. During your due diligence, make sure to do a real-time check on the current status of any care home you’re considering. You can do this through the State of California’s website.

The benefit of being in a smaller care home setting is having more personalized care. It is important to know how many caregivers are staffed and if there are overnight and awake staff, if that is important to your loved one.

Be sure that the home has all the little things that make your loved one happy. Whether it is their own private bathroom, the ability to request special meals, or a weekly bingo night, asking the care home administrator will help give them a better understanding of what’s important. We have found that they welcome knowing what they can do to make their residents happy.

In the event of an emergency, or if you know your loved one will need a certain specialist or doctor, it is valuable to know how close the prospective care home is to these locations.

There are some cases when a resident can be asked to leave or relocate. It is important to understand how a care home handles this situation and how much notification is given if there is a discharge provision or relocation request. It is also important to know what the refund policies are if an individual is required or asked to relocate.

With the senior demographic being so vulnerable, especially in community settings, what is their plan to keep residents and staff protected against exposure to COVID-19?

One of our goals is to empower you in your decision. Whether the care home is for you or your loved one, knowing what differentiates them from other care homes can help you with your choice.

If your loved one requires regular or frequent visits to a dialysis center or doctor's office, a transportation service can be arranged. However, some care homes have their own vehicles capable of transporting residents.

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If your loved one is a fall risk or wanderer, are there security and safety measures in place?

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Models of Payment

“All-Inclusive” Model

This billing model groups the costs for monthly rent...
housekeeping, laundry, transportation, personal care, recreational activities and nearly everything else into a single monthly bill. However, the definition of "all inclusive" will vary from one care home to another. For example, some care homes consider incontinence services and medication management to be add-on services and bill extra for them. It is also worth noting that optional services, if provided, may be charged to a monthly bill, such as trips to the hair salon or convenience store. While it may not be the most economical, the benefit of this model is that it is straightforward and simple.
This billing model groups the costs for monthly rent, meals,housekeeping, laundry, transportation, personal care, recreational activities and nearly everything else into a single monthly bill. However, the definition of "all inclusive" will vary from one care home to another. For example, some care homes consider incontinence services and medication management to be add-on services and bill extra for them. It is also worth noting that optional services, if provided, may be charged to a monthly bill, such as trips to the hair salon or convenience store. While it may not be the most economical, the benefit of this model is that it is straightforward and simple.
Also referred to as tiered pricing, this model has various levels...
or tiers, into which a variety of services are grouped. Each tier addresses certain levels of needs often assessed through activities of daily living. For example, individuals who require very little or no extra care would be placed in the lowest level of care, which would also be the least expensive. Persons at the opposite end of the spectrum those requiring significant care are in the highest level of care. There may be special levels specifically for Alzheimer's care or, depending on the severity of dementia, these individuals may require a care home licensed for memory care. An assessment is conducted prior to moving into the care home to determine the level of care required and, when needed, a re-assessment is conducted to ensure the appropriate level of care is provided. Non-care-related services in assisted living typically account for 50-75% of an individual's total bill. A person paying $5,000 per month for room and board might require an additional $1,000 for their level of care. While this is the most common care home billing model, it is important to note that each care home is different in how they assess their levels of care. This brings us back to the importance of asking what is included in the price so you are not surprised by a sudden increase in billing.
Also referred to as tiered pricing, this model has various levels, or tiers, into which a variety of services are grouped. Each tier addresses certain levels of needs often assessed through activities of daily living. For example, individuals who require very little or no extra care would be placed in the lowest level of care, which would also be the least expensive. Persons at the opposite end of the spectrum those requiring significant care are in the highest level of care. There may be special levels specifically for Alzheimer's care or, depending on the severity of dementia, these individuals may require a care home licensed for memory care. An assessment is conducted prior to moving into the care home to determine the level of care required and, when needed, a re-assessment is conducted to ensure the appropriate level of care is provided. Non-care-related services in assisted living typically account for 50-75% of an individual's total bill. A person paying $5,000 per month for room and board might require an additional $1,000 for their level of care. While this is the most common care home billing model, it is important to note that each care home is different in how they assess their levels of care. This brings us back to the importance of asking what is included in the price so you are not surprised by a sudden increase in billing.
In this model, residents are charged a flat monthly fee for rent...
or for rent and meals. Each service provided comes with an additional cost. This is also referred to as "a-la-carte" pricing. Within the fee-for-service model, there can be hourly assistance fees, usually by the quarter-hour, or flat fees for a service. For example, the monthly charge for helping a resident manage his or her medications might be a flat amount or an hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours spent. The fee-for-services model is more common in larger facilities where there is a lower staff-to-resident ratio.
In this model, residents are charged a flat monthly fee for rent or for rent and meals. Each service provided comes with an additional cost. This is also referred to as "a-la-carte" pricing. Within the fee-for-service model, there can be hourly assistance fees, usually by the quarter-hour, or flat fees for a service. For example, the monthly charge for helping a resident manage his or her medications might be a flat amount or an hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours spent. The fee-for-services model is more common in larger facilities where there is a lower staff-to-resident ratio.

Things to Consider When Taking a Tour

Once you have narrowed down your search or have decided to tour a care home, we recommend you observe and consider the following:

  • Is the care home near family and friends, and are there restrictions for when family and friends can visit?

  • Is the staff compassionate and focused on the residents’ individual needs?

  • Is the staff skilled and knowledgeable about the specific care needs of the residents?

  • Is the staff respectful of residents’ privacy and dignity?

  • Is the care home kept clean and accessible?

Contact Us

Our team is happy to answer any additional questions or concerns you may have and provide as much assistance and guidance as possible. We will respond quickly in the method of communication you prefer and wish you the best on your search. Let’s find the perfect care home for your family!