Administrative
* How many independent living apartments are there?
* How many intermediate nursing home beds are there?
* How many skilled care nursing home beds are there?
* What furnishings are included in the apartment (carpets, drapes, appliances, furniture)?
* How many meals are served a day?
* Are refunds on meals given if you take a vacation or enter the hospital?
* Are dogs and/or cats allowed?
* Are birds or other small pets allowed?
* What is the policy on overnight stays for adult guests?
* What is the policy on overnight stays for underage grandchildren or great grandchildren?
* What kind of security is provided?
* If one spouse needs to enter a nursing home, can the other remain in the same apartment at no extra cost? If no, what changes would apply?
* Does the administration have the authority to admit a resident to the nursing home if she of he becomes too confused or ill to care for himself or herself? What procedures are in place?
Financial
* What does it cost to enter?
* Is any of the entry fee refundable due to death or incompatibility within a certain period of time?
* If yes, what are the conditions for partial or full refund?
* What are the monthly fees for each level of care? How have they increased over the past five years?
* Is any of the monthly fee tax deductible as a medical expense? If yes, how much?
Health
* Is the nursing home approved for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement? Does it have a state license?
* Which of the following health services are covered by the monthly fee:
o doctor visits
o eyeglasses
o medical equipment
o home health care
o home delivered meals
o mental health care
o dental care
o prescription drugs
o foot care
* Can residents use their own doctors in the general community?
* What hospital does the nursing home use? Can residents choose other hospitals?
* Are residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias accepted for admission?
* Are residents who are depressed or experiencing other mental health problems accepted for admission?
Activities and Other Services
* What recreational activities are provided?
* Is a van or bus available to transport residents to shopping centers, doctors, and cultural events?
* Are volunteer opportunities available? If yes, please describe.
* Is there a resident council? If yes, how does it function? What kind of a voice does it have in program planning and administrative issues such as maintenance, menu planning, and staffing?
* What is the religious makeup of the community? How are religious needs met?
For more information or a list of other MFS Heritage Planning educational materials on helping your parents, contact your financial adviser.
© 1998 The Partnership Group, Inc
MFS Fund Distributors, Inc.,
500 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116
