Conduct an interview with an administrator from your chosen facility. You can use the following, or similar, questions for the interview:
Is there a waiting list for your facility?
How are new demographics affecting your facility?
What marketing methods do you use to promote your facility?
Who is the primary payer source—out-of-pocket or private pay, insurance coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid?
Are there any personal or nursing care services available in your living environment?
What is the staff or organizational structure that supports the services available in your facility?
Are there any special amenities, such as a barber, beauty shop, or ice cream parlor?
If there are no special services on site, is transportation provided to nearby service facilities?
What recreational opportunities are available? Provide a list of opportunities.
What technological issues or challenges are present at the facility?
How do you anticipate health care reform will affect your facility?
How will medicine and health-related services that increase the longevity of the aging population have an impact on your facility?
Full Answer Section
Administrator: Yes, there is currently a waiting list for our facility. We have a limited number of beds, and we receive many requests each year. The waiting list can vary depending on the time of year and the level of care that is needed.
Interviewer: How are new demographics affecting your facility?
Administrator: The demographics of our residents are changing. We are seeing an increase in the number of residents from minority groups and from different cultures. We are also seeing an increase in the number of residents with dementia and other chronic health conditions. We are adapting our services to meet the needs of these changing demographics.
Interviewer: What marketing methods do you use to promote your facility?
Administrator: We use a variety of marketing methods to promote our facility. We advertise in local newspapers and magazines, and we participate in community events. We also have a website and a social media presence. We work with a marketing agency to help us reach our target audience.
Interviewer: Who is the primary payer source for your facility—out-of-pocket or private pay, insurance coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid?
Administrator: The primary payer source for our facility varies. Some residents pay out-of-pocket, while others have private insurance. We also accept Medicare and Medicaid. We work with each resident and their family to determine the best way to pay for care.
Interviewer: Are there any personal or nursing care services available in your living environment?
Administrator: Yes, we offer a variety of personal and nursing care services. We have a team of nurses and certified nursing assistants who provide care 24 hours a day. We also have a social worker who can help residents and their families with a variety of needs.
Interviewer: What is the staff or organizational structure that supports the services available in your facility?
Administrator: Our staff is organized into a variety of departments, including nursing, dietary, housekeeping, and activities. Each department has a manager who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department. The departments work together to provide a high quality of care to our residents.
Interviewer: Are there any special amenities, such as a barber, beauty shop, or ice cream parlor?
Administrator: Yes, we have a variety of special amenities available to our residents. We have a barber shop, a beauty shop, and an ice cream parlor. We also have a library, a game room, and a chapel. We are constantly adding new amenities to make our facility a more enjoyable place to live.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time. I appreciate your insights into your long-term care facility.
Administrator: You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.
I hope this interview gives you a better understanding of long-term care facilities and the services they offer. If you are considering a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one, I encourage you to do your research and visit several facilities before making a decision.
Sample Answer
Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I'm interested in learning more about your long-term care facility.
Administrator: My pleasure. I'm happy to answer any questions you have.
Interviewer: Can you tell me about the waiting list for your facility?