When I looked at Colleges, I often attended formal tours where a student tour guide walked us around and explained various aspect of campus life, etc.
When we hired a paralegal last year, we walked her around our office and explained how things worked, where her office would be, etc.
When you go to a museum, you are often offered the opportunity to learn about the art from someone who knows great detail about the artists, exhibits etc.
But what happens in emergency situations? Do you get to take tours of hospitals, attorney offices, nursing homes and emergency rooms years before your loved one is stuck in the cycle of requiring long term care? Do you get to look, examine chose which doctors, surgeons, hospitals or facilities you will use months before the services are necessary?
YES and NO.
If you showed up to a local hospital today and told the receptionist you are here for the tour, I imagine they would be tempted to call security. A nursing home would likely be delighted to show you around and an assisted living facility probably has an open house already on their calender. So some levels of long term care, are really open for examination. But so few people take advantage and make decisions before the care is immediately required.
The sad truth however, is that it is most difficult to make these very difficult decisions on the fly, when you find yourself or your family in an emergency situation (ie – hospital discharge or post surgery).
You have little time, limited choices and often, little understanding of the impact certain choices can have.
Our advice is PLAN AHEAD.
You can request a copy of our free book – A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO LONG TERM CARE IN VIRGINIA, or go to the book store today and pick up resources that help provide baseline of information.
You wouldn’t go to a restaurant without asking what kind of food they serve – so why make long term care decisions without getting information first.
And let me know if you find a hospital that gives tours. I would love to join you for one.