I've learned that the Marketing People are salesmen, first and foremost. They prefer to work on appointments so they can give a head's up to the people in the various units and voila! Everyone is in their Sunday best, tossing balloons through the air, singing songs around the piano and eating cookies.
I know to ask about
1. The quality of nursing care and if an RN is on duty or just "on call". 2. The ratio of patients and caregivers.`
what else should be asked to avoid disappointments (and surprises) later.
Go visit a couple times if possible during the day, at meals, early evening (unannounced) and that will help to get a feel. If it is a locked facility, try asking a spouse when they leave about it and/or ask if you can meet to go in with them.
((Nancy)) I agree make some visits. I didn't stop at the adminstrations desk.. I just went up to the floor myself. I also talked to family members of the patients. Also, look at all their charts they keep on each patient. Look at their rating from the state. Things of that nature. Best of luck! Nikki