How can we check Memphis care options from out of state?
Do the record checks online before you travel: Tennessee's Health Facilities Commission listings show each ACLF's and nursing home's license, beds, last survey date and disciplinary actions, and CMS Care Compare shows nursing home ratings and inspections.
Our directory combines those sources for Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties. Use them to shortlist two or three facilities in the part of the metro closest to whoever lives locally, then schedule tours together on one trip.
Who can help locally when family is far away?
The Aging Commission of the Mid-South's Information and Assistance line at (901) 222-4111 can explain local services, and the Memphis Delta District long-term care ombudsman at MIFA (901-529-4565) can help once a parent lives in a facility.
A trusted local friend, neighbor or church member who can visit unannounced is invaluable. Make sure the facility has written authorization to share information with each family member who needs it, and that health care and financial powers of attorney are in place.
How should a long-distance family plan a visit to tour facilities?
Visit at least one facility at mealtime and one in the evening, meet the administrator and the nurse, ask for the latest state survey report, and see the actual apartment or room your parent would have.
Bring the questions the public record raises, such as a recent penalty order or an old survey date. If a parent may need memory care later, ask to see the secured unit and its daily staffing log during the same visit.
How do we stay informed once a parent has moved into a Memphis facility?
Set a regular call with the nurse or care coordinator, ask to join care plan meetings by phone or video, keep the facility's latest survey report and your parent's service plan on file, and arrange for a local contact to visit unannounced.
Read each new HFC disciplinary action or survey for the facility when it appears; our facility pages are rebuilt from the state's listings, so a changed record shows up there.
What paperwork should a long-distance family put in place?
Durable financial and health care powers of attorney, HIPAA authorizations naming each family member who will talk with doctors and the facility, a list of medications and physicians, and copies of insurance cards.
Keep digital copies in one shared folder and give the facility a single point of contact so messages do not get lost between siblings.
Sources include Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. chapters 0720-26, 0720-21 and 0720-18, Health Facilities Commission and TennCare pages, CareScout and VA rate tables as cited above; see our editorial standards.
