Frequently Asked Questions

"Setting Realistic Expectations™" is a truly innovative product in the long-term care industry. Because showing the video, giving a copy to the family, and inserting the suggested language into your admission agreement is a new way of doing buiness, we understand if you have questions.

Imagine having the opportunity to ask a group oif your fellow long-term care professionals as well as some family members who are familiar with the videotape's contents, about "Setting Realistic Expectations™."

If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-807-4553 or
click here to email us your questions.
Question:
 Why should a nursing home show the video?
Answer: "Quite frankly, we have to do something to stem the tide of rising litigation and this video offers that. People now have the opportunity to better understand what to expect in a nursing home. Setting Realistic Expectations is helping to revolutionize our industry for the better."

Jim Sleadd, Regional Administrator, The Meadows (Long Term Care Management Company)

"I am very impressed with this video's straightforward nature. It gets right to the point and tells it like it is. I’ve long felt that a major issue facing the nursing home industry is our habit of overselling what we are capable of doing and thus promoting unrealistic expectations. As a result, the public's perception of nursing homes isn't where it needs to be. Setting Realistic Expectations provides a very understandable explanation. It is a very powerful tool."

Charles Perry, Executive Director, Nevada Health Care Association

Question:
 What benefit does a family receive from watching the video?
Answer: "Watching the video certainly helped me to understand the realities of nursing home care. I understood what type of care my mother would receive and why. This video helps people realize what you can expect and not expect."

Brenda A., Family Member

"Admission to any facility brings with it an adjustment for both resident and family. During this delicate period, the video honestly focuses everyone on the realities of living in a group setting. The video often brings about open communication concerning modes of operation and assists the family in understanding the differences between home and group setting. Setting Realistic Expectations promotes trust right from the start, bringing the beginning of a positive relationship. Family concerns after viewing the video are less frequent."

Mary Roberts, Director of Social Services

Question:
 When is the best time for a facility to show "Setting Realistic Expectations" to family members?
Answer: "I feel showing the video during the admission process helps bridge the gulf typically encountered at this time between family members and staff regarding the realities of care giving in a long-term setting. The video is effective in opening the lines of communication and in helping families understand the limitations of staff in providing care. It is also beneficial in helping to establish trust. Families are not as prone to feel you are trying to sell them a 'bill of goods' if you are honest from the beginning."

Teresa A. Strickland, Marketing and Admissions Coordinator/Assistant Social Services Director

Question:
 Will the video cause families to react negatively toward the facility?
Answer: "At first, I was skeptical as to whether the video would make a difference. I was afraid stating the 'facts' may upset new residents and their families. However, after showing Setting Realistic Expectations, quite the opposite has been true. Residents and families have been pleased we took the time and effort to share the 'realistic' truth, and expressed appreciation for our sincere honesty. Complaints in my facility have decreased dramatically since we started showing the video. Now the few complaints we receive are much more realistic and resolvable. I believe this is much in part to the video setting a realistic tone on day one. These days, I can't imagine conducting an admission without sharing this video first."

Sandy Deakins , Administrator

"As a result, we have noticed families have become more positive in interacting with staff in resolving problems and towards the facility and our industry as a whole."

Teresa A. Strickland, Marketing and Admissions Coordinator/Assistant Social Services Director

Question:
 Why should a nursing home give a copy of "Setting Realistic Expectations" to the family as a gift after they have viewed it at the facility?
Answer: "After first watching it at the nursing home, I appreciated receiving a copy of the video to take home and share with other members of my family. Certainly, it was very stressful when we admitted my father, and it helped to have the video to watch after the fact. It gave me a feel for what his daily routine would be and gives a realistic view as to what to expect when living in a nursing home. The video is very informative and easy to watch in a single sitting."

Ralph S., Family Member