Create one row for each facility and one column for every decision point. Useful columns include public record or license identifier, exact service under consideration, population served, current availability, admission process, assessment steps, family-contact policy, privacy and consent process, medication policy, cost estimate, insurance verification, travel requirements, belongings rules, continuing-care planning, and the date each answer was obtained. In prose, the comparison should read like a factual ledger, not a ranking based on friendliness or promises.
For every cell, write confirmed, needs review, or not established, followed by the source and date. An answer such as “likely” belongs under needs review. A website statement may still require confirmation for the relevant date and person. Ask the representative to distinguish what is routinely available from what depends on staffing, assessment, authorization, or capacity. Do not treat a returned call, insurance check, or preliminary conversation as admission.
- What exact service is being considered, and how is it described in the applicable public record?
- What must happen before a fit or admission decision can be made?
- Which answers depend on current availability, clinical review, payment review, or consent?