Resources
- Choosing a Facility
- Guide to Visiting a Facility Community, or Nursing Home
Choosing a Facility
Deciding to move out of one's home and into a different type of housing brings up a multitude of questions. Will a board and care home; assisted living facility, or nursing home be the best choice? What are the differences between these housing options?
Board and Care Homes: These are also known as Care Homes, Senior Homes or Group Homes. They are smaller in scale than assisted living facilities and offer a home like setting. Most house 6 residents and are family oriented.
Assisted Living Facilities: These are also known as Assisted Living Communities and are private apartment style facilities that provide assistance with daily living activities, supervision, health-related services and social activities.
Skilled Nursing Homes: Skilled Nursing Facilities offer the highest level of care for those who may be dependent on others for their health care needs. Many of these facilities also offer rehabilitation (physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy) to those needing short-term care after a severe illness or injury.
Memory Care: Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care offers a specialized level of care for those diagnosed with illnesses related to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. There are board and care homes and assisted living communities that have secure environments and specially trained staff to work with the unique needs of their patients. For more complex medical care, skilled nursing also offers memory care.
Retirement Facilities: Independent facilities are for those 55 and above and requiring no assistance with activities of daily living or personal care services. Transportation, meals and activities are usually offered.
How can Leslie help you choose the right facility?
Leslie begins with an assessment to determine the level of care required, financial requirements, desired geographical area, and personal preferences. Developing an in-depth understanding of your unique situation enables Leslie present options that meet your needs and to arrange for visits to facilities that meet your defined long term care needs.
Guide to Visiting a Facility, Community, or Nursing Home
- Is the community fresh and clean? Look past the furnishings. Look at details. Also ask how often housekeeping is provided in each room or apartment.
- How does the community smell? Odors may indicate a lack of cleanliness or a temporary problem that was caused by a recent incident. If the odors are primarily in one area, it may indicate the problem is temporary and a single incident. Ask about the cause. Don't forget to ask about the laundry service. Who does the laundry and what does it cost? Is there a personal laundry room on site?
- Busy residents are happy. Ask to watch activities and observe if they are well attended. Is the staff enjoying the activity also? Look at the community calendar and see if the activities match your loved one's interests. Ask about religious services if this is important.
- Happy Staff! The attitude of the staff and friendliness are Important. How does the staff interact with residents? Do they listen and make eye contact? Do you feel welcomed while on a tour? How do staff members interact with each other?
- Access to being outdoors! What outdoor areas exist? Does the area feel safe and secure? Is the area shared with staff? Are activities planned for outdoors?
- Dining! Ask about entree choices, dining hours and procedures. If at all possible, bring your loved one in for a meal to taste the food and meet some of the residents. Ask what happens when someone doesn't come to the dining room for a meal?
- Safe and sound. Safety and security are important. Are the bathrooms equipped with grab bars? Are there tubs in the bathrooms? Is there an emergency call system in the bathroom/bedroom? How is this monitored and who responds? Ask about staffing? Who will be there if someone needs help? How are medications managed?
- Care with dignity. Observe residents on your tour. Are they clean-shaven and well-groomed? Look at their hair and nails - how do they look? Discuss bathing options and your loved one's preferences.
- When it's time to leave. No senior likes to move a lot. Ask about specific move-out criteria. Under what circumstances is a resident asked to move? What type of notice is give by them, or by you? In most cases a 30 day written notice is required.
- Trust your instincts. This is a personal decision. As you tour, can you imagine you or your loved one living there and being comfortable? Did you feel at ease while touring? Was the staff friendly and inviting? The property doesn't have to be the most beautiful to be the best place for them although you can have it all! Follow your instincts and your heart.
Get in touch!
Contact Leslie today for a FREE consultation.
(925) 215-0770
Leslie@LeslieStanfield.com
Helpful Links
AARP
Administration on Aging
Alzheimer's Association
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Cancer Society
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
American Lung Association
American Medical Association
California Association of Health Facilities
California Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
California Department of Health Services
California Department of Mental Health
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services
Congress of California Seniors
Department of Social Services
Elder Law Attorney
Family Caregiver Alliance
Health A to Z
Health Care Links:
Medi-Cal
Medicare
Medscape
National Stroke Association
Pharmacy Index
Social Security Administration
State of California Directory of Ombudsman
Leslie Stanfield
Referral Placement AdvisorP. O. Box 1893
Discovery Bay, CA 94505
(925) 215-0770
Leslie@LeslieStanfield.com