We have noticed of recent that the families or responsible caregiver of a potential new resident has not exactly told us everything about that resident. Many times we may be told that “Mom is doing great, very active, can do for herself on almost everything but is a little forgetful.” Then we do a little more discovery to find out that Mom is actually very confused and can do almost nothing for herself.
This brings to mind the old game show Truth or Consequences. It is very important for us to know as much about the prospect resident as we can. Not only from the viewpoint of safety but we know that we can properly care for the resident if they are entrusted to our care. The truth is imperative, after all it’s going to be quickly revealed once the resident moves in.
The consequence? Many times to not be forth coming or to withhold important information could mean a refusal by the operator to admit the resident. This can be both confrontational and awkward. It could also cause unnecessary agitation with the resident or place them in danger when the proper care is not provided because the operator has no knowledge of the situation.
We understand that sometimes the need to find placement due to the stress placed on the family is immense. However many times except in severe cases with proper knowledge and planning many situations and diagnosis can be appropriately addressed and managed.
A key flag that there may be an issue is the refusal or resistance of the family to allow for a pre-admit assessment. Our policy is becoming more and more demanding that we must assess the resident either at home or with a visit to the community. In many instances the family may be trying to keep Mom or Dad from knowing that they plan to move them into the community. This needs to be addressed before hand as it was will almost always cause a problem.
Develop an open an honest relationship with the provider of your choice, explain all the issues and then let them assess the situation. More often than not a smooth transition can occur and you and your loved will be glad you made the move.
Working in the senior housing
industry I have had consumers come to me after having made mistakes
by not researching the industry and having made the “wrong choice”
for their loved ones. It is for this reason I recommend people
first understand what Activities of Daily Living are. (Listed below)
You should look at this list and be honest with the number of activities
your family member needs help with. If they are in need of many
of these, then chances are they need assisted living.
If your family member has Alzheimer’s
don’t disillusion yourself by thinking they “will get better.”
Thankfully, there has been much research and development in the field
of Alzheimer’s but there is no cure. Medications will slow the progression
of the disease but nothing will reverse it. In time, it will get worse.
Prepare yourself by researching the disease and contacting an agency
that can help you. The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to providing
training and support to people and families affected by this disease.
Locate your closest chapter and seek advice and information to help
you prepare for what is happening and what is to come.
After you have evaluated your
family member and decided they need assistance, research your options.
If you know you need assisted living then start by obtaining a list
of facilities in your area. Call or visit each one. ALWAYS take someone
with you. If possible take the person with you that will be making the
move. The other person with you may think of a question you don’t,
or may observe something you miss. When inquiring into a facility you
will receive a lot of information and you don’t want to miss anything.
The smallest detail could make the difference in your loved ones happiness.
After visiting these facilities go to the Office of Regulatory Service’s
website and research the facilities. www.ors.dhr.state.ga.us/
This will provide a facility
inspection result so you can see what an auditor sees when they “go
inside” the facility. They research records and ensure the facility
is following state rules and regulations regarding senior care.
Also, try to talk with someone who has already provided care for a loved
one in this situation. They have the most experience and insight
to help you. If you have questions or need more detailed information
please call someone with Senior Solutions or one of our facilities.
They will all be more than happy to assist you by providing as much
information to help you make the best decision for your loved ones.
Activities of Daily Living
- Bathing/Showering
- Bowel and bladder
management
- Dressing
- Eating
- Functional mobility
- Personal device
care-Includes items like hearing aids, glasses, prosthetics, adaptive
equipment, etc.
- Personal hygiene
and grooming
- Community mobility
- Sleep/Rest
- Toilet hygiene
- Health/Drug management
and maintenance
- Safety procedures
and emergency responses
- Shopping
- Meal preparation
and cleanup
- Communication device
use
- Financial management
There is a little known and little used program available for veterans an/or spouses that will allow for financial support for assisted living, nursing home, or housebound individuals. The program is for Veterans and the Veteran’s Spouse. In some cases if the Veteran and the spouse are divorced, the benefits may still be available.
The important thing to remember is that the Veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day served during a time of war. There are very specific days of required service. Another important aspect of this program is that your savings and assets are less than $80,000 excluding your home and vehicle. There is no “look back” period. The only assets counted are the ones at the time of your application. Generally one must have been in a facility or situation for 90 days before the program goes into effect.
If a veteran or spouse finds themselves in need of assisted living, nursing home or home health, you should start the process of applying for this benefit. Our veterans and their spouses have given to our country. Now is the time for our country to give to them. Call the Department of Veteran Affairs at 1-800-827-1000. If you can find a Department of Veterans Service in your area, it may make for a better and more time efficient source.
Since the downturn in the economy our company did not really recognize any negative trending one way or the other until the first quarter of 2009. Independent living was already beginning to weaken back to the summer of 2008 as the housing marketing especially existing home sales started to slump.
What is interesting is that with Assisted Living always being a “need driven” product we have seen the “need” steadily increase with an equally steadily fall in admissions. The assisted living resident needing services from our communities today are visiting us in very frail and progressively declining health, in fact most are not able to visit at all. Money of course as always is a defining issue.
In years past we could take a resident just coming off the recovery of an event such as fall, fracture or minor stroke and have moderate success in returning them to a happy quality of life. All of our communities utilize third party rehab providers, home health specialist, as well as provide a transportation program to help the resident obtain the healthcare they need. To our detriment we were experiencing such positive results that some of our residents were able to return to their home.
We have also seen an increase in dementia related issues. With many of the speciality units having little if any vacancy, pressure to push the envelop in assisted living is increasing. This pressure is two sided as the families are many times facing a discharge from a hospital or rehab facility and the operator or provider is facing the need to meet income or cash flow objectives. With this increase in acuity, additional staffing becomes necessary which adds cost. The length of stay also becomes shorter as we have seen an average drop to 12 - 14 months.
Independent living has become what assisted living used to be 10 years ago. May I suggest if you are facing the possibility of having to consider assisted living for your loved one, give heavy consideration to a short term stay. If the discharge planner or medical professional suggest a home discharge consider an assisted living community. They can provide proper nutrition, consistent medication and assistance with bathing and dressing.
Short term respite stays usually include furnished units which can easily be converted to accommodate longer term stays.
Be prepared and plan ahead, home will always be home it is our job to make sure it stays that way.
The Race has been created to provide an insiders look at seniors housing and to provide practical advise for consumers. We are excited that we are able to provide a forum for our company's leadership to share their knowledge and skills with consumers.
We look forward to insightful articles and spirited dialog. In the coming posts, you can look forward to articles on engaging topics including: Senior Housing Options, Tips for living in long term care facilities, and other practical advice for those that have an interest in the seniors housing industry.
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