Choosing an Assisted Living Facility part 2
December 19, 2009
When you are considering a move to assisted living here are several more points for families to consider:
•Have a family meeting (adult children with or without parents) with a Geriatric Nurse Care Manager to explore the above three options. Work together to create a flexible, written plan for aged parents’ holistic well-being.
•Moving is a stressor on all ages, but even more so for an aged parent who has lived in the same house for decades. Be kind and considerate, but assertive, if needed, to do best thing for parents.
•A deep and very real fear of loss of control of own life is a tremendous obstacle to moving to new environment
The Search begins:
•Tour several facilities, take notes and do comparisons. Try to visualize your parent or yourself in the residence
•Be mindful of proximity to your home or work so that seeing your parent is made easier
• Trust your senses, feelings and your initial reaction to what you see, hear and smell
•Discuss whether your cognitive parent will be placed with persons with dementia. It is best not to comingle the two groups.
•Visit facilities during lunch to see how residents interact with staff and others. Also, is the food fresh and the right temperature?
•Does there seem to be adequate staffing?
•Is the kitchen clean and pantry well-stocked?
•Does the overall atmosphere seem pleasant? Cleanliness is essential!
•Are patients “parked” at nursing stations or in front of televisions with little or no interaction?
•Are pets allowed? Sometimes keeping a pet helps aged person adjust more quickly!
•Do residents appear to be clean, groomed and odor-free?
•Does the staff treat each other with respect?
•Meet the clinical director (not just the marketing person) and ask questions
•Make sure you understand levels of care available and what determines when your parent moves from one level of care to another (and the difference in cost!)
•What occurs in a medical emergency? Will you be the first to be called after 9-1-1?
•Talk to residents. Engage them about the care they receive and the activities they enjoy (or not).
•Ask for references—other families with parents there. They can get permission to give names.
•Ask to take home information on admission criteria and house rules
•Take the time to review materials and ask questions
Work with your Geriatric Nurse Care Manager every step of the process for her professional and practical input. She will know available facilities and will help you assess which residential community will best meet your parents’ needs as well as desires for a certain lifestyle as they age. Use your professional Geriatric Nurse Care Manager’s expertise
When you are considering a move to assisted living
December 17, 2009
Here are some items when considering a move to assisted living:
•Start the conversation about options for parents’ with them and siblings long before a move is necessitated by medical condition or cognitive impairment. Decide:
•Will parent be able to live on her own with assistance by family or paid caregiver?
•What adaptations are recommended in the parent’s home in order for them to remain there? Or,
•Can the parent live with an adult child? Personalities are huge consideration.
•Is a residential community the best option?
Elizabeth Spencer for First Responder Healthcare Hero 2009
December 7, 2009
Care For Life was proud to nominate Elizabeth Spencer for First Responder Healthcare Hero 2009
Mary Peters (left) with Elizabeth Spencer
Charleston’s Elizabeth Spencer has labored with passion and dedication for eighteen years in the City of Charleston as the Coordinator of the Elder Support Line services. Her education is broad in its reach, but the work she does involves a great deal of her character that shines through in her conduct and demeanor. She is a dynamic public speaker and strong advocate for the elderly.
Everyone connected to local police departments, hospitals, the mental health department, every homecare agency, and the Probate and Criminal Courts knows to call Elizabeth when any kind of abuse is suspected.
She is quick to instruct that every adult in South Carolina is required to report abuse of any kind: emotional, physical including neglect, or financial exploitation which usually involves a relative stepping over boundaries of propriety.
Elizabeth Spencer is one of a kind. Our community owes her a great debt of gratitude for the seniors she protects in her work, and for all the hours she has spent educating the rest of us. Elizabeth was a Finalist in the 2009 Healthcare Hero First Responder category. Kudos, Elizabeth!
Insulin Levels May Hold Dementia Key
December 6, 2009
Found an insightful article on Insulin and Dementia. Click here to view the article.
Caregiver Tips For Holiday
December 5, 2009
Caregiver Tips from our Clinical Team Gina Jamison, BSN and Kristin Akins, LPN.
During the holiday season, it is important to involve your loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia in safe, manageable activities. Encouraging the elderly to be involved in activities may enhance their cognitive recall and bring a smile to their faces.
While Alzheimer’s disease can severely diminish short-term memory, long-term memories about childhood traditions often remain well into the later stages of the disease.
Try these activities to get your loved one involved and looking forward to the activities surrounding the holidays: Gently engage your aged family member in conversations about their past holiday gatherings. Sing traditional Carols or talk about their childhood Christmas memories.
Encourage your family member to help decorate the tree, create cards, make simple gifts and wrap them. Another great idea is to prepare favorite holiday recipes together. The smell of cookies baking might prompt fond memories to be shared.
Create a calm environment and try to stick to a familiar routine so that holiday preparations or crowds won’t cause confusion or disruptive behaviors.
Just have fun with your aged loved one, and help them revisit the happy times of their lives. We hope our tips help you enjoy this special season!
When Elder Care Problems Escalate, You Can Hire an Expert
December 4, 2009
Ran across a great article from AARP on Elder Care. Click here to read the Elder care article.
Reverse mortgage (federally guaranteed loan) can help you remain at home to age in place
December 3, 2009
A reverse mortgage (federally guaranteed loan) can help you remain at home to age in place and avoid nursing home placement. Call Care For Life for a referral to a preferred provider.
Geriatrician. What does the word mean?
December 2, 2009
A question we get about Geriatrician.
You suggested that my mother see a geriatrician. What does the word mean?
Geriatrician: A doctor who has additional training in the care of aged adults.