Oh, No! Mom fell and broke her hip. Dad has dementia in addition to physical issues and cannot safely stay home by himself. Where does one turn to quickly get help? The thought of having to figure out the steps to take can be intimidating, especially in an emergent or urgent situation. Let's walk through the process.
In this real-life scenario, reaching out to a Senior Living Advisor organization known as
'A Place for Mom' was the first step in finding my father a temporary respite memory care facility quickly. (www.aplaceformom.com) A Place for Mom provides recommendations in many states within the US. Other similar services: www.caring.com, www.seniorlifestyle.com.
The process is rather seamless. Filling out the online form is quick and direct:
Who is the person in need of residence? (ie: yourself, spouse, parent, child)
How quickly is there a need? (ie: ASAP, 30 days, 60 days, no hurry)
Is the need due to dementia or due to rehab need following hospitalization?
Looking for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care?
What Is the estimated monthly budget?
Enter your name, email and phone number.
Contact happens quickly. Advisors are knowledgeable and guide potential clients through the process, scheduling tours of assisted living facilities of your choice based on star rating, cost, location.
A check list is provided to assist in questions to ask when touring facilities.
The services are FREE!
Alternatively, you can do your own search online and reach out to the admissions departments of the facilities in which you are interested and schedule tours.
One helpful tool for your own search is: www.thecountyoffice.com/assisted-living-nursing-home, which allows a search from any state in the US.
Next steps:
Read reviews of facilities.
If possible, reach out to friends who have had loved ones in nearby facilities for input.
Tour the facilities as scheduled. Thoughts to consider: Are hallways well lit? Any tripping hazards? Do dining areas appear to be clean and orderly? Take note of interactions: between staff and residents, staff to staff members, staff and visitors.
Ask questions. Some to consider: Assisted living vs memory care needed? How much assistance is provided? What items are the responsibility of the family to provide? What policy is in place following falls? How does mealtime work? Are medications managed by staff? Is there a nurse on staff? Medical providers available? Do they allow pets? Anticipated down payment vs daily costs?
Take notes.
Take time to review the information and make an informed decision based on the information you have collected.
Look into any insurance coverage: Medicare, Medicaid, secondary insurance, long term care insurance.
Gather together living will, durable medical power of attorney (POA) papers.
Facility assessment and final details:
Your loved one will need to be assessed to be sure placement is appropriate & to help the facility to understand the help that will need to be provided.
If looking specifically for respite care, understand the expectation of payment for length of time needed (ie: payment per day, per week, or per month?).
The process, while time consuming, is fairly straightforward. Knowing the steps necessary to take in finding support for your loved one can help take away the fear while providing the motivation to start the process.
Sources
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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