| Determining that a loved one cannot function as | | | | nursing home care, and Alzheimer's communities, and |
| independently as he or she used to is often a difficult | | | | residents can move from an independent senior |
| realization. However, once it is apparent that the | | | | lifestyle to one with more assistance as their needs |
| health and safety of that loved one may be | | | | increase. These comprehensive assisted living facilities |
| jeopardized in their current living arrangement, | | | | offer a variety of services and activities.o Alzheimer's |
| alternative senior housing options should be | | | | Communities - These communities are specially |
| considered. One of the most common choices in a | | | | designed for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's |
| situation like this includes a move from independent | | | | disease. They offer a heightened level of security |
| living to an assisted living facility for seniors. Although | | | | and mental health care and maintain a staff of |
| peace of mind may be achieved knowing that your | | | | specially trained health care professionals to supervise |
| loved one is in the care of experienced health | | | | residents closely. These communities may be part of |
| professionals, moving a loved one from living | | | | another community or nursing home, or may be |
| independently to living in an assisted living facility can | | | | completely separate.o Hospice Services - This refers |
| be a difficult transition for both the individual and the | | | | to a range of services that are offered in an |
| family. | | | | individual's home or long term care facility in the final |
| While the decision to move to an assisted living | | | | stages of their life. The goal of hospice care is to |
| facility often occurs due to the inability for one to | | | | make the individual as comfortable as possible during |
| live safely independently, the choice of assisted living | | | | these last stages, and assist the family through the |
| facility most appropriate for the individual sometimes | | | | process as well. |
| must be made quickly. When a healthcare crisis | | | | What to Look for When Searching for a Facility |
| involves a hospital stay, the individual usually | | | | If you determine that a long term care facility is the |
| transitions first to a Nursing & Rehabilitation | | | | right choice for your loved one, you will want to |
| Center, where they will received skilled nursing care. | | | | determine the best location and research the |
| Once their health has improved, a rehabilitation facility | | | | communities that are available. Things to consider |
| will typically recommend 1-3 assisted living facilities. | | | | when conducting this research include the facility's |
| Researching assisted living facilities thoroughly is | | | | wait list (if applicable), room options, the location's |
| extremely important to ensure you choose the right | | | | convenience for family members, whether they offer |
| environment, offering the lifestyle and services | | | | activities of interest for your loved one, and meal |
| needed for your loved one. | | | | options. After you've decided the type of assisted |
| If you are considering a transition from independent | | | | living facility right for your loved one, you'll want to |
| living for your loved one to a long term care facility, | | | | narrow the search further by interviewing each one. |
| consider their health needs as well as their lifestyle | | | | When interviewing make sure to keep notes on each |
| preferences. The following is a list of long term care | | | | facility, schedule an appointment for the visit, stop in |
| facilities available to seniors and the common services | | | | the community at different times unannounced, and |
| offered in each.o Assisted Living Communities - | | | | talk to the staff. Here are a few more tips for |
| Assisted living facilities allow seniors to live as | | | | evaluating assisted living facilities: |
| independently as feasible in a completely supervised | | | | Assisted Living Facilitieso Verify that they are a |
| and secure environment. Seniors have their own | | | | licensed assisted living facility. Make sure to review |
| rooms complete with kitchens and are able to | | | | the state survey with them as well.o Make sure they |
| participate in a variety of social activities throughout | | | | offer the health care services prescribed for your |
| each day. These communities offer services such as | | | | loved one, such as rehabilitation services or personal |
| personal care assistance, management of medication, | | | | care services.o Become familiar with the staff and |
| and flexible meal plans.o Adult Family Care Homes | | | | how many staff members are on duty at all times.o |
| -Assisted living facilities are predominantly for seniors | | | | Find out if they accept Medicaid, and if the individual |
| who do not require round-the-clock supervision. They | | | | will be required to move to another room if they |
| offer family natured living in a private home for 5 | | | | start out paying privately and then transition to |
| seniors or less. The homeowner, who lives in the | | | | Medicaid payments.o Ask if transportation is available, |
| home as well, will provide supervision, personal care, | | | | and about other amenities on site, such as salons.o |
| medication management, and meals. Because this | | | | Find out about the physicians that are available to |
| type of assisted living is in a private home, it does | | | | your loved one including geriatric physicians, general |
| not offer the variety of services that assisted living | | | | practitioners, dentists, audiologists, podiatrists, and |
| communities do.o Nursing & Rehabilitation | | | | other specialists your loved one may require. |
| Centers - These facilities are for individuals that | | | | Alzheimer's Communitieso Verify that the Alzheimer's |
| require round-the-clock supervision and a high level of | | | | community is licensed, and inquire about the staffing |
| nursing care. At least one registered nurse is in the | | | | ratio and training requirements for employees.o Find |
| facility 24 hours a day, and communicates directly | | | | out if there is a programming director, and review |
| with physicians about the individuals specific medical | | | | the program of activities regularly planned for that |
| needs. Nursing homes offer meals, activities, | | | | particular community.o Finally, find out if there is a |
| transportation, and often have a salon and other | | | | social worker or other family support group available |
| amenities. Rehabilitation for occupational, speech, and | | | | to both residents and their families. |
| physical therapy is typically available.o Continuing Care | | | | Selecting assisted living facilities for a loved one is a |
| Retirement Communities - This type of senior | | | | difficult task. Make sure to research the type of |
| housing offers various long term care facilities that | | | | facility most suited to your loved ones needs, and |
| focus on different levels of care. One main "campus" | | | | choose one that will give them the best quality of life |
| encompasses independent living, assisted living, | | | | possible. |