SELECTING A RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY

It can seem overwhelming to choose a residential care facility. However, asking the right questions and understanding what to look out for in a long term care setting can help make it easier. There are many options for residential care. It is important to fully understand the individual’s needs so that you can select the right care.

Residential Care Facilities

Retirement Living

Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as mild stage in medical contexts, may find retirement housing suitable for them. Senior housing may provide limited supervision, but it can offer social activities, transportation, and other amenities.

Assisted living (also known as board and care, adult life or supported care)

Assisted living facilities serve as the bridge between independent living and assisted living. It usually offers housing, meals and support services, as well as health care. The federal government does not regulate assisted living.

Definitions can vary from one state to the next. It is important to ask about the availability of services for residents with dementia at assisted living facilities.

Nursing homes are also known as skilled nursing facility, long term care facility or custodial care)

Nursing homes offer 24-hour care and long-term medical treatment. Many nursing homes offer services and staff that address such issues as nutrition, care planning and spirituality. There are different staff-to resident ratios in nursing homes and staff members have different levels of experience and training. The state licenses nursing homes and the federal government regulates them.

Special Care Units for Alzheimer Patients (SCUs), also known as memory care units, are available.

SCUs can be tailored to the needs of people with Alzheimer’s or other similar conditions. SCUs come in many forms and can be found in a variety of residential care facilities, including assisted living.

Units that are locked or secured can be protected. These units are often cluster settings, in which people with dementia live together on one floor or another within a larger residential facility.

Some states require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to list their fees and the specialized services they provide, such as trained staff and their ability to care for residents.

With behavioral needs. It is important to inquire about the type of care provided by an SCU because laws can vary.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

Based on each resident’s needs, Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs offer different levels of care: independent, assisted living and skilled. If needed, residents can move between the various levels of care in the community. These communities may require a monthly fee or an initial entrance fee.

Visit multiple care facilities. You should make an appointment for your first visit. However, you may also want to schedule a few unannounced visits. Talk to the staff as well as residents, and their families. Ask questions and observe. Visit communities at various times of day, including meals. It is possible to try the local cuisine.

Ask to see the most recent survey/inspection report when you visit a care facility. In some states, request the Special Care Unit Disclosure form, which they need to give. You can see the facilities’ services by looking at the disclosure form and the report. If it is a nursing home, you can go to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website to learn how it compares to the national average at medicare.gov/NursingHomeCompare.

Ask your local care team about availability and cost of rooms, as well as participation in Medicare and Medicaid. Even if you’re not ready to make a decision, consider putting your name on a wait list. Ask what happens if someone with dementia runs out on their money if payment is out-of-pocket (or private).

While some communities may accept Medicaid, others might not. To ensure that you have a financial plan in place, consult a lawyer who specializes in eldercare if you think you might need Medicaid in the near future.

Questions to Ask When selecting a residential care community for your loved one, there are many factors you should consider. These include the staff, the environment, and the treatment.

Ask the following questions:

Participation of the family

• Is it possible for families to be involved in care planning?
• How can families be informed about changes in the care and condition of their loved ones?
• Do families feel encouraged to communicate with the staff?

Personal

• Does the hospital provide medical care?
• How frequently are nurses and physicians on call? Are there any registered nurses on-site at all?
• Do you provide personal care and assistance?
• Are you able to tailor care to your specific needs, abilities, and interests?
• Is dementia care taught to staff? Does the state require it? What is the best way to do it?
• How long is the training? What topics are covered?
• How long have employees been employed on average?
• How do staff deal with challenging behavior?
• What is your ratio of staff to residents?

Services and programs

• Are there appropriate programming and services (e.g. small groups, quiet)?
• Rooms) are available depending on your specific needs.
• Are there any planned activities? (Ask for a schedule of activities; take note
• If the activity is taking place at the time you visit, please let us know.
• Are there activities that are available during the evenings or weekends?
• Are there activities that are tailored to specific interests, needs, and abilities?
• Is there transportation for shopping and medical appointments?
• Are they held on a regular basis? Are they available at convenient times?
• What therapies (e.g. physical, occupational speech, recreational) are available?
• Is there special care for dementia?
• Are residents able to attend religious celebrations and services?

Residents

• Is personal care assistance provided with dignity and respect?
• Are there flexible personal care times that can be adapted to the needs of an individual?
• Are residents happy, relaxed, and engaged in activities?
• Are residents clean, well-dressed and properly dressed?
• What is your rate of falling?
• Are residents diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder as their primary diagnosis share the same unit as residents with dementia?

Environment

• Is there any unpleasant odors in the facility?
• Are indoor spaces designed to promote independence as well as freedom of movement?
• Are outdoor and indoor areas secure and safe? Are they monitored?
• Is it easy to navigate the facility?
• Is there an area designated for family visits or a private spot to have visitors?
• Are the resident rooms clean and spacious?
• Is it allowed for residents to bring their own items like chairs?

Meals

• Is there a regular meal or snack time?
• Is food appetizing? (Request the weekly menu so you can come and enjoy a meal.
• Can meals be changed to suit the needs of each individual?
• Is the dining area comfortable and pleasant?
• Can family and friends join you at the mealtime?
• Do staff have a plan to monitor adequate nutrition?
• Can the staff accommodate special dietary requirements (e.g. low sodium) like those who are diabetic?
• Does staff offer appropriate assistance depending on the person’s capabilities?
• (e.g., support during meals or assistance feeding if necessary)
• Is there noise, distractions or other environmental factors that could distract you from your meal like TV?

Policies and procedures

• Can family members and friends participate in the care?
• Are the visiting hours beneficial for the family?
• Have you discussed the discharge policy? (Learn more about any situation.
• Condition that could lead to the facility being closed, such as
• Change in behavior or financial situation.
• Are continuing care options available for residents whose needs change?
• Does the “aging in place” policy allow residents to remain in their community, like the same rooms, as they cope with their disease?
• If a visitor arrives, does the community offer an escort to take them to the emergency room in case of an accident or illness?
• Is the community able to provide end-of life care? Is hospice care if necessary?

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for the best place that offers assisted living, personalized care plan, medication management, to name a few, for your loved ones.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/