assisted living

Guest Blog: What to Look For in a Senior Living Community

Before you look up a senior living community or Google personal care homes near me, you should first get to know about the common options available for where your aging parents can reside.

Below are the most popular and preferred options to pick from –

  • Independent Living – This type of living is good for the elderly who can largely function independently with occasional medical care required. Medical care is provided in collaboration with hospitals or medical establishments. Typical services include accommodation, laundry, transportation, housekeeping, and other amenities like pool, concierge service, library, fitness center, etc.
  • Assisted Living Assisted living centers, in addition to accommodation also provide onsite health care and help with ADLs like dressing, bathing, and medication management so residents can live independently. The setting is very home-like without the residents having to worry about maintenance, cooking, or cleaning. There’s round-the-clock supervision available.
  • Memory Care – This facility is specifically designed to treat and care for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The staff is medically trained to handle their special medical needs. The rooms and buildings are structured to avoid wandering. Supervision is available all the time with plenty of programs for socialization. There are housing and laundry services along with an emergency medical call system.
  • Enhanced Living – You can think of this facility as a move up from Independent living with a whole lot of extra services available.

 

Things To Look For In A Senior Living Community

Senior Living Culture

Now the living culture is not something that you define in words. It’s mostly just a feel or a vibe that you pick up on. At times, you just know it when you visit the facility. Other times it’s a hunch of an intuition.

To truly assess the culture, it’s better if you call up your list of communities and visit them one by one. Observe the residents and see if they seem happy. How is the staff? Are they polite to respond? Is the overall energy of the place happy? Ask for social activities to keep the residents happy.

Lifestyle & Wellness

Lifestyle and wellness largely depend on the social calendar of the place. So, be sure to look at those activities as well as exercise, health, and wellness programs. Make sure to ask about how often the residents are allowed to go out for activities.

What about housekeeping and laundry services? How often are friends and families allowed to visit? Is there a dedicated private or common area for family get-togethers? What about pets? Are they allowed?

Staff and Care

How many staff members are present at the facility? Are the staff members nice to interact with the residents? Do they seem polite? What kind of help can you expect from them? Is the medical staff made to undergo regular training to update their knowledge?

What’s the mode of communication for updating families on the health updates of the residents? Also, how quickly can you expect your questions to be answered? What kind of care is available for residents with special medical issues such as diabetes, memory, or mobility issues?

What’s Food Like?

Food is a huge part of staying healthy during old age. So, this is something you must not overlook. If possible, arrange for a tour of the mess/kitchen. Look into how the food is prepared. Are the conditions there hygienic?

What about the food menu? Does it look interesting? Is it extensive and accommodates special dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and vegan-friendly foods? What are the dining hours like and is there food sampling available?

Extra Amenities

It’s not uncommon for people to get stuck between two close contenders. Sometimes two communities can look exactly the same; making it difficult to pick one. When faced with such a dilemma it’s often the extra amenities that help you make the right choice.

See if the laundry and housekeeping services are free. Some facilities charge extra for those. Look into community events, transportation, or socialization activities. Anything extra is a good thing to consider.

History and Reputation

How long has the community been in business? For how long has the management been with the community? What about the staff? For how many years they have been working there?

One of the best things to discern all this and more is to go online. Check out reviews and see what they have to say. Pay attention to how the community has responded to negative reviews. Only avoid the community if you come across something disturbing like bad handling of residents or complete neglect on part of the staff.

Bottom Line

Selecting the right living community for your senior can seem like a daunting task. But, if you invest a little bit of time and effort, it should be a cakewalk.

By |2023-11-20T17:13:57-05:00December 3rd, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Guest Blog: What to Look For in a Senior Living Community

Guest Blog: 5 Things You Should Never Expect From Assisted Living Facilities

 

Eldercare homes are all about the care and comfort of senior citizens. The best ones, like Whittier, assisted living offers physical and mental treatment to their elder residents, which is always lacking in other places.

Regardless, there are some things you should know before you consider visiting or living in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Here are five things that these facilities should never give you:

1) False promises

Most older people have a certain set of the idea when it comes to assisted living. They expect warm bedding, lavish meals, a luxurious atmosphere, expert doctors on call at any time of the day, 24/7 security services, along with so many other benefits. But in reality, ALFs can provide nothing more than regular nursing homes do.

The fact is that assisted living homes are not here to make false promises. They put down everything in writing, so you know what to expect from the place before moving in. Look for an ALF that has all its promises documented with legal documents.

2) Flowers and chocolates on your birthday

We all like flowers and chocolates on our birthdays, who doesn’t! But residents of ALFs don’t receive these things as often as they might like because it’s simply not practical. It does happen now and then, but nothing more than that.

ALFs provide basic amenities like food, water, electricity, clothes, etc., but they do not spend money on frivolous things like providing flowers and chocolates on your birthday. So if you are looking for a place that cares for the tiny details, ALFs might not be the best choice.

3) Luxurious furnishings throughout

Another misconception about assisted living homes is that they provide residents with luxurious furniture throughout the facility. But nothing could be further from the truth. It’s just not possible to have luxury furniture in all parts of an assisted living home. Some places might have it, but that’s just because their owners are very generous.

You should know that older people find it challenging to move around, so having luxury furniture everywhere in an ALF makes no sense. Leave expensive things like designer chairs, couches, etc., at home or buy them for yourself if you need them. ALFs provide basic amenities, and you must get the things you think are essential.

4) A daily visit from a doctor or nurse

When you check into an assisted living facility, one of the most significant benefits is round-the-clock security with trained staff members who can help whenever they are needed. But this does not mean that there will be a full-time medic on duty.

ALFs employ doctors who come in on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on their availability and the requirement of residents. So make sure to find out how often a doctor will visit before finalizing any place for yourself. If it isn’t made clear, ask questions till you get all of the answers.

5) 24-hour internet connection

The idea of ‘wired town’ cannot be implemented in ALFs because it’s simply not possible to do so. Some places might have a wifi facility, but it won’t work throughout the day; there will be certain timings when it works and times when it doesn’t.

Even if you get a place where the wifi does work, then you should know that there is no guarantee that everyone in your family will be able to use it at all times. So before you decide for yourself, make sure to ask these questions: What time of the day will I be able to use the internet? Will my children also be able to access the net? Will I be able to use it after 8 pm?

Wrapping Up!

The only important thing is that you should check every facility and promise through legal documentation. DO NOT take any verbal promises for granted; there might be a miscommunication that can cost you your money and peace of mind.

If you think about it, there’s no way that a care facility can be perfect all the time because they’re dealing with older adults who cannot always do things by themselves. Like we mentioned above, your loved one will probably never become a completely different person due to the aging process. However, even if they do, there’s still bound to be problems when it comes to them doing what they’re told (i.e., not eating when it’s time for dinner).

I’m not saying that every facility out there provides atrocious care – most of them do try their best to make life comfortable for their residents – but keep in mind that humans are only human. Mistakes will be made, accidents will happen, and sometimes they’ll be forced to cut corners when they can’t afford something – it’s just the way life is, so don’t expect perfection.

 

 

By |2023-09-30T17:17:44-05:00October 6th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Guest Blog: 5 Things You Should Never Expect From Assisted Living Facilities

Guest Blog: Assisted Living Vs. In-home Care: Which Is Right For Your Senior?

Introduction

As our loved ones age, it’s natural to consider their long-term care options. Two popular choices are assisted living and in-home care. Both provide essential services, but they differ in several ways. Making the right decision can be challenging, but understanding the key differences between the two options is crucial.

Whittier assisted living offers both options, and selecting the right one depends on various factors, such as personal preferences, health conditions, and budget. In this article, we will explore the differences between assisted living and in-home care, so you can make an informed decision that ensures the comfort, safety, and well-being of your senior loved one.

Pros and Cons of Assisted Living for Seniors

Seniors who require some level of support with everyday activities can benefit significantly from assisted living, but there are also certain negatives to consider. The following are some benefits and drawbacks of assisted living:

Pros:

  • Seniors in assisted living facilities can get care and assistance from qualified carers around-the-clock.
  • Seniors can interact with other residents and participate in assisted living activities.
  • Seniors may find it more convenient to live their everyday lives thanks to the usual provision of meals, housekeeping, and other services.

Cons:

  • The expense of assisted living may not be covered by insurance or government programs.
  • Seniors living in assisted living facilities could feel as though they are losing their freedom and simple control.
  • Assisted living facilities may provide seniors less privacy than independent living in their own homes.

Overall, assisted living can be an excellent choice for senior citizens who require some help with daily tasks and desire to interact with other seniors. However, when making this choice, it’s crucial to consider the cost and loss of independence.

Would Your Senior Loved One Benefit More From In-Home Care?

In-home care is a popular option when thinking about care alternatives for your elderly loved one. Here are some explanations as to why it might be preferable:

  • In-home care offers individualized care catered to your senior’s needs, ensuring they get the support and attention they need.
  • Your senior loved one can continue to live in the familiarity and comfort of their own home, which can improve their mental and emotional health.
  • Your senior may preserve their independence and autonomy with in-home care, allowing them to enjoy life on their terms.
  • If your senior needs minor support with daily living activities, in-home care may be less expensive than assisted living.

Considering these elements, you may decide whether in-home care is a better choice for your elderly relative or friend, enabling them to get the care they require while maintaining their quality of life.

Evaluating Your Senior’s Needs

It’s critical to evaluate the individual needs of your elderly loved one before deciding on assisted living or in-home care.

  • Elements to consider include mobility and capacity for daily tasks, including eating, dressing, and bathing.
  • It’s vital to consider your senior’s social requests, remembering their requirement for organization and cooperation for bunch exercises.
  • Their choice for autonomous or helped living, as well as the administration of their clinical issues and doctor-prescribed meds, are significant elements.
  • It’s vital to assess monetary factors, like protection inclusion and clinical costs.

In-Home Thought versus Aided Residing: The Value of Cost Examination

Cost is an essential variable to consider while picking helped dwelling and in-home thought for seniors. The following justifies the importance of cost comparison:

  • The monthly cost of assisted living can range from $3,500 to $10,000, while the hourly cost of in-home care is generally between $15 and $30.
  • To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to assess the costs of both options and determine which fits within your budget.
  • Assisted living may have hidden costs, such as upfront fees, meal plans, and additional services, which can significantly impact the overall cost of care.
  • In-home care is more customizable, allowing you to pay only for the services your senior loved one needs, potentially resulting in lower costs.
  • The care location can also affect the overall cost, as assisted living may be more expensive in certain areas.

Understanding the Level of Care Your Senior Needs

When choosing between assisted living and in-home care, it is essential to understand the level of care your senior requires.

  • If your senior has advanced care needs, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, they may require the specialized care and support provided by an assisted living facility.
  • If your senior requires minimal ADL assistance, in-home care may be better.

Choosing Between Assisted Living and In-Home Care

When choosing between assisted living and in-home care, it’s essential to consider each option’s flexibility.

  • In-home care allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes and maintain their independence while still receiving necessary care.
  • Assisted living provides a more structured environment with 24-hour care and access to various services and amenities.
  • Consider the level of flexibility your senior loved one requires and your preferences and lifestyle.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are key considerations when it comes to caring for seniors.

  • In-home care may require modifications to the home to ensure safety and accessibility, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom or ramps for wheelchair access.
  • Assisted living facilities provide 24-hour supervision, emergency response systems, and secure environments to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
  • Consider the specific safety needs of your loved one, such as fall risks or wandering behaviors, and evaluate which option can provide the necessary support and security.

By prioritizing safety and security, you can ensure your senior loved one receives the care they need in a safe and comfortable environment.

Evaluating Your Options and Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, finding the right fit for your senior loved one requires careful evaluation of all options.

  • Research and visit potential facilities or in-home care providers to evaluate their services and amenities.
  • Consider the costs, level of care, and flexibility of each option, as well as the specific needs and preferences of your loved one.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice from healthcare professionals, family members, or friends who have gone through a similar experience.

By evaluating your options and making an informed decision, you can ensure that your senior loved one receives the care and support they need to live a happy and healthy life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deciding between assisted living and in-home care for your senior loved one can be difficult. It is essential to carefully consider their unique needs and preferences and the level of care and support they require. With the help of resources like Whittier assisted living, you can make an informed decision that supports your senior’s overall well-being and quality of life.

 

By |2023-05-05T18:57:22-05:00May 5th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Guest Blog: Assisted Living Vs. In-home Care: Which Is Right For Your Senior?

How to Find the Right Senior Housing Community

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Guest Blog: How to Find the Right Senior Housing Community
By: Derek Hobson

First let’s tackle the basics. Many people are wary of senior care homes because there’s a stigma that surrounds them; people see them as gloomy, dreary, end-of-life communities. While certainly there was a time when this was the case (several decades ago), most communities have worked hard to battle this stereotype and they have succeeded.

Many communities have done away with “institution” or “hospital” –like settings. Even more have become increasingly lenient on policies regarding residents’ possessions; some facilities have been known to permit pets and even furniture to help it feel like home. So, when the time comes to transition into one of these senior care homes, the question becomes, “How do I find the right one?”

1. Find out About Affordability
This is usually at the top of everyone’s list and for good reason. Today, people are having children later in life. This isn’t a bad thing, but it means that around the same time their kids are going off to college, their parents are starting to need extra care. This can put a lot of stress on adult children, but some senior homes provide help.

Some Assisted Living Facilities will accept private pay for a period of time and then accept the rest through Medicaid. This way, your senior does not need to move and they won’t need to fear outliving their assets.

2. Visit the Community (Often)
If you think a community looks good for your loved one, then you should visit and revisit. You should tour the facility on different days of the week at different times. This way, you’ll get a much broader view of the day-to-day.

See if people are out and about, if engaging activities are going on, and if there’s a general feeling of community. If you show up to an elder care home that looks more like a ghost town, then it’s probably not the one for your loved one.

3. Talk to the Residents & Staff
This one is critical, as nothing quite beats a first-hand view into the establishment. Ask residents if they enjoy the community, what they do on a daily basis, and if they’re happy.

When asking the staff, of course they’re not going to disparage against the home, but one of the most important things to take notice of is how they interact with the residents. If they refer to them by name and have clearly established relationships with them, then this can be a huge indicator of the level of personal care your loved one will receive.

These are the three most important criteria to face when choosing an elder care community and they should give you a well-rounded idea of the facility you’ve chosen.

By |2022-07-30T11:48:29-05:00September 14th, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on How to Find the Right Senior Housing Community

Memory Care Compared to Assisted Living

Moving into an assisted living community is a changing phase of life. You will surely miss your home for a long time, but expect to find new friends and an easier life. But if a senior is experiencing a memory problem, it’s a different story. You may need an assisted living facility or a memory care facility. Choosing the right option is confusing at first. This post will help you decide.

What is Assisted Living?

Seniors in the assisted living facilities are leading independent lives. They need help to carry out the activities of daily living. As a person grows older, it would be difficult to move and driving can be risky. Aside from helping with activities of daily living, this senior living home also provides independence, companionship, security, and privacy.

Many assisted living facilities offer apartment-style settings with community spaces, housekeeping services, communal meals, and other activities. The professional caregivers assist the residents when taking medications, walking, bathing, grooming, and dressing.

Living in this facility is never boring because the residents are allowed to socialize. There is a range of activities, including musical entertainments, art classes, faith-based activities, physical exercises, game nights, and film showing. It has a social room where the residents can engage in board games, jigsaw puzzles, and arts and crafts.

What is Memory Care?

Unlike assisted living facilities, memory care communities cater to residents with serious and specific memory-related needs. They need personalized care because they are prone to wandering, which is dangerous to them. Sometimes they easily get frustrated and be aggressive.

This senior living option has a different approach to the facility’s design. The walkways are circular so that residents would not end up through doors or obstacles that may cause frustrations. Has consistent lighting to prevent shadows and the exits are locked. They have planned activities to allow the residents to reminisce about their pasts.  Music therapy sessions help the residents to remember their younger days.

Services covered by Assisted Living

Minor over the site with some ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

The staff provides keen monitoring of the residents needing help to do the activities of daily living. It is the responsibility of the staff to help the residents who have difficulty in taking a bath, dressing, and grooming.

– Meal services

The assisted living facility provides meal services prepared by an in-house chef. They ensure preparing foods suitable to the health requirements of the residents. A nutritionist worked together with the chef to create a food plan.

  – Medication management

Because of old age, many seniors in the assisted living facilities need help in managing medications. The staff reminds the residents of taking medications and if there’s an appointment for a checkup.

   – Housekeeping and laundry services

Obviously, seniors can no longer do the laundry and clean up the place. The residents of assisted living facilities have nothing to worry about because the facility offers laundry and housekeeping services. It means that a utility staff will be the one to clean the apartment and do the laundry.

   – Exercise classes

The assisted living facility offers exercises classes for the residents to keep them physically fit. Regular exercise is beneficial for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to improve endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Encouraging the seniors to join exercise classes can improve their behavior and eventually reduce the possibility of acting aggressively and wandering.

 – Transportation to appointments

Included in the core services of an assisted facility is transportation to appointments. Residents in the facility cannot drive on their own, one issue when going to doctor’s appointments. The transportation service of the facility is a big help.

Services covered by Memory Care

According to AlzheimerSupport, activities in memory care facilities are designed not to trigger anxiety that may lead to dementia. The services of assisted living and memory facilities are similar, but the latter is more profound. If a senior can no longer manage herself, the best decision is to shift to memory care.

– Assisting with all ADLs

The staff of the memory care facility helps with all the activities of daily living of the residents. It is because the residents are more dependent.

  – Meal service and assistance as needed

Three meals are served daily in a restaurant-style setting, along with extra beverages and snacks throughout the day. The facility has an in-house nutritionist and chef to prepare the foods of the residents. Thus, ensured to provide the right food appropriate to the health condition of the residents.

  – Medication management and oversight

Aside from managing medications, the staff offers 24/7 monitoring of the health condition of the residents. They also have in-house medical alert systems.

  – Specially trained nursing staff, including certified dimension practitioners

In a memory care facility, they do not have only caregivers but also trained nursing staff. They are trained to provide care to fragile adults. That is why the staff can provide first aid and CPR during emergencies. The staff can also administer medications with the supervision of a licensed medical professional or registered nurse.

  – 24-hour care and supervision

Memory care provides long-term care. That is why they offer 24-hour care and supervision to the residents to ensure their well-being.  The facility has a daily therapeutic recreational plan for the residents. To slow the progress of memory loss among the residents, they encourage them to play brain games. Recreational and social activities, like day trips, bible study groups, organized games, and fitness classes are also offered.

  – Additional housekeeping services

The staff of the facility does the housekeeping chores, such as changing linens and laundry. Sometimes the housekeeping services are beyond the usual chores. The staff ensures the entire place is cleaned and sanitized, especially the bed and the bathroom.

  – Peer support groups for family members

Residents living in assisted living long for their families. The facility provides not only support to the residents but also to the family members. Family members can visit their loved ones in the facility. Memory facilities also allow pets inside the premises and even in the apartments.

   How to decide between assisted living and memory care?

Choosing the right living option involves many factors. You should not decide outright but think many times. If the senior is close to family and friends, looking for assisted living near you that will allow regular visits. Know if the facility would involve the family members or friends in providing care or any activities in the facility.

Consider the cost of the living options. Determine if you can afford to support the monthly cost. Choosing assisted living or a memory care facility would cost you a huge amount of money. Check if the insurance company covers the cost of senior living facilities.

The most important thing to consider is to choose a licensed facility that follows safety standards. This way, you can ensure the safety and security of your loved one. Likewise, the community must meet the changing healthcare needs of the residents in the future.

 

By |2022-02-22T12:57:08-05:00February 22nd, 2022|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off on Memory Care Compared to Assisted Living