While we all hope to live full and independent lives throughout our adulthood, the reality is that many of us will need some assistance as we head into our elder years. For many people, a little help with shopping chores, cleaning, laundry and perhaps a meal or two is all the help we need. Still others need help with a variety of daily personal chores, such as dressing and bathing. If you or your loved one suffers from Alzheimer's disease or dementia, you might need to think about moving them a facility that is suitable for memory care.
If you have reached the point where you want to start looking into eldercare, this does take some serious research. You will want to look at all the options in your area, from hiring someone to provide care in your private home or finding a nursing home or an assisted living community. There are many questions you will need to ask about as you interview these caregivers to determine which person or place is going to provide you with the level of comfort you need.
Whether you are looking for in-home care or searching for a care facility, it is important to ask about the level of training and expertise of staff members. You also need to know what level of care each facility is licensed to provide. Caregivers should be subject to background checks and periodic drug testing, as well, so don't feel shy about asking about it. Be sure to ask about how the staff handles medical emergencies, especially if they occur during the night. The Department of Health can tell you if a facility has had any serious violations in the last year, so contact them as well. Security is another important issue, especially for adults with memory issues, so be sure to ask about the safety measures.
Before you start visiting facilities or interviewing in-home professionals, you need to figure out a comfortable budget. Then ask about what is included in the monthly rates. Some facilities include weekly housekeeping and all the meals, while others also include help with managing your daily medications and provide laundry services. Some places provide help with bathing and grooming, and be sure to ask how often these services are provided. Ask about all the amenities that are included in the rates as well as any amenities that are available as an extra expense. Some facilities have pools, exercise rooms, free shuttle service, social activities and much more.
To select the best location or person, ask for recommendations from friends and perhaps a trusted doctor or nurse. An eldercare placement company, such as Care Placement, also can provide a list of caregivers that have been pre-screened and are located in your area. You simply fill out a questionnaire detailing the level of care you need and your budget and Care Placement will look for assisted living, care homes, skilled nursing facilities and in-home services that might fit your needs.
The impressions first made during a tour or interview definitely go a long way into helping you make your decision. If you are choosing a facility or senior community, take a good look at the entire facility to ensure it is clean and in good repair. The staff probably will be friendly to potential residents, but how do they engage with each other and with current residents. If people seem to have a true sense of camaraderie, it's probably a good sign. Talk to residents and ask them what they enjoy about the facility and what could be improved. Eat lunch or dinner at the home to see what is provided. For in-home care, ask each person about their reasons for becoming a caregiver and ask about the previous people for which they have worked to determine what level of care they are used to providing.
If you have reached the point where you want to start looking into eldercare, this does take some serious research. You will want to look at all the options in your area, from hiring someone to provide care in your private home or finding a nursing home or an assisted living community. There are many questions you will need to ask about as you interview these caregivers to determine which person or place is going to provide you with the level of comfort you need.
Whether you are looking for in-home care or searching for a care facility, it is important to ask about the level of training and expertise of staff members. You also need to know what level of care each facility is licensed to provide. Caregivers should be subject to background checks and periodic drug testing, as well, so don't feel shy about asking about it. Be sure to ask about how the staff handles medical emergencies, especially if they occur during the night. The Department of Health can tell you if a facility has had any serious violations in the last year, so contact them as well. Security is another important issue, especially for adults with memory issues, so be sure to ask about the safety measures.
Before you start visiting facilities or interviewing in-home professionals, you need to figure out a comfortable budget. Then ask about what is included in the monthly rates. Some facilities include weekly housekeeping and all the meals, while others also include help with managing your daily medications and provide laundry services. Some places provide help with bathing and grooming, and be sure to ask how often these services are provided. Ask about all the amenities that are included in the rates as well as any amenities that are available as an extra expense. Some facilities have pools, exercise rooms, free shuttle service, social activities and much more.
To select the best location or person, ask for recommendations from friends and perhaps a trusted doctor or nurse. An eldercare placement company, such as Care Placement, also can provide a list of caregivers that have been pre-screened and are located in your area. You simply fill out a questionnaire detailing the level of care you need and your budget and Care Placement will look for assisted living, care homes, skilled nursing facilities and in-home services that might fit your needs.
The impressions first made during a tour or interview definitely go a long way into helping you make your decision. If you are choosing a facility or senior community, take a good look at the entire facility to ensure it is clean and in good repair. The staff probably will be friendly to potential residents, but how do they engage with each other and with current residents. If people seem to have a true sense of camaraderie, it's probably a good sign. Talk to residents and ask them what they enjoy about the facility and what could be improved. Eat lunch or dinner at the home to see what is provided. For in-home care, ask each person about their reasons for becoming a caregiver and ask about the previous people for which they have worked to determine what level of care they are used to providing.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson likes reading home health care blogs. For more information about assisted living Solana Beach facilities or for expert help finding board and care San Diego services, please check out the CarePlacement.com site today.