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.
When independent at-home living is no longer appropriate or wanted, people begin searching for a good eldercare option and this can be a tricky process. You want to select a caregiver or facility that provides what you need at a cost you can afford, but still maintains a high quality of life. Before you decide on a specific facility or in-home helper, you need to ask these professionals some serious questions about the level and quality of care they provide.
One of the first things to ask about is the level of experience and training of the staff or in-home caregiver. You also need to ask for references, and it's a good idea to ask about licensing as well. Ask about what happens if there is a medical emergency and what level of staffing is on site at any time, day or night. You can also ask whether or not staff members have to undergo routine drug testing and if background checks are done on each employee. It is also wise to check with your Department of Health to ensure that the facility has any serious violations. If your caregiver or facility will be providing memory care, ask about security measures for those adults.
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.
It is also wise to ask friends and trusted professionals, such as a doctor, about suitable facilities or caregivers. Using a placement service can also be a big help in finding a suitable list of pre-screened options. Care Placement is one such service that will compile a list of your needs and your budget and find options in your area that are suitable. They can locate in-home caregivers, skilled nursing facilities, board & care homes and assisted living communities for you to visit or interview.
In the end, sometimes the choice you make is based upon your actual impressions of the in-home helper or the assisted living home. If the in-home person seems friendly and enthusiastic, that's a good sign. If the assisted living home is clean and attractive and residents seem happy and staff is friendly, that is also a good sign. Take a tour, grab lunch in the dining room and talk to staff members and residents during your tour. If your interviewing an in-home caregiver, ask them why they got into the eldercare field and what they like best about being a caregiver.
When independent at-home living is no longer appropriate or wanted, people begin searching for a good eldercare option and this can be a tricky process. You want to select a caregiver or facility that provides what you need at a cost you can afford, but still maintains a high quality of life. Before you decide on a specific facility or in-home helper, you need to ask these professionals some serious questions about the level and quality of care they provide.
One of the first things to ask about is the level of experience and training of the staff or in-home caregiver. You also need to ask for references, and it's a good idea to ask about licensing as well. Ask about what happens if there is a medical emergency and what level of staffing is on site at any time, day or night. You can also ask whether or not staff members have to undergo routine drug testing and if background checks are done on each employee. It is also wise to check with your Department of Health to ensure that the facility has any serious violations. If your caregiver or facility will be providing memory care, ask about security measures for those adults.
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.
It is also wise to ask friends and trusted professionals, such as a doctor, about suitable facilities or caregivers. Using a placement service can also be a big help in finding a suitable list of pre-screened options. Care Placement is one such service that will compile a list of your needs and your budget and find options in your area that are suitable. They can locate in-home caregivers, skilled nursing facilities, board & care homes and assisted living communities for you to visit or interview.
In the end, sometimes the choice you make is based upon your actual impressions of the in-home helper or the assisted living home. If the in-home person seems friendly and enthusiastic, that's a good sign. If the assisted living home is clean and attractive and residents seem happy and staff is friendly, that is also a good sign. Take a tour, grab lunch in the dining room and talk to staff members and residents during your tour. If your interviewing an in-home caregiver, ask them why they got into the eldercare field and what they like best about being a caregiver.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. For more info regarding assisted living Solana Beach facilities or for professional help finding board and care San Diego services, please check out the CarePlacement.com website now.
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