HOW APEXCARE CAN HELP
Apexcare provides a referral service for all
types of assisted living care homes at NO COST TO YOU. In many cases
you may even receive a discount off your first month's cost of stay
by using our services. Having inspected most of the licensed elderly
care homes in our service areas, we are intimately aware of the local
resources. Or staff constantly updates information vital to evaluating
each care home.
We share our knowledge and resources with you and will work with you
until your
needs are met. Apexcare is committed to finding the best
care available within your budget in the fastest time. Again, this service
is FREE TO YOU!
Assisted
living is a generic term used to
describe non-medical, long term care.
Facilities that provide this service
can be called Assisted Living Facilities, Residential Care Facilities
for the Elderly, Board and care homes, Alzheimer's Care Centers or
Senior
Group Homes. They range in size from five or six residents to hundred of
residents. Assisted living can be a very good alternative to nursing homes
for elders
who do not need constant medical care. Typical services may
include:
- 24-hour supervision
- Personal care, bathing, dressing and grooming
- Toileting and incontinence management
- Meal preparation and nutrition monitoring
- Medical monitoring
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Organized social activities
- Housekeeping and personal laundry
Residents live in a social, non-institutional, home-like setting. Costs
of stay are much lower than nursing homes.
Many things should be considered when
choosing a care home - Finding a place where your loved
one will be content and well cared for, while staying within your budget
is no easy task. There may be hundreds homes to choose from.
HERE
ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS:
1. Look
at care homes from the point of view of the resident - Know
what is the
most important in the resident's life and try to maintain
it if possible. Sometimes the ability to bring a pet or continue with
an activity may out weigh all other
considerations. Here are some things
to consider:
- Would the residents prefer a smaller home-like residence or a larger
hotel-like facility?
- Are there dietary preferences or requirements?
- What types of activities does the resident like?
- Are there special personal care needs or physical limitations?
- Are there cultural considerations?
- Would the resident like to be near any friends or relatives?
2. Obtain Information On Care Homes
- In addition to the phone book, the Internet
and friends, here are
some places with information on care homes:
- State Licensing has lists of all licensed care homes and files on
them. This is public information. However, the State will not tell you
much over the phone and won't give opinions on any care home. You must
drive their district offices to view licensing files.
- Health Care Professionals, such as social workers, discharge planners
and nurses of hospitals, nursing home or home health agencies, often
refer patients to care homes, and may have lists of care homes that
they like.
- Community Organizations such as Count Social Service Agencies, Area
Agencies on Aging, Alzheimer's Support Groups, Senior Centers and the
Senios Ombudsman may
also know about care homes.
- Referral Services match clients to various care homes in the community.
Some
services are free of charge to clients. Many frustrating hours
or calling and running around can
be saved. A good agency will have
assessed each care home thoroughly and know their capabilities. Make
sure the agency you are using has actually done the proper research
and has the necessary expertise in the field. Ask to see their records
on care homes that they referring to you. Check references from past
clients and other health care professionals.
3. Shop Around - See as many
care homes as possible so you can compare. Be totally honest when describing
the health condition and needs of your loved one to the
facility operator.
Ask specific questions. After obtaining information and touring
the
care home, drop in unannounced later to see what is going on. Talk to
residents and their families about the quality of care. Go back as often
as necessary to get all your questions answered.
4. Adjustment Period and Follow Up
- Moving into a care home can be very traumatic for the resident. You
may face some emotional and difficult times. Allow one to three months
for your loved one to make a successful adjustment. Join support groups
and educational functions for ideas and emotional support. Your continued
involvement is vital to help assure a high quality of care foor your
loved one. Participate in care planning. Stay in touch with care home
staff and health professionals. Don't be a
silent partner.
