Assisted Living: Facing the Choice

There may come a time in your life when you will want to or have to care for an elderly parent or loved one at home. In moments like these, a senior's health can be uncertain and can turn downward quickly and deteriorate. You may not be able to manage the amount of care and attention that's now needed. That's when you will be at a crossroad not knowing which direction to take. Do you continue caring for them or do you find them an assisted living facility? When facing the choice where to move their loved one into an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility certainly isn't a decision that should be made hastily. Because there is no certain age criteria, one must look at the actual their physical and emotional health of the person in consideration.

What Is an Assisted Living Facility?

The Department of Public Health in California licenses all assisted living facilities, also commonly known and licensed as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly. Most of these assisted living facilities provide 24-hour guardian care and attention. Some facilities may have a certified RN nurse that can offer skilled nursing when and if needed. In many cases these facilities are Medi-Cal and are Medicare certified. Some only accept private funds.

Outside a medical facility, an assisted living facility offers the maximal level of care offered for elder adults. The staff assists the residents with meals, getting dressed, bathing, getting in and out of bed, as well as assistance with administering medication. The facilities often have a weekly calendar of planned activities and social gatherings.

Indicators of Possible Assisted Living Admission

If your loved one is moving out of their home for the first time, it can be very traumatic to the individual relocating. In either case, expect some opposition especially if there are some distinguished "warning signs" that it's time to consider the move. Please note that only a doctor can detect the correct indications of an assisted living facility. When uncertain, contact their primary physician right away:

• Disability: Seniors whom are physically disabled will benefit from this type of support. Ones who have limited mobility or that are utilizing wheelchairs will have more difficulty performing even simple tasks. Staff can help with taking care of personal needs, moving from one place to another and assist with walking without risking injury.


• Ill health: Frequent hospitalizations or requiring constant observation because of an affliction, then consider a skilled nursing facility rather than an assisted living facility. Other life-threatening health problems such as a stroke, heart attack or hip fracture are also indicators that your loved one needs the care available from a nursing home staff.


• Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: a resident with Advanced stages of Alzheimer's Disease or type of dementia is better accommodated and at times, safer in a skilled nursing facility. Some of these "red flags" and warning signs may include; no longer being able to remember simple information or communicate clearly, unable to care for oneself, or the refusal to take prescribed medication.

In the end, you may not have a choice but to find a "home" for your senior. But as you can see, there are many benefits to choosing the best assisted living facility. Finding the "best" or actually the "right" facility doesn't come as an easy task. That's when Elder Care Referral agencies and services such as We Know A Place are useful resources. By finding an agency local to you, they will be familiar with the surrounding facilities. Once they have assessed the level of care needed, they in turn will help you determine which assisted living facility is the "best" one.