Housing Options: Choosing the Right One

Choosing alternative living options can be a confusing, time consuming task. There are so many options available. But, what do you consider as you look at the options?

The location of housing is important, especially if the elder is leaving a home they have lived in for many years. Familiarity is comforting. Being in the same neighborhood or general area can help ease transitions and keep an elder close enough to maintain social contacts.

Being close to entertainment and shopping is also something to consider, especially if the elder wishes to limit or give up driving.

Care needs are one of the most important areas to cover. Make a list of what kinds of help are needed on a regular basis. Also specify how much help is needed everyday. Some facilities may have limits regarding how much time they can spend with each resident for daily routines like dressing and bathing. Be realistic about needs. The temptation is great to minimize problems, but being practical about needs saves problems down the road. One problems is portraying a relative as being less confused or needing less help when they really need more than the facility can provide.

Also look at any medical conditions that could require more care. If this is a possibility, then it may be wise to select a placement that has nursing care attached to it. Looking ahead for needs like this can save an unnecessary move that could be hard on not just physical health but mental health as well.

When looking at specific housing facilities it is important to ask the following questions. How does the staff interact with and treat elders? What kinds of training does the staff have and what is the ratio of caregivers to residents? Ask about licensure and ask to see a copy of the license if you are told the facility needs one. Also ask about how they are regulated and surveyed. If they are surveyed ask to see a copy of the last survey.

Ask the staff about how they meet socialization needs. Do they plan activities and are they enjoyable and interesting? Or are elders left on their own to plan their own social calendars? How does the facility provide extra support to newcomers or to someone who has recently been ill or through some other trying time. What procedures are in place to notify family or outside agencies that an elder may be ill, depressed or not adjusting?

Does the facility provide an environment that is stimulating and active? If modifications are needed is the facility willing to make them and would there be a cost? You also need to make sure an elder can get around and do their daily activities in the environment.

Price is also an important factor when looking at a facility. Look at the charges and make sure you understand what you get for a certain fee. Some facilities charge for extra items, such as another meal per day or for personal laundry. Some prices may look reasonable at first glance, but increase as additional items are added. Also understand how often fees need to be paid and for how much. Be clear about up front entrance fees and know what you are entitled to should things not work out and they need to move.

Understand how fees are charged if an elder needs a short term hospital stay. Often, you have to pay the daily rate to keep the room while the elder is gone. Know the policy regarding how long a room can be held. Some elders are moved into a different part of a facility because they met a time limit for how long they could be out of their room or apartment before being moved to a higher level of care.

Know what your loved ones rights' are regarding moving, fee refunds and grievances. Make sure you know what legal documents a facility might require an elder to have. For example, if an elder has a medical emergency, the facility may have to let paramedics revive someone who may have had a wish to not be given heroic measures. Simply because they didn't have the proper legal documents in place.

Legally and financially, check out the facility to make sure you know what their financial and legal health are. Ask to see an annual report. You may also want to consult with a lawyer on these issues.

Last but not least, remember that choosing housing options need not be a difficult task if you have an idea of what to look for. Having an idea of what to look for can help you arrive at a decision with greater piece of mind.

Back