by Shelley | Oct 10, 2022 | Caregiving
If you are searching for an assisted living community for a senior in the family, an important part of the process is taking a tour. Plan to visit once or twice so you can meet some of the staff and residents and get a firsthand look at community life.
Before you schedule your first tours, create a list of questions to ask. You’ll also need to pack a notebook and pen to document answers and observations. As much as you might think you’ll remember, it’s easy to confuse assisted living communities when you are visiting several.
Creating a List of Questions to Ask on a Visit to Assisted Living
Having a set of questions to ask on your assisted living tour will also help you stay focused on what is important. This list will give you a good foundation on which to add your own questions:
- How many team members are on duty for each shift? What are their responsibilities?
- How many residents are assigned to each caregiver? What other duties do caregivers have during their shift?
- What is the staff turnover rate for caregivers and other direct care workers?
- What happens when a resident’s care needs change?
- How often do caregivers check on an assisted living resident?
- When was the community’s most recent state survey and what were the results?
- What types of wellness programs (e.g., blood pressure checks) are offered?
- Does the community create a written care plan detailing how your loved one will be cared for? How often is it updated? Does family have input?
- What protocols are in place to ensure that each resident receives the appropriate medications at the right time and in the correct dosage?
- What is the process for filling and refilling prescriptions? Are residents required to use a particular pharmacy?
- How are over-the-counter medications handled? Can residents purchase and store them independently?
- Does a nurse or physician review the medication management program on a regular basis?
- How are fees structured? Are care charges included in the base rent?
- Beyond care and board, what expenses should a resident expect each month?
- How often are life enrichment activities offered?
- Are residents given the opportunity to go on outings to shopping centers, local restaurants, and more?
Questions Specific to Memory Care Programs
Is your loved one in the early stages of dementia or do you want to learn more about memory care neighborhoods just in case? You will need to ask some specific questions, including:
- Is there special training for staff about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? How long is the training?
- How is staff trained to manage sundowning and wandering, both common in adults with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia?
- Is there a separate, secure area of the community for residents with a memory impairment?
- If yes, are there dedicated dining and life enrichment programs?
- Are rooms in the memory care area private or shared?
- Does the community offer a secure outdoor area for residents who have dementia?
You’ll no doubt have questions specific to your senior loved one. However, the questions outlined above will give you a solid foundation on how to objectively assess an assisted living community.
Visit a Heritage Senior Community to Learn More
With memory care, independent living, and assisted living communities throughout Michigan and one in Indiana, families are sure to find a Heritage location to meet their needs. Call us today with any questions or to schedule your family’s private tour!
by Shelley | Sep 29, 2022 | Caregiving
Many families are beginning the search for a senior living solution for a loved one online. It allows them to self-educate and gain valuable insight before calling a community. While it is convenient, it has its own challenges. One is the often-confusing language and unfamiliar senior living terms and acronyms.
Phrases like aging in place and activities of daily living are unfamiliar to people who haven’t been through this process before. It can leave families feeling uncertain. This glossary of senior living terms can make your search a little easier.
Glossary of Senior Living Terms
- Activities of daily living (ADL): This term describes the basic types of activities seniors often need assistance with—showering, grooming, dressing, eating, toileting, continence care, and walking/transferring. It’s often used to determine what type of care is best for an older adult and their monthly fees.
- Adult day program: It can be unsafe for a senior with Alzheimer’s or other health conditions to be left home alone. This creates a challenge for family caregivers who work outside the home. Adult day programs can be a solution. They offer structured support and life enrichment activities to clients. They also provide seniors an avenue for socializing. Some adult day centers offer transportation services to and from the center, which makes it easier for an adult child who works. Clients are usually served meals and snacks at the center and get assistance with personal care. Depending on state licensing, some are also able to assist with medication management.
- Aging in place: This phrase is used in many different settings. It generally refers to a senior’s desire to remain in whatever setting they call home for as long as possible. It might mean staying in their private residence with the assistance of a home care agency as their needs for care increase. It could also apply to a resident of an independent living community who wishes to remain in their apartment or villa instead of transitioning to another type of housing.
- Ambulatory: Another term you’ll hear in senior living, especially when determining what level of care an older adult requires, is ambulatory. If an older adult is able to get around on their own or with minimal assistance, they are considered to be ambulatory. By contrast, those who struggle with mobility and require assistance are often referred to as nonambulatory. Communities use residents’ ability to ambulate as a guide for staffing.
- Assisted living community: Many consider these communities an ideal blend of independence and assistance. Residents have a private apartment, suite, or villa. They also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing a variety of services and amenities are always nearby. These services usually include personal care support, medication management, three daily meals, life enrichment and wellness activities, emergency call systems, transportation, and housekeeping.
- Independent living community: With less focus on care and more on freedom and lifestyle, an independent living community allows residents to thrive during retirement. Most household tasks, maintenance, and repairs are provided, giving residents more time to enjoy themselves. Wellness and life enrichment activities are offered every day. Some communities also offer meal plans and transportation services to independent living residents.
- Life plan community: Also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC, this housing option offers all levels of care in one location. That usually includes independent living, assisted living, and a nursing home. Many life plan communities also offer memory care, home care, and hospice.
- Medication management: Making mistakes with medication is a common reason older adults find themselves in an emergency room. It’s why medication management is one of the most popular services in assisted living and specialized dementia care communities, as well as nursing homes. Depending on state regulations, a community may offer medication reminders or hands-on assistance taking medicine.
- Respite services: A short-term stay at a senior living community is a solution designed for family caregivers who need a break. Caregivers can rest from the physical and emotional demands of caregiving or take a vacation. At an assisted living or memory care community, respite guests generally stay for a week or two. Depending upon state laws, an older adult might be a respite guest for up to a month before they must be formally admitted to the community.
- Specialized dementia care: This type of senior living helps adults with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia live their best quality of life. They are designed with both safety and life enrichment in mind. These areas of an assisted living community or nursing home are secure to prevent residents with memory loss from wandering away. Team members who work in dementia care programs receive specialized training to master best practices for communicating with and supporting residents.
Call Heritage Senior Communities to Learn More
As a fourth generation, family-owned senior living company, we understand just how overwhelmed families sometimes feel as they begin the search for a community for a loved one. Our experienced team can help make things easier. We invite you to call the Heritage community nearest you with questions or to schedule a private tour!
by Shelley | Sep 13, 2022 | Caregiving, Dear Donna
Dear Donna:
After much thought and many conversations, my dad has decided to move to an assisted living community. For almost four years, my husband and I have been trying to help him remain in his own home. However, this past year has been a real challenge. He’s experiencing some balance issues that his doctor thinks are linked to poor nutrition and being too sedentary.
Our hope is that being surrounded by his peers with opportunities to socialize will help spark his enthusiasm for life again. Not to mention being able to enjoy well-balanced meals that he doesn’t have to cook or even warm up!
While I believe this is the right decision for my dad’s mental and physical well-being, I’m struggling with what my new role in his life will be. I’ve become accustomed to seeing him every day or so, stocking his freezer with meals, taking him to doctor’s appointments, and generally caring for his well-being. It’s been a lot for me to take on, and I feel guilty that I haven’t been able to give my dad the care he needs.
Do you have any advice for me as my dad makes this transition?
Sincerely,
Nicole in Hudsonville, MI
Navigating an Aging Parent’s Move to Assisted Living
Dear Nicole:
Caregiving for a loved one can be both rewarding and demanding. As an aging adult’s need for care and support increases, families often realize the senior would enjoy a better quality of life in an assisted living community. It’s a transition that helps ensure the older person is happy, healthy, and safe. It also allows loved ones to find better balance in their own lives.
While caregivers usually know this is a good solution for everyone involved, they often feel bad about their inability to care for their loved one at home. Sound familiar? I have a few suggestions I hope you will find helpful.
- Redirect negative thoughts.
When you find guilt or negative thoughts creeping in, try to redirect your attention. Take the dog for a walk or pull out the dust cloth and do a little cleaning. Listen to some uplifting music while you exercise. Many people find 15 minutes of yoga or meditation works well at focusing the mind on the good. The idea is to train your brain to replace guilt with something positive. Allow yourself to accept that you are doing what’s best for your dad and your family.
- Believe in your decision.
When you believe you’ve made an informed decision, it will be easier to relax and help your dad prepare for the move. That means being thoughtful in your research, asking good questions, and visiting every community you are considering in person several times, if possible. Review the article “Questions to Ask on the First Call to Assisted Living” to make sure you know what to ask the staff at each community.
- Volunteer at the community.
Once your dad selects and moves into an assisted living community, give yourself some time to find better balance in life. Then, talk with your dad to see how he would feel about your getting involved at the community. Most assisted living communities utilize volunteers in a variety of roles ranging from helping out with activities to arranging flowers on dining room tables.
- Join a caregiver support group.
No one understands these types of difficult feelings better than fellow family caregivers. Joining a support group will allow you to connect with people who are in situations similar to yours. Many assisted living communities and senior centers offer in-person support groups. You could also consider an online caregiver forum, like those hosted by the Family Caregiver Alliance.
I hope this information is helpful, Nicole! Sending my best wishes for this transition to you and your dad.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jul 25, 2022 | Caregiving
Where you live greatly impacts how well you live as you grow older. Research shows that environment plays an important role in healthy aging. Everything from physical activity, socialization, and nutrition is affected by the place you choose to call home during retirement.
One way to make the most of your retirement years is moving to a senior living community. From well-balanced meals to on-site fitness programs and life-enriching activities, the benefits of community living are numerous. These communities allow older adults to stay connected and engaged in ways living at home alone often can’t.
Unfortunately, misconceptions associated with senior communities can make older adults a little skeptical. They can even convince a senior to remain at home, despite being lonely or fearful about living alone. If you or a loved one are considering moving but aren’t sure it’s the right decision, this information will help you better understand senior living.
Busting the Myths About Senior Living Communities
- Residents are lonely.
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth! Even a short visit to a Heritage Senior Community will quickly dispel this idea. From informal gatherings in common areas and gardens to delicious meals with neighbors in the dining room, residents can be as involved as they choose.
- Communities are depressing.
This misperception might be linked to nursing homes of the past, which often resembled hospitals. Senior living communities, however, are usually warm, inviting places. First-time visitors often remark how lovely the communities and grounds are. Most are also a hub of activity with residents and families gathering for programs, special events, group outings, fitness programs, and more. It creates a vibrant environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
- It’s too expensive.
Another often-repeated myth is senior living is only for the wealthy, and it’s less expensive to stay at home. Older adults who live in a mortgage-free home are more likely to think this. However, with utilities, taxes, lawn care, and housekeeping often included in a community’s fees, you’ll find there isn’t much difference. This is especially true when a senior’s needs increase and they need to employ in-home caregivers. The average cost of home health care was $27 per hour in 2021.
- The food is awful.
This is another myth that couldn’t be less accurate. In many senior living communities, the food is fabulous! Most communities employ or consult with both chefs and nutritionists to plan menus that appeal to a variety of palates and dietary needs. Residents have their choice of menu options and mealtimes. An added perk is the socialization that occurs when residents gather in the dining room. Seniors who make a move to a community often find their health improves because they are enjoying more well-balanced, healthy meals.
Schedule a Visit to Heritage Today
The best way to dispel the myths you or a family elder might have about senior living is to visit a community in person. You can join us for a meal or participate in one of our many activities and programs. Call the community of your choice to set up a time!
by Shelley | Jul 12, 2022 | Caregiving
Dear Donna:
I’m the primary caregiver for my parents. They only live about 15 minutes from my husband, son, and me. While my siblings don’t live very far away, I am the oldest daughter and our parents’ care has fallen to me.
In the early days, taking care of my mom and dad primarily meant picking up groceries and helping them with lawn care. It was easy and allowed them to stay in their home.
Lately, however, it’s become a full-time role. In addition to working part-time, I still have a teenaged son at home. I’ve tried to drop hints to my siblings that I need help, but they either don’t get it or aren’t interested. My husband is getting more and more angry about it, and I’m not sure what to do.
Do you have any advice? The time has come for me to have some help.
Sincerely,
Lisa in Holland, MI
Tips for Getting Siblings to Help with Caregiving
Dear Lisa,
Let me start by saying you aren’t alone. I’ve had similar conversations with more eldest daughters than I can count over the years! It’s very common for families to look to daughters, especially the oldest, when an aging parent or parents need help.
Here’s what I would suggest:
- Schedule a family meeting: Invite your siblings to meet at your house. It’s best to find a few hours when you won’t be interrupted.
- Make a list: Create a list of the caregiving duties you and your husband have been doing. Then make a second list of items you want a sibling to help with.
- Be direct: It sounds like dropping hints hasn’t been working. You need to come right out and say you need your siblings to pitch in. Be kind but emphatic.
- Take notes: Keep good notes detailing everyone’s caregiving duties. Let your siblings know you’ll provide each of them with a copy after your meeting to make sure you are all on the same page moving forward.
- Offer alternatives: If one or more of your siblings isn’t willing or able to assist in your parents’ care, perhaps they can help finance alternatives. For example, will they pay for someone to clean your parents’ house each week or for a meal delivery service? Or perhaps a week of respite care for your parents at an assisted living community every six weeks or so?
- Utilize a geriatric care manager: Some families find it useful to hire a geriatric care manager, also known as an aging life care expert, to help them navigate the situation. They have experience helping families work together and find solutions.
One final piece of advice is to consider that your parents’ quality of life might improve if they moved to an assisted living community. From nutritious, well-balanced meals to daily activities, it’s an environment designed to support success for seniors. And it will allow you to spend more quality time with them. “Benefits of Moving to Assisted Living” might be a good article to review before you sit down with your siblings.
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jun 27, 2022 | Caregiving
Once an older loved one decides to move to a senior living community, there are many decisions to make. One is when to list the senior’s house. For many people, a home is their biggest asset. The proceeds from its sale are needed to help finance this transition.
There’s no doubt about it, however, that moving can be stressful at any age. It’s especially true when it comes to an older person who has lived in their home for decades. They may have an emotional attachment to it that dates back to raising a family there.
So, how can you tell when the best time to sell a senior’s home is? We have some tips that might be helpful in making this decision.
Questions to Consider When Selling a Senior’s Home
- Are the proceeds from the home’s sale needed to finance this move?
For most people, a house is their largest asset. The equity in the home might be needed to finance this next chapter in life. If moving to senior living before the house is sold seems like the best choice, bridge loans might help.
These special types of loans will allow the older adult to use the equity in their house to pay for the monthly fees and expenses associated with moving. They essentially bridge the gap in financing. Once the house is sold, the senior can pay off the loan. Bridge loans are available from a variety of banks and lenders, as well as companies like Elder Life Financial and Second Act Financial Services.
- Can the senior keep the house show ready while living there?
Living in a house while it is on the market can be challenging. Buyers often have high expectations. A clean, clutter-free home gives buyers the impression that the home is well maintained. If you are in the process of downsizing and packing, keeping the house show ready at all times can be tough.
If it seems unrealistic for the senior to keep their home ready on short notice, selling after the move may be better. A professional home stager can be utilized afterward to help ensure the home looks warm and welcoming.
- Are your schedules flexible enough to accommodate multiple showings?
Potential buyers often have busy work schedules or come from out-of-town to find a house. This can translate to showings at odd hours. In a hot real estate market like the current one, a senior seller might also have multiple showings a day with many short notice requests.
Most times, the real estate agent will ask that homeowners leave the house for showings. This can be another inconvenience, especially for older adults who have mobility challenges. It is important to consider whether these interruptions will present a hardship.
- Will the senior’s budget accommodate paying for their house and monthly fees at a senior living community?
If an aging loved one moves before listing their home and it doesn’t sell as quickly as expected, will their budget accommodate the cost of two homes? Or will it cause too much stress? The housing market can be unpredictable. It’s important that you are realistic about how long the senior will be able to pay expenses in two locations.
Senior Move Managers and Certified Real Estate Agents
As you work your way through the decision-making process with your family member, there are two groups of professionals you may want to contact. One is a senior move manager®, and the other is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®). Both are expert at handling the unique needs of seniors who are transitioning from a private residence to a retirement community or simply to a smaller space.
Heritage Senior Communities in Michigan and Indiana
Heritage has senior living communities throughout Michigan and one in Indiana. Every day we work with adult children trying to find a community that is a good fit for their family members’ needs. We can also help create a transition plan for moving. Call the Heritage community nearest you to learn more!
