In this blog we'll encourage families to ask an eldercare advisor(s) questions they have recently been grappling with.
What questions do families ask APFM Eldercare Advisors most often?
Families are often confused about the type of care their loved one requires. The term nursing home is often used indiscriminatley by health professionals when they mean to say Assisted Living. As an Eldercare Advisor, I take the time to explain to families the difference between the care provided by an Assisted Living community from that of a Skilled Nursing Facility. Adult Foster Care Homes can often provide high level care too and offer a higher care-giver to resident ratio. Families have more choices then they are often led to belive by well meaning, but uninformed, health professionals who are lacking in knowlege when it comes to the many long term care options that exist today.
A very common question that families ask is "What happens when the money runs out?" Every state varies on whether or not they offer waiver programs and of course they vary on criteria and contributions. I would love to see a resource that is state specific about what they offer, how to access programs, etc.
Whe is it the right time to make a move to Assisted Living?
When there is apparent difficulty incinducting simple daily tasks, such as: meds, meals, mobility, etc.
I always share with families the fact that -saftey does indeed NEED to come first. If there is a question about a loved one being safe on their own, it may be time to look at making a move. It is always better to be pro-active rather than re-active!
A common question I get as a Professional Eldercare Advisor is what can you do different for me that I could not do by looking on the internet on my own. As a Professional Eldercare Advisor, I offer my families a one on one consultation that will last until you have placed your loved one in the best home possible for their needs. A Place for Mom has information that is not available on the internet such as pricing, availability and type of care specific to your love ones needs. So working with A Place for Mom and one of our Professional Advisors will save you time, money, stress and help you make the best informed decision possible for your loved one. Knowledge is power and A Place for Mom has over 7 years of solid research and Professional advisors with experience to guide you during this time of need.
I love the idea to have something state specific w/ regard to offering suggestions to families as to where they might be able to LOOK to find details on what happens when money runs out. This is a great tool for advisors as well....I run into questions myself when trying to point families in the BEST direction in one state vs another for relocating a loved one.
Most of the questions I receive have to do with "spending down" and what resources are available once funds are depleted.
Because states do differ, I think having state specific information would be a great resource.
I also love the idea of having state specific information available to the families. Even the regulations of what services the different levels of housing are able to give varies from state to state.
This will be very valuable to all families and all advisors!
A frequent question is, "How can I force my parents to move?," or "How can I convince my parents to make the right move when needed?" These are very difficult situations to address and the depends on many variables. What/who is the support system? What is their relationship with the Dr. or clergy? Are there cognitive impairments to consider? I certainly would encourage families to seek professional advise on this matter.