To help you help your loved ones
Information, resources, support and community for adult-children as they care for their aging parents and for themselves
A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families
The ACL funds services and supports provided by networks of community-based organizations, and with investments in research, education, and innovation
An advocacy organization for seniors that also provides resources for family caregivers. Their site has a variety of articles and materials.
How can my parents maintain their Jewish identity once they enter a nursing home or retirement community?
Residents should have a proactive approach when seeking religious services although facilities are very sensitive to their resident’s needs and expectations regarding their religion and culture. It is their duty to provide these services to all residents in order to fulfill their spiritual needs.
Facilities may offer in-house pastoral care services. If you do not wish to use these services or they are not offered, the in-house social workers/case managers should be contacted in order to facilitate the fulfillment of your loved one’s spiritual needs.
If your loved one will be entering a Jewish organization, religious and cultural needs are sure to be fulfilled. Most Jewish facilities offer an in-house Rabbi, Kosher meals, and daily, weekly and holiday services to fulfill your loved one’s spiritual needs.
How do I know the correct level of care my parent or spouse requires?
Senior living is categorized by the specific needs of the client. The options include independent living, assisted living or personal care homes, and skilled nursing.
There are tools available that allow you to complete a needs assessment on your loved one. Categories for assessment include:
- Assistance level required for activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.
- Assistance level required for instrumental activates of daily living (IADLs)
- Using the telephone, transportation, preparing meals, etc.
- Level that certain conditions affect the ability to function
- Hearing, vision, perception, memory, strength, etc.
- Environmental barriers that pose a threat
- Neighborhood safety, condition of living quarters, stairs, furnishing, lighting, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
- Other aspects to consider include: mobility, nutrition, mental status, communication, medications, finances, and activity.
- Most facilities offer an on-site assessment to evaluate the level of care needed by your loved one.
Senior living options defined:
- Independent living facility– is an age-segregated facility where healthy, mobile seniors live on their own with minimum assistance.
- Assisted living facility or personal care home– is a type of facility that allows for independence, but provides individualized personal care and health services for people who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Skilled nursing facility – is a specially qualified facility which has the staff and equipment to provide skilled nursing care or rehabilitation services, and related health services.
What should I look for when touring a prospective community?
You should always be conscious of the personal preferences of your loved one, including privacy, food, and other personal habits; this should be the primary concern. The idea is to make them as comfortable as possible in a safe and nurturing environment. It is a good idea to ask current residents what they think of the facility. This will be an excellent indicator of the overall satisfaction level of the residents. Also, ask around the neighborhood, you will be sure to receive candid responses on the residence.
Aspects to be aware of when touring a prospective community include:
- Atmosphere – Does the residence appeal to you and your loved one? Does the staff regard you warmly? Do the other residents appear happy and content in their surroundings? Are visits to the residence welcome at any time?
- Physical features – Is the residence designed for my loved ones needs? Are there accommodations for wheelchairs and walkers? Is there adequate lighting? Does the facility appear clean and at an appropriate temperature? Does the residence meet all local and state regulations?
- Needs assessment, contracts, costs, and finances – Are resident needs assessed with input from family? Will long-term care cover any of the costs of care? Are there varying costs with different levels of care?
- Medications and health care – Are there policies regarding storage of medication, staff training, and record keeping on medication?
- Services – Are the staff available 24 hours a day? Are there housekeeping, transportation, pharmacy and or therapy services available?
- Individual features – Are there different types of rooms offered? Are the bathrooms private or common? Are the rooms furnished? Is there a kitchen provided?
- Social and recreational activities – Is there an organized activity program? Are there out of the facility activities? Can family members participate in the activities?
- Food service – How many meals are provided per day? Is there a common dinning area?
- Residence Directors and Managers – Was he or she friendly and cooperative? Did they possess good communication skills? Can you see yourself dealing with these individuals regarding your loved ones care?
Be sure to inquire about the most recent health inspection report, fire safety inspection report, staffing rates, quality measures, and stars received by the facility on the CMS quality rating criteria. You can compare facilities based on the CMS quality criteria at the following website: http://www.medicare.gov/quality-care-finder/index.html
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