Family caregivers of persons with dementia often find roadblocks and the resulting stress when searching for the right type of care for a loved one. Loved ones needing care sometimes resist giving up independence, a change in their lives and worry over costs.
A Power of Attorney and/or the family can find a way to provide the best quality of life while matching service costs with the loved ones needs. Questions to be considered are: Is the home the loved one is living in safe or can it be made safe and affordable? If so, what are the present and possibly future needs to be considered for the loved one. How many hours will the person need care? Who is best to keep the loved one as independent and safe as possible?
For each option, ask: What is the quality of on going training for caregivers, CNA's, medical assistants, nurses and all other staff? What is the government rating and background checks for each option? What are the costs comparisons for each option?
Nursing homes offer round the clock nursing and rehabilitation.
According to a report provided by Home Instead.com, 2011 costs for a private room in a nursing home were an average of $85,775 per year. A semi-private room costs were an average $75,555 per year. The brochure for Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan's Adult Day Care reports that cost for a Nursing Home private room costs the same at $85,000 per year and a semi private room cost $80,000.
Round the clock nursing care is available in nursing homes. Scheduled visits by physicians, occupational and physical therapist are available and nurses pass medications and oversee the care of residents. CNA's are required for activities of daily living and assistance to the nurse.
If a nursing home is chosen, the loved one may or may not have proper care. Therefore, thorough screening with background checks should be done to insure cleanliness, privacy, security issues and compatibility to the environment are acceptable. The best of the evils should not be the rule.
Assisted living offers apartment sized private rooms.
An assisted living option on average would cost $36,00 to $39,240.00 per year. In a private apartment sized room situation, the loved one can enjoy the company of others. Assisted living may be the answer if staying in the home is not safe, acceptable or affordable, even with in home care, and a nursing home is not a good choice, Some nursing care is available, and medications are passed by medical assistants or nurses. Interaction with staff and other residents consists of many activities targeted toward the interests of each resident. In some assisted living facilities, there are activity assistants that work in group and one on one with residents.
Adult Day Cares with all day activities are offered at facilities such as Hospice of Southwest Michigan's Oakland Centre in Portage, Michigan. Costs for full time, 5 days a week, Adult Assisted Living Day care at the Oakland Centre was reported at $16,640 per year for 2011. Call 269-373-2300 for more information.
Dementia assisted living homes are security enclosed with round the clock nurse aides and activity aides for interaction and communication enhancement..
In home care offers needed hours of non-medical and/or medical staffing visits.
A good choice for many families is to keep the loved one in the home where everything is familiar and the family can control quality of care. Depending upon the needs of the client, up to 24 hour care can be scheduled. Non medical caregivers can drive clients to health care appointments. Visiting nurse and physician agencies can be scheduled for in home appointments for home bound clients.
2011 Costs for in home agency care ran from $17,000 to $43, 472 per year. Most agencies also include services for two persons in the household with that cost, (husband and wife, etc.)
Choosing the best quality of care is the first step after deciding the type of care needed. Ask the following questions and ask for proof of the following:
What type of background checks do you do for caregivers or other staff? Is there a police report? Drug test? Are caregivers and staff screened for past firings or discipline from that or other agencies? Is there a ban on that person due to past adult abuse of any kind? Are caregivers for in home care matched specifically to the need of clients? Are caregivers and other staff trained specifically for needs such as Alzheimer’s care? Check agency, facility and all over company government ratings at the following websites.
Department of Health and Human Services eldercare.gov Eldercare.NET Public Index.
Member of the family.net Michigan Ratings
Senior Living.net Ratings And Reviews
A Place for Mom is an overall answer to all types of respite, in home and facility care for all needs. Log into www.aplaceformom.com or Call- (877) 311-6099
References
Caregiver list Senior Care Costs and ways to pay for it
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