ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CARE
An Adult Care Home that advertises itself as providing specialized dementia
care must meet certain staffing requirements. On 1st shift ( 7 am to 3 pm
) and 2nd shift ( 3 PM to 11 PM ), the facility is required to have 1 staff
person for every 8 residents. Third shift ( 11 PM to 7 am ) should have 1
staff person for every 10 residents.
The Special Care Unit Disclosure Act allows consumers to
make informed decisions when choosing a Special Care Unit. The Bill requires
that any Adult Care Home or Adult Day Care which advertises itself as providing
Specialized Dementia Care must disclose the following information to consumers:
• philosophy and mission statement
• criteria for admission, transfer, and discharge
• assessment and care planning
• staff to resident ratio
• staff training
• physical environment
• activity programming
• family involvement in care
• cost of care and additional fees
There is another type of Adult Care Home bed available
for those with Alzheimer's or dementia. These beds are within a " locked
unit ". Beds within a locked unit are not covered by the Special Care
Unit Disclosure Act described above and are not subject to the same staffing
ratios as described above for facilities that indicate they provide specialized
dementia care. If a locked unit is being considered as an option, consider
asking questions about resident care and assessment, staff to resident ratios,
staff training, etc. before making a decision.
MOVING FROM HOME TO ASSISTED LIVING
Making the choice to live in an Assisted Living facility can be a difficult
one. To recognize that an environment with supervision and assistance is
a better option can be traumatic. However, choosing the right facility can
offer all involved peace of mind and can help preserve dignity and self-esteem.
Keep in mind that you are evaluating the facility for its ability to offer
acceptable quality of life and quality of care. Often your five senses provide
a good yardstick for quality of life and quality of care. Be aware of what
you experience when you visit a facility.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
Atmosphere
Yes
No
Good location
Attractive appearance outside
Attractive appearance inside
Residents socialize with each other and appear happy and
comfortable
Staff is appropriately dressed
Staff is personable and outgoing and helpful
Staff act in a professional manner
Visits with residents are welcome at any time
Decor in the common areas is clean, attractive, and acceptable
to you
You feel comfortable within this environment
Physical Features
Yes
No
The building is designed to meet resident needs
The floor plan is easy to follow
Doorways and hallways are accommodating to wheelchairs
and walkers
If applicable, elevators are available for those who can't
use the stairs
Hand rails are available to aid in walking
Cupboards and shelves are easy to reach
Floors are of a non-skid material and carpets are firm
and secure
Lighting is good
Clean
Odor free
Appropriately heated and cooled
Exits are clearly marked
Doors and windows are lockable
There are no noticeable hazards to your safety
Emergency response information posted
Social and Recreational Activities
Yes
No
Is there evidence of an organized activities program,
such as a posted schedule, events in progress, reading materials, etc.?
Do residents participate in activities outside of the
facility?
Do volunteers, including family members, help with or
conduct activities?
Are residents required to participate in activities?
Are residents' pets allowed to live in the facility?
Are residents' pets allowed to visit in the facility?
Does the facility have a resident pet?
Is transportation provided to other facilities for activities?
Is transportation provided within the community as needed?
Are provided activities in line with what you enjoy?
Do you think you would be comfortable interacting with
the residents?
Medication, Health Care, and Needs Assessment
Yes
No
Residence has specific policies regarding medication such
as, storage of, assistance with, training of staff, supervision of staff,
and record keeping
Is self-administration of medication allowed?
A staff person is available to coordinate home care visits
from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. if needed
Trained staff is available to assist residents who experience
memory, orientation, or judgment losses
A physician or nurse regularly visits the residents
Residence has a clearly stated procedure for responding
to a resident's medical emergency
A list of all offered services is provided
Staff is available to provide 24-hour assistance with
activities of daily living (dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene, grooming,
bathing, etc.)
Transportation to Doctor appointments is provided
Housekeeping service for individual units is provided
Pharmacy, barber/beautician and/or physical therapy services
are offered on-site or transportation can be arranged with short notice
Written plan of care for each resident
Residence has a process for assessing a potential resident's
need for services
Residence has a process for ensuring needs and services
are reevaluated periodically
The process includes the resident, his or her family,
facility staff, and the resident's physician
There is sufficient staff to meet the resident's needs
Contracts, Costs, and Finances
Yes
No
May a contract be terminated?
Is there refund language in the contract?
Are other sources of money available to help pay for service
such as government, private, or corporate programs?
If the resident's needs change, would additional services
be available?
If nursing care or other care is needed on a temporary
basis, is there a method in place to pay for these services?
Are there different costs for various levels or categories
of service?
Are residents required to purchase renters' insurance
for personal property in their units?
