Residential Care Facility
From LoveToKnow Seniors
The difference between choosing a residential care facility over other types of senior housing is the level of care the occupant requires. Most residential care centers do not provide a lot of medical care, but instead offer daily custodial services and companion comfort.
What Residential Care Facilities Offer
Residential care facilities are primarily private homes in regular neighborhoods. This is different from assisted living situations, wherein the occupant has a private residence such as an apartment, but receives some medical care, meals, and activities at a centralized location.
Some care centers are also affiliated with larger nursing homes and retirement complexes.
General guidelines include the following:
- Facilities are regulated by the state to host no more than six-to-eight residents.
- A ratio of occupants and the level of care required establish the staffing needs.
- There is often a nighttime and overnight staff member.
- Staff will assist with general medical care, such as taking blood pressure, dispensing medicine, and providing light mobility therapy.
- All meals, laundry and housekeeping service, a private bedroom, and some small activities are provided.
- Some facilities also offer transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and other excursions.
- Depending on the needs of the occupant, a certain level of personal care, such as bathing and toileting, may be available.
Each residential care facility should be licensed to provide a certain type of care or supervision. For example, a facility designed to care for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia will have condition-experienced staff as well as secure housing and grounds to ensure the best care and safety of the occupants.
How to Find a Facility
There are many experts that can help you find a care facility. If a loved one is hospitalized, the discharge planner is a convenient source. Obviously a physician might have additional resources, too.
If this is a particular case, a social worker or case manager, as well personal clergy may be able to direct you. Ask friends and even financial planners for recommendations also.
The American Health Care Association has a state listing that can also lead you to more information about finding a residential care facility.
A Helpful Checklist
It’s best to visit different facilities more than once before making a decision. Some preliminary information can be gathered over the phone, but making a personal visit yourself and/or with a loved one will provide the peace of mind that you’re making the right choice.
Here are just a few things to review before deciding on a residential care facility:
Availability. Some residencies may have space now, or you’ll be put on a waiting list.
Care and cost structure. The more specialized care the occupant requires, the more it will cost. Many facilities operate on a sliding scale. It’s also important to clarify if the center accepts Medicaid or, if more medical assistance is required, Medicare.
Ability to accommodate special needs. It’s necessary to outline any special needs upfront and address the level of care required for issues such as diets, social behavior, mobility assistance, incontinence, night assistance, and personal care.
Medical care. Some facilities will assist with general care, while others call in a physician, and still others expect the family to take care of all medical appointments. It’s imperative to get a clear understanding of the expectations and services in this area.
Staffing. Analyze the ratio, the involvement, the coverage of breaks, and especially the overnight care situation.
Hospice care. As delicate as the subject is, open a discussion about the care provided for terminal patients.
A personal visit will also help you observe the cleanliness of the facility, mobility hazards, and the interaction between the staff and residents, otherwise known as the “warmth index.”
Also, don’t hesitate to ask for details about the facility’s management, staffing criteria and ongoing training, and references from other residents and their family members.
In Summary
A residential care facility may be the answer for more personalized, daily care. It’s well worth your time to be patient and investigate the variety of options available.
This page has been accessed 525 times. This page was last modified 02:06, 1 February 2007.
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