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The purpose of long-term care facilities is to help with the daily living of
patients while assisting and caring for them. When caregivers are faced with
alzheimer’s patients they need to keep in mind that the brain changes and can
cause communication problems that can result in irrational behavior. The patient
is not doing this to be annoying or to irritate, but is probably not aware of
his or her actions. There are many ways that a person can receive help for their
illness. One way is through seeing a health practioner and to be referred to a
facility for an evaluation. If the there are symptoms that are pointing to the
illness contact a health care provider to get their opinion and recommendation.
You cannot just go on your own instincts and place the person in a care
facility.
Every year, thousands of families in the United States face the time when
deciding that it is the time for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease to leave
their home and enter a long-term care facility. Early in the disease many people
will do well on their own or with a spouse. But when the disease worsens and
there needs to be changes in their home, lifestyles, or schedules it is time to
think about long-term care facilities or having the immediate family care for
the individual. Eventually, however, even the most loving and accommodating
family may be unable to meet the needs of a person as the disease progresses.
The personal safety, wishes and needs of the person with Alzheimer's, the
caregiver's own limits, the ongoing costs of living in a private residence and
of hiring homecare providers all enter into the decision of when to seek new
living arrangements. Another factor affecting the timing of such a decision is
that most facilities have waiting lists. It may be better to begin exploring
options before a crisis arises, such as an injury, that allows for a more
thorough evaluation without additional pressure.
This decision may be further complicated by the caregiver's feelings of love,
loyalty and guilt, as well as by awareness that when a person leaves a home
environment, he or she must give up more independence and privacy. Because there
is a spectrum of impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease, the choice of a
facility may be more complicated than just choosing a regular long-term care
facility. Fortunately, in recent years the list of options between home and a
nursing home has greatly expanded. Many facilities offer home-like environments
and amenities, and opportunities for caregivers to stay involved as partners in
their loved one's life. Here is a list of the general types of living
arrangements available for people with advanced Alzheimer's. ·
Nursing homes — For years, nursing homes cared for most people with
Alzheimer's disease. However, as a result of declining reimbursement and
increasing regulation over the past decade, it has become increasingly difficult
to find nursing homes that will admit Alzheimer's patients. People with
Alzheimer's disease need custodial care, including meals, assistance with
personal activities such as toileting, dressing and bathing, general
supervision, and space in which to live and move safely. However, doctors point
out that if the person with Alzheimer's has other serious medical problems, a
nursing home may be the only option. · Special care units — Today, many nursing
homes feature special care Alzheimer's units that provide a quiet, safe
environment with activities that encourage mental and physical stimulation.
However, be aware that special care units in some nursing homes are no different
from the rest of the facility.
When you visit, ask the staff what makes the unit special. This should
include information about dementia training for all employees, specialized
activities and a calm, home-like environment. · Assisted- or supervised-living
facilities — Assisted-living arrangements are best for people who have moderate
functional impairment, don't need full-time nursing care, but who can still
engage in such tasks as feeding themselves and getting in and out of chairs.
These facilities are typically large complexes with apartments or townhouse-like
units that feature communal dining, assistance with personal care, housekeeping
services, and social activities and programs. Residents also may be encouraged
to participate in meal preparation, laundry and other tasks. ·
Continuing-care retirement communities — These facilities, sometimes called
life care centers, offer many services a la carte so that, as people age and
their needs change, they may receive different levels of care in the same
complex. Services are designed to provide a continuum of support for those who
can live independently to those who need nursing home care. This kind of
facility typically offers people with Alzheimer's disease the chance to live in
one place for the rest of their lives. Loved ones have the peace of mind that no
matter what future care is needed, it's available, if not in the same room, then
at least within the same complex.
When evaluating facilities, be sure to visit. It's helpful to take along
another family member or friend who also can ask questions and with whom you can
share observations. Request to see the most recent facility inspection report.
This document will highlight the kind of care provided. The level and quality of
physical care provided is extremely important, but it's only one aspect of the
total care environment. It's also important that residents have their emotional,
social and spiritual needs met. To determine the philosophy of care at a
facility, ask for a description of its philosophy and mission statement.
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