More and more Baby Boomers are becoming frustrated when it’s time to find help for their parents, grandparents, or themselves. Aging is not necessarily an easy time, especially if one needs a little assistance. Where do you go? Who do you turn to? So many choices! What do they all mean?
That’s where a professional referral agency comes in.
This report will show you how to identify your needs, and how to get the help you desire.
1) You must determine the needs of your parent or loved one. Are they simply forgetting where they put their keys? Or are they skipping their medications, loaning money to strangers, or being taken advantage of? If they are confused or constantly forgetful, it’s time to determine how much help they need. One way is to have a medical professional run an Alzheimer’s test, as well as do a complete physical check-up. These physicians are trained to know exactly how much help will be needed, based upon their assessment, and your input.
2) What are the options? So many to choose from, and what do they mean? There is assisted living, independent living, nursing homes, board and cares, and in home care. What they mean sometimes depends on who is doing the defining. For our purposes, here are the most commonly used definitions:
a) Independent Living – a person is able to live by themselves, and care for themselves in a structured setting with others around them. For example, California has many independent senior living apartments and communities, where people live in an apartment, yet enjoy their meals, leisure time, and activities with others in a structured central area. Medium and large communities often provide a wide range of activities and day-trips.
b) Assisted Living – a person who needs assisted living has challenges with two or more activities of daily living: bathing, toileting, feeding, activities, etc. They are still very much “with it”, but need a little help. Many large communities have both independent and assisted living floors within the complex, with common dining and community rooms. Medium and large communities often provide a wide range of activities and day-trips.
c) Nursing Homes – most nursing homes are not the stereotypes of years gone by. Many are simply a rest stop between coming home from a hospital and going on to an assisted living community or the patient’s own home. Others are very controlled places where residents stay for mid-range to long-term stays depending on how much help they need. Many nursing homes include rehab staff for those who need several months to a year or more of care.
d) Board and Cares – also known as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE’s), are homes with usually 5 or 6 residents. While all accept ambulatory and non- ambulatory residents, some are trained to care for the special needs of Alzheimer patients; others can provide the personal and final needs of hospice care. One of the nice things about Board and Cares is the greater personal attention. With resident to care-giver ratio often 1:2, a loved one receives the close attention and care you would provide if you had the time and training..
e) Respite Care – short-term, temporary relief for families and family caretakers without whom your loved one might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home.
Home Care – medical or non-medical care inside the home. A professional caretaker comes to the house on a daily or weekly basis for a few hours to cook, clean, mentally stimulating, and in general, interact with the patient.
3) What other information do we provide? We can help with an array of assistance, on subjects like:
Medicare and Medical Long Term Care InsuranceElder Law and Estate PlanningFinancial PlanningVeteran BenefitsTransport ServicesMedical SuppliesLife Alert SystemsPharmacy ServicesMoving and Transition ServicesReal Estate and Reverse Mortgage ServicesSocial Security Benefits | Assisted Living CommunitiesResidential Care HomesAdult Residential CommunitiesHome Care ServicesIndependent LivingAlzheimer’s CommunitiesDementia CareRespite Short Term StayHospice CareSkilled Nursing HomesRehab Care CentersHome Health CareSenior Housing |
Your #1 resource for identifying your needs and connecting you with the professionals who can help!
Assisted Living Locators services are FREE!
Connections are made with other professionals to assist you or your loved one get all the help needed!
4) Where do you start?
a) Speak with an Elder Care Advisor at 626-966-7111. We will schedule an in-person assessment.
b) We work together to find your best senior care option based on your needs, budget, and preferences.
c) We are with you as you tour pre-screened communities matching your needs and requirements are set.
Guided tours are totally free. We personally pick you up & drive you to the communities.
To schedule a personal tour of local communities or discuss yours or your loved one’s needs, please contact:
LeeAnn Allman, CSA – Certified Senior advisor & Area Owner
626-966-7111
Assisted Living Locators, San Gabriel Valley, provides direction, resources, and information, as well as care and understanding for individuals and families faced with making arrangements for Long Term Care and Assisted Living.
