The Navigator
September 2020 Newsletter

Many family members make promises never to place their loved one in an assisted living home. Unfortunately, none of us can predict the future, and things like Dementia are becoming more prevalent in today's society.
 
I am often asked, "How do you know when it is time to consider a move"? My answer has three questions to consider – 1.  Are they an escape risk?  (danger of getting lost or hurt) 2.  Are they a constant fall risk?  (chance of broken bones or head injuries) 3.  Are they incontinent?  (incontinence is extremely hard for some people to handle, but there are also health risks involved, urinary tract infections, etc.)  I should also include a lack of desire to eat, which can lead to various health issues.
 
Please, if you feel you or your loved one will someday need help, more than you can provide… BE PREPARED, and do not let GUILT cloud over making the right decision. I could talk nonstop about some of the difficult situations that I have encountered.
 
GUILT may take over deciding to move your loved one, remember one thing…. The Doctor or anyone medically trained will not advise you to do this unless it is necessary! The Caregiver's health can often decline first due to the stress and physical demands. The Doctor has nothing to gain by recommending senior living. It is for both you and your loved one's safety. You can visit daily, and you may even find visiting to be more pleasant since you are no longer stressed or frustrated.

Choosing the right help is essential. Incorrect placement, or the wrong in-home care, can be a disaster, and you may have to start over, introducing your loved one to even more new faces.  It is not advisable for a person with Dementia to keep being introduced to new living situations. It is too confusing and overwhelming, which can lead to a decline.

BEING PREPARED requires a little homework. Meeting with an experienced Senior Advisor can help ease the load. We are experts in senior living and community resources. We know the in's and out's and which communities are the best suited for your loved one.  We also have resources for home care & health services, hospice, elder law attorneys, moving & real estate options, etc. An experienced Senior Advisor will also provide you with resources to help with ALTCS (State assistance to pay rent if moving out is necessary) and Veteran's Aid & Attendance (which is different than Veteran's regular benefits). We check every home or community with the AZ State Department of Health to verify there are no citations against them. We also consider the reputation of care and cleanliness. The best thing about using a Senior Advisor is that this is a no-cost service for families. You will never be charged for any advice or touring.
 
I emphasize – BE PREPARED – for a reason. Suppose your loved one has to go to the hospital or rehab, and the Doctor feels it is time for discharge. In that case, he or she may not feel the patient can live alone or that you are not able to handle daily required needs, they must state on record that in-home care or moving to an assisted living home/community is necessary.  If you have a group home or community in mind, this will avoid a hospital social worker choosing a place for you (often not a place or location you would have preferred).
 
We are happy to meet with you to discuss your options and advise homes or communities that fit your specific needs. All you need to do is call, and you can ensure the safety and comfort of yourself or a loved one.