I have worked with older adults my entire professional career and for the past decade as an Aging Life Care Professional, also known as a geriatric care manager.
An ALCP acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives and/or disabled adults. ALCPs require specific education, background and experience to help clients reach their maximum, functional potential. We have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality and availability of community resources. Clients pay a fee for the service; sometimes the cost is covered under long-term care insurance. We adhere to a code of ethics and standards of practice.
Many Choices, Many Decisions
One of the most common questions I am asked both professionally and personally is, “Jennifer, in your opinion and experience, what is the best facility?” Whether it is a skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, assisted living and/or memory care facility, everyone wants to know the inside scoop on the best place to help care for and assist their loved one.
My answer is always the same: “It depends.” It’s not the answer most people want to hear, but it is the truth.
There are many considerations and variables when choosing a potential care facility. Finding the best place to meet a particular person’s needs is not one-size-fits-all. An individual’s diagnosis, prognosis, goals, wishes and resources are some of the factors which contribute to finding the best fit. As an example, if I am helping a client choose the best skilled rehabilitation facility to meet their unique care, needs and goals, I begin with these core questions:
- Who owns the facility and for how long? Not for Profit? Corporation? Family Owed? Board of Directors?
- Who is the management team? Facilities may use various titles and tasks, but it’s important to know who oversees the entire facility. How does the management team operate to ensure the best care and services for their clients? Typically, key management team members include an administrator, director of nursing (DON) and a social worker.
- How long has the management team been with the facility? What is their experience, role and direct involvement at the facility? How do they communicate and are they accessible?
Talk to Me
In my experience, senior communities and facilities with a management team that embraces and understands communication between the entire team (and that includes the client and their family) is one of the most important indicators to ensure a successful experience.
Success in the care industry may look quite different from resident to resident, depending on individual needs and goals, but communication is always the key. This may sound like a cliché, but it is the fundamental component I look for in a senior community or facility. If there is no way to communicate with the administrator or DON, I have found that lack of communication and accountability often resonates through the entire care team.
COVID-19 has changed how professionals, individuals and their families select and monitor services at senior communities and facilities. Communication now plays an even greater role. Communities willing to embrace and find new ways to communicate to ensure care and accountability are strong indicators of how services may be delivered and monitored.
There is nothing more upsetting, frustrating and unacceptable than trying to check on my client, or a family member inquiring about their mom, and being told: “I don’t know, I don’t have access to that information.” “I don’t have time.” “There is nothing in the chart so she must be fine.” “That is not my department,” or “Call back after the weekend to find out.”
There is no perfect facility. There will always be issues and challenges to overcome, no matter what facility you select. A management team that is willing and available to communicate and solve problems with residents and their families creates an entirely different experience. Along with good communication comes oversight and accountability — all factors required to deliver good, safe care.
This has been a year of change with the pandemic. Determining the ‘best’ facility for a loved one also is changing. We now almost solely rely on distance communication; typically, the tone, style and willingness start from the top, down.
Original article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/category/blogs/caregiver-corner/