“Help – Mom’s diabetes is out of control, she can’t manage it and we can’t be there for her. Her memory is failing and it looks to us she is losing weight.” “Dad should be on oxygen and now they are talking about a gastric feeding tube because of his Parkinson’s disease.”
Older Adults who have complex medical issues that can’t be managed by themselves or their family need another level of care. Quite often this is “skilled nursing” because no other level of care can provide the medical attention they need on a 24/7 basis.
Not everyone will need “skilled nursing” care and I highly recommend that families work with a Professional, Certified Geriatric Care Manager before making this decision – for options that might have been overlooked.
If the care manager, the family physician and the family think it is time to look for a skilled nursing facility it is best to start back with that Professional Care Manager who has experience with all the skilled care communities in the location you want your family member. The reason I say to start with this person is, because they know all the facilities and their strengths and weaknesses. One might be better with dementia, diabetes or stroke patients than the other. Some will take Medicaid/Medi-Cal when resources are limited and others will not. Some excel at physical therapy and others are not as strong in that service. So, the answer is: choose the right facility for the needs of the client, not necessarily how it looks or how close it is to you (even though that is important).
You will want to check on-line evaluations of the skilled nursing facilities as provided on the Medicare website or in Northern California the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform site (www.canhr.org). You could also call your local Ombudsman Office for this information and a list of facilities in your area (800-510-2020 in California).
When you visit, you will want to look for the calendar of activities, the menu and have a tour. If possible, chat with residents. You don’t want to see a lot of residents lined up outside the nurse’s station. You’ll want to see people in their rooms engaged in activities that interest them or in group activities. Inquire about bringing in some personal favorites such as a favorite chair or other piece of furniture and, can the beloved cat or dog visit?
If this is to be the “home” of your family member, you want all the family to visit. Look for rooms where you could gather as a family. And, would your 6year-old grandson be ok visiting Great Grandma in this environment? Believe it or not the opinion of a 6year-old can be great information.
So – if possible have a Geriatric Care Manager help you with the decision and if not, ask that 6year-old to give you their opinion. Out of the mouths of babes often comes the most honest truth.