Monday, March 24, 2014

Board And Care Facilities For Older Adults

By Kristana Jenson


When searching for eldercare, you will find that there are plenty of options available, but they aren't all exactly what you need or what you can manage financially. For example, assisted living homes have a lot to offer in terms of social activities, comfort and amenities, but they come with a high price tag. A nursing home might be affordable but can be institutional and sparse. A board and care home is another option to consider, one that can be fairly budget friendly but have more ambiance and hominess than a nursing home.

These board & care facilities are generally located in a private home and can accommodate perhaps five to seven adults at most. They also are called adult group homes or sometimes residential care homes. They typically are less expensive than an assisted living facility but still include many of the same amenities, such as daily help with grooming, bathing and dressing as well as full meal service, housekeeping and perhaps laundry services. In addition, there is always a caregiver on site to help the residents at any time night or day.

Board & care facilities are quite common in the United States, and there are about 52,000 of these homes in the country serving as many as 1.2 million Americans. In California, the Department of Social Services is responsible for inspecting and monitoring these homes and ensuring that there is a license in place. Keep in mind, however, that inspections are required only every five years unless there has been a previous violation. While many homes are very well managed, some are not and elder abuse can be a problem in board & care homes as well as any other eldercare facility. It is important for loved ones to look for signs of elder abuse and take quick action.

Ensuring safety begins with that first tour of the home. Print out a big checklist that helps you complete your own personal inspection and jot down your first impressions. It is important to watch as residents interact with staff and each other. This can be a big clue about the quality of the home. If people seem happy and friendly with each other, this is a good sign. Also check out the quality of the home itself, the dcor, the level of repair and look for safety features. The bathrooms should be very clean and equipped with bars and safety aids. There needs to be a way for residents to call staff easily at any time of the day or night.

The biggest mistake you can make is not asking tough questions. You are paying for this service and you want a high level of care, so ask about everything. You need to know how medical issues are handled and how medication is managed. You need to know about the meal situation and how allergies or personal tastes are accommodated. Ask about transportation and if there is any available. Also ask about activities both at the home and off the premises. Inquire about phone calls and visits and when it is appropriate for family to come by the home.

If you want to search for a suitable board and care option, consider contacting the staff at CarePlacement.com or another similar service. They have screened a wide variety of homes throughout the San Diego area and can provide you with a list of homes or facilities that suits your budget and needs. In addition to helping find board and care, they also can help you find a nursing home, in-home care or perhaps an assisted living apartment.




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