|
|
 Assisted
Living or
Board 'n Care Homes
All residents of Assisted Living (AL) or Board
'n Care (B'nC) homes—all RCFEs—in California must have the
Lic 602a form completed prior to move in. You can download this
form here.
Choosing an Assisted Living or Board 'n Care home
can be a difficult decision. Consider these factors.
- VALUES / NEEDS —
What is most important to you or your loved one? Consider activity
preferences, social likes and dislikes, geography, conveniences,
type of care needed, and prognosis of condition. For instance,
if Mom has always been social, you'll probably wish to look at
larger, active communities. If she has always preferred to be
on her own, perhaps a small Board 'n Care home may better suit
her.
- COST — this is
a big factor. You may think that the larger communities are more
expensive, but that is not always the case. And, in this current
economy, many facilities are cutting their prices or offering
specials. So, even if you have talked to a home or community in
the past, you may wish to call them again and get their updated
rates. You should also keep in mind that even though AL seems
expensive, compare the costs of their being at home (rent, utilities,
maintenance, yard work, food, etc) to the cost of their fees in
commu
nity. Many places have "all inclusive" pricing,
some have "ala carte" pricing. It's important to ask
about these things before making any kind of decision. AL and
BnC are not paid for by insurance, unless there is a Long Term
Care Plan in place. There are loans available. And, there is also
a benefit through the VA called Aid and Attendance that can help
if there was service connection.
- CARE NEEDS — if
your loved one has "early stage" dementia, please look
at the dementia communities only. It is very upsetting to a person
with dementia to move. Getting them settled in the right place
the first time will be much less stressful to both you and your
loved one.
Also, be sure that the level of care can be met at the community
you choose. And, PLEASE, plan ahead. If Dad has diabetes now and
is on oral meds, what will happen if he has to go to Insulin.
What if he is not able to self-care with his Insulin? Again, Picking
the right place the first time is really the very best thing for
all.
Community Care Licensing (CCL) oversees the Board
and Care Homes as well as the Assisted Living Communities. Communities
are required to keep a copy of their latest survey available for
anyone to see. CCL can be contacted for other information. 619-767-2300.
Recommended Facilities
Starfish Resouces has a list of recommended facilities.
Please contact us for our recommendations,
a community checklist, more information, or to discuss which facility
may be right for you.
|
