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SIERRA VISTA — Choosing the right assisted living environment for an elderly loved one can be overwhelming. No matter what the person’s particular needs are, the process of connecting an elderly person with quality caregivers takes time, research and legwork.
In an effort to help people learn the types of assisted living options available in this area, Cochise Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership, in conjunction with SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization is hosting an informational meeting on July 19. Open to anyone wanting to know more about assisted living, the two keynote speakers, SEAGO Area Agency on Aging Director Kathleen Heard and Ombudsman Program Coordinator Susan Warne will be addressing a number of topics that deal with care-giving decisions. The meeting will be at the Ethel Berger Center, 2950 E. Tacoma St., from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Assisted living offers long-term care services in a home-like environment, while allowing the person as much independence as possible. “We’re going to discuss what types of questions you should ask when visiting an assisted living facility,” Warne said.
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When searching for an ideal place for a loved one, Warne says it’s important to ask whether the potential resident can be involved in the care plan and activities. Ask about the kinds of services the resident is going to receive. And make sure the facility is close to family and friends.
“Quite a few places allow pets,” Warne added. “It’s something I believe is very important to the residents’ well-being, especially if they’re used to having them around. We’ll be going over a number different questions and important things to look for when visiting different facilities.”
The presentation will address the difference between assisted living facilities and nursing facilities, an area of confusion for some people.
“Basically, we’re trying to give people information so they recognize what kind of services assisted living provides, in an effort to help them make an informed decision when selecting the right place,” Heard said.
Matching the facility to the potential resident’s needs is very important, she added. When looking for the right environment for a loved one, Heard says it’s best to make several visits and observe the interaction between residents and staff. Finding a place with similar levels of need is another important feature when selecting an assisted living environment. Heard advises making several unannounced visits at different times of the day and be observant. Talk to the staff and other residents and try to include the prospective resident in as many of the visits as possible. It’s also a good idea to review the facility’s public file, as well as state survey reports.
Typically, residents in assisted living facilities are semi-independent physically or mentally, or frail persons who need assistance with day-to-day activities. Since all assisted living facilities must provide certain basic services, choosing the right environment sometimes comes down to basic intuition.
“We have lots of choices in the Sierra Vista area and we are going to provide a list of every licensed facility in Cochise County,” Heard said. “In Arizona the Department of Health Services Office of Assisted Living Facilities regulates all the assisted living facilities.”
herald/review reporter Dana Cole can be reached at 515-4618 or by e-mail at dana.cole@svherald.com.
Tony P wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:24 AM: