Personal care homes provide individualized medical services, shelter, assistance, and supervision to their residents. Several governmental and non-governmental organizations ensure that these facilities adhere to the set rules and regulations so that the elderly get nothing but the best services.

When looking for these kinds of institutions, it is imperative to understand the different types in order to make an informed decision. Here is a breakdown of the various types of senior homes.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities, also referred to as congregate housing, are an ideal choice for people who need little to no help. Each resident lives in his or her own fully furnished apartment. However, the rooms are fitted with modern emergency signaling devices that one can use to request emergency medical attention at any hour. The residents also share some spaces, such as the laundry, fitness, dining, and living rooms. Other privileges offered include security, housekeeping, and transportation. It is important to note that the set of services may vary from one facility to another.

Residential Facilities

Residential facilities, also commonly referred to as domiciliary facilities, offer assistance to elderly people who need specialized medical attention. Most of them operate around the clock and are managed by professionals. These personal care homes require their residents to be mentally fit and capable of doing simple tasks such as feeding and dressing themselves without assistance. The best facilities allocate each resident a one-bedroom apartment with a private bathroom and storage units. Extra services may include housekeeping, social activities, meals, and laundry.

Nursing Facilities

Nursing facilities are an ideal choice for elderly people who have a serious health condition and need to be monitored 24/7. They offer professional nursing, emergency medical services, rehabilitation programs, and social activities. The level of attention provided can be skilled, intermediate, or custodial. Intermediate means that one is assisted with activities necessary for daily living, such as the provision of nursing attention. Skilled assistance means one is given 24-hour medical supervision, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services. Custodial means that the resident needs daily-living assistance but does not necessarily require the expertise of a skilled nurse.

These are the most common types of personal care homes. During the decision-making process, it is important to read policy documents to know a facility’s services and regulations. For example, some do not admit people who have health conditions like cancer or who use wheelchairs. Having all of this information at hand will help you choose the best facility for your loved one.

As Americans age in record numbers, in-home care is a more popular option than ever for seniors who need intensive health care but prefer to age in place rather than live out their days in a traditional nursing home facility. If you have a family member who needs assistance with aspects of daily living but prefers to stay in his or her own home, here are seven questions to ask to help you find the right in-home care provider.

1. Do you have a “Patient Bill of Rights”?
Though it might go by a different name, documentation should be readily available that explains the scope of services, fees, funding sources, eligibility requirements, and any other pertinent information for potential clients.

2. How long have you been in business?
While new in-home care providers aren’t necessarily to be avoided, a long history in the field indicates that the organization is doing something right. They should also be able to provide references from satisfied customers.

3. Do you offer medical care as well as personal care and companionship services?
In addition to medical services, you may want to find a care provider who assists with tasks of daily living like bathing and dressing, grocery shopping and meal prep, light housekeeping, recreation, and conversation and companionship. This largely depends on your loved one’s needs and preferences.

4. Who are your care providers?
Learn as much as possible about the hiring process for nurses and nurse aides through the agency you’re considering. You’ll want to be clear about how employees are selected, trained, and monitored. It’s also essential that anyone caring for your family member has undergone a comprehensive background check.

5. What’s the care planning process?
Family members and the individual should be included in this process whenever possible. There should also be mechanisms in place to document the tasks to be performed by the caregiver and to make and communicate changes to the care plan when necessary.

6. How are issues handled?
An agency should have a clear procedure in place not only to supervise in-home care providers but also to record and promptly follow up on patient and family questions and complaints. You should also ensure that emergency procedures are spelled out, readily available, and followed by all care providers.

7. Are you Medicare-certified and licensed by the state?
While home care is often a less expensive alternative than facility-based nursing care, most agencies should be set up to accept Medicare, and be able to explain how much of the care will be covered, and how much it will cost your family out-of-pocket. State licensing is critical for any home care agency; you can also check with your state’s agency to find out whether the care provider is in good standing.

If you or a family member needs intensive health care or help with daily living, home care may be a more palatable option than a nursing home facility. These seven questions can help ensure your peace of mind when choosing a care provider.

When it’s time to consider assistance for yourself or a loved one, finding the right option can be a daunting and complicated choice. That’s where elder care services come in. These services are offered by agencies designed to provide you with the resources you need to find affordable and successful care for yourself or your loved one. Choosing the right service provider, however, will require some effort on your part. By asking pointed questions to help you see through quick-draw referrals, you stand a much better chance of finding an agency and service that gives you the help you deserve.

Referrals

The chief purpose of an elder care service is to assess your specific situation and refer you to assisted living facilities and other programs that would be a good fit. Many agencies offer comprehensive assessments and personalized meetings designed to acquaint themselves with you or your loved one so as to better understand your specific situation. From there, they refer you to facilities and care options that they believe would be right for you or your loved one.

To decide if the organization you are working with is a good fit, take an active role in both giving and acquiring information. The more you ask and tell, and the more questions and resources they send your way, the greater the likelihood of finding an ideal care situation for yourself or your loved one. Here are a few tips to help you find the right service provider.

Signs of a Reputable Facility

How do you tell if the service you are working with is a reputable one? There are several questions you can ask, and several signs that can tip you off one way or another.

1. Is the agency itself referred by trusted institutions? Referrals from hospitals, doctors, and even friends can help tip you off to the credibility of their senior assistance.

2. Does they actively offer referrals to other agencies? When they actively refers you to other assistance programs and even other agencies, this is a good sign that they are not simply trying to collect a commission.

3. What resources do they offer? In addition to referrals, reputable agencies will offer assistance with other important facets of the assisted living process, including Medicaid and Medicare help, family education programs, and information on alternatives to nursing facility care.

When searching for a reputable elder care service, the best tip is to ask questions of your own. The questions above provide a good start, but take your inquiries further. This means asking questions about your specific situation and the agency itself. A reputable company will have detailed answers on all of these topics or will refer you to an organization that can give you the help you need.