Top Ten Questions And Answers

1) What is the first step to research and select a retirement, assisted living, snf or small care home?
Usually a search is initiated after an incident or crisis with an elderly family member. It could be a fall, memory loss that impairs judgment and or a health event such as a stroke. One should not just jump into searching for a facility, or seek care options. Evaluate the situation thoroughly before taking any action. Check here a for a long term care planning checklist.
2) The physician and or social worker tell me my elder parent needs 24 hour care and supervision, but what do I do if my parent says they do not want to move out of their home?
Permanently moving from one`ss home could be traumatic for anyone. In many cases a crisis is resolved without making a drastic change by determining whether it is safe to stay home. If so, a determination must be made as to appropriate in-home care needs and arrangements should be made.
3) What are the options besides moving to a facility/community?

 In Home Care either temporary or part-time.

 Respite care this is a temporary/short-term arrangement for retirement, assisted living, snf or small care home.

 Individual Alert system.

 Local community services.

 Home Safety make adjustments to the home to make it a safer environment.

4) Can I force my parents to move to a care facility?
No one can be forced to move or do something that they do not want to do. You cannot force anyone to move against their will. Often, there are safety issues with a senior continuing to reside at home but refusing to relocate. In these cases, legal services should be sought to determine what options are available. Click here or call 877-822-3335 to ask attorney, Stuart Furman a question or arrange a consultation.
5) Who pays for assisted living and nursing homes?
Most assisted living, retirement and small private care homes are private pay; these types of facilities are considered a social model. Some facilities can accept SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Nursing homes are considered a medical model. Long term care for nursing homes is paid privately or for those that qualify, through MediCal or Medicaid.
6) How do I determine what my parents can afford?
Income and resources must be identified to determine a budget.
7) If relocating to a care facility/community is required, what type of documents and paperwork do my parents need?
Estate planning documents include health care advance directives, power of attorney, a financial budget/plan and an updated physician`s report.
8) How can I evaluate the quality of a provider?
  1. California skilled nursing deficiencies and/or compliance issues are available at Department of Health.
  2. California Assisted living, small care homes or dementia care facilities are not rated by the Department of Social Services.
  3. To determine if a California facility has any serious deficiencies or compliances issues, contact the local government agency that regulates the license for the facilities and schedule an appointment to review the provider file. Download this PDF file
  4. To get additional information on a California facility/community, contact the local county Ombudsman and check to see if they can provide any insight regarding the facility in question.
  5. For all other states, click here to locate the appropriate agency.
  6. Ask the provider to provide you with references of current or past client and/or families.
9) What kind of questions do we ask the facility admissions coordinator or administrator?
There are essential questions to ask each facility to determine whether this facility can provide the level of services and care required. See our long term care facility evaluation checklist.
10) How do I convince my elderly parent they need this type of living arrangement and care?
This is necessary discussion to review various choices and consequences. However, if the senior is in jeopardy of hurting themselves or others, then action needs to be taken regardless of the senior`s desire to stay home.
Have more questions?