The Berkshire Assisted Living and Dementia Care 

Finding The Right Home For Your Needs
Whether you are searching for a new home for yourself or a loved one needing assistance, the process of choosing appropriate housing can be difficult. We have compiled this information for you, to assist in this process. If the decision to move is being considered by family members, the person being moved should participate in the decision-making process as much as possible. The following information is a brief guide to assist in this decision. It may be helpful to print this page and use it as a guide when visiting homes, or contact us for a checklist.
Assess your situation, care needs, finances, personal preference Seek advice from your physician, or other professional as needed Visit various homes and facilities, meet with the staff, visit with the residents Find out what each has to offer, their cost, amenities, environment, basic services and any extra services and costs	Determine the level of care needed, if any. Assess your needs, and select a home/ environment that can best meet these. If you are unclear as to what level is needed, ask your physician, discharge planner, social worker, or an eldercare consultant. For staying in ones own home, there are many options also available. This may include home care services, caregivers, meals on wheels, family assistance, lifeline services, senior transportation, home visitors, etc. Considerations include: care needs, cost (some services may be covered under health insurance, long term care insurance, community services, or may be private pay), and the ability to monitor the care received. Adult Day Care Services is also a wonderful option for many people. These are programs where seniors can stay during the day, in a supervised environment, socialize and participate in organized activities. There are also many excellent Alzheimers Day programs available. Programs and services vary in different areas. It is best to visit, speak with the staff, and determine what is the best environment and program for you.
Independent Living is an option for seniors who are interested in being in a senior community, and may not need all the services provided in an Assisted Living Facility. Many of these communities offer many amenities, and may be part of a larger community which also offers Residential Care, and perhaps Nursing Services or a Nursing Home as well. Assisted Living Facilities, also known as Residential Care Homes, provide another alternative for seniors. These vary in the services offered, size, and fees. Some are modest, while others are extravagent. These generally offer assistance with personal care, diet specific meals, medication supervision, room/ board, activities, some form of transportation- or transportation arrangements, and housekeeping. Rooms may be shared, or private, they may be furnished, or you may bring your own. Many offer additional amenities, such as in-house podiatry, a beauty salon, etc. These homes are an excellent choice for a senior who has limited health needs and seeks a homelike setting. Payment is generally private, but is also covered under long term care insurance, and some homes accept SSI.	On your visit, ask a lot of questions; visit at mealtime, look at the cleanliness, how does it smell... Are pets allowed? Are there enough activities offered ? Did you enjoy the staff and residents you met? What are the rooms/ suites like? Do you share a bathroom or shower? Do you share a room, is it spacious?  Can you bring your own furniture if you want to? Is there an extra charge for a furnished room? What are the meals like and how are they served? Are special diets offered (such as physician ordered diets, soft diets, cardiac diets,etc. and if so, is there an additional charge?) Who plans the menu, is it overseen by a Registered Dietician? Are there any extra costs if care needs increase,and what are the potential costs? What about for the medication services? Who oversees the medication service? What times can visitors come? Ask for a description of personal care services, and what, exactly, is included in the rate. What is the frequency of showers, and how much time is alloted? How is toileting and incontinence care handled, and what is the frequency? What personal care supplies are included in the rate? What about incontinent supplies if needed? What restrictions are there for care? For example, some Residential Care Facilities accept residents who need oxygen, while others don't. Each facility is different in the level of care and array of service provided. Some of these items include: Hospice care, Dementia care, foot and nail care, medication ordering and tracking, managing wandering or difficult behaviors, offering PRN (as needed) medications. These are all good questions to ask. The answers will vary, as requirements differ based on size, and how much care the Facility is willing or able to offer. How is the night care handled? Based on size, some facilities may allow staff to sleep at night, while others do not. How often are residents checked on at night? If they are incontinent, how often are they changed, and is it around the clock? Regulations for Residential Care Facilities vary by State and size as well. Services will differ between them. What are the emergency evacuation plans? Does the Facility have a sprinkler system in case of fire, with automatic fire department notification? (Some may not be required to have a sprinkler system due to size/ licensing regulations) Do they do evacuation drills? If the residents needs decline, will the facility allow them to go on hospice? (There may be limitations)
Consider which home best suits you, your needs and lifestyle... Try to take into consideration future needs A list of licensed homes can be obtained from the Ombudsman, State Licensing or Senior Services	Care for persons with Alzheimers and/or Dementia may often be provided in Assisted Living Facilities, or Nursing Homes. Adult Day Care Centers may have have special programs. Types of services and facilties vary, as does each persons need. Some offer a higher level of care, while others are more moderate. Speaking with ones physician, social worker, or other advisor, is beneficial in seeking the appropriate place, as is visiting the homes, meeting the staff and visiting with residents to determine which environment is most appropriate for you. Skilled Nursing Facilities provide room and board, in addition to nursing and/ or rehabilitative care, and medical care. They provide the type of extended nursing care not given routinely in Assisted Living or Residential Care homes. There are also various levels and types of Nursing Homes, depending on ones need, and specific situations. Payment is usually by Health insurance, such as Medicare, Medi-cal (California Medicaid), long term care insurance or private pay. Insurances may have limitations. Nursing Homes are a good choice for someone who needs 24 hour nursing care and supervision.