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By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
Remember, this assessment is not a substitute for professional advice.
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I have a health in home care agency that is awesome they all want to come take care of mom. They have organized my kitchen drawers, done laundry all without my asking. This is in Indiana. One gal has even brought soupn and one always brings crackers she likes. Don't get the wrong idea, we have plenty of food....to much in fact, they just like doing it. They won the "Small business award" this year.
@ Sunflo2 I don't know any in Virginia...and none in California where I reside...but in Oklahoma, where my 89 year old mom lives, Mays Homecare is excellent! Mother is still living at home but the aides and nurses and therapists who work with her are wonderful and seem to genuinely care about her well being. In that respect, I can relate to golfbard. It also helps that Mother is a real Sweetiepie :), not cantankerous and so appreciative of the help she gets.
The best solution I have found, and I can say my experience was similar to yours, is to keep on top of everything. I am not a popular person in the nursing home because I agree with everything, instead I bring up every issues as they arise. It is really not safe to leave someone in a nursing home, assisted living, or home care situation without proper advocacy. Just too dangerous as anything can happen. My advise is to stay diligent and advocate whenever the need is there for you to do so. Good luck.
When the time came for mom to be placed in a ALF my brother did the initial footwork to tour and ask questions. When we decided the one we liked best, everyone went on another tour. We are really fortunately with the ALF memory care home that we chose. We have both been there at various times and days and the level of care is always high. What really impresses me are the aides that work there. As we know that is probably not a high paying job, but everyone we have encountered has been positive, friendly and shows real compassion towards the residents. The nurses are in constant communication with us about mom.
My father is in a small group home for dementia patients - 6 clients, 2 round-the-clock rotating caregivers. The unique aspect of this home is that the owner, a young 30something, grew up in a group home situation. That is, she and her siblings were raised in a house where her parents took care of dementia patients. She has, basically, created (for her family of 3 boys/husband) the same exact living experience she grew up in. That has made our experience extraordinary. Her caregivers are patient and kind and attentive. All the food is fresh and tailored to each patient's needs. My Dad is the only man at the facility, and, of course there's an adjustment period, but he has his own room and bathroom, his own tv, and a calm daily schedule that seems to be working out well. Now, that doesn't mean he still doesn't wish he could go home. But I am finally sleeping after 2 years of worrying what we were going to do, how was I going to tell him, etc. There are some great places out there, although nothing is perfect. Best, mb
Mom adjusted easy than i did at the NH. I trust them now although their activities are much to be desired Medically they care for her, bath her, watch her and make sure she is safe The CNA's except for one (I won't allow him to touch mom) are good. Some are great! The other day a CNA was dancing with my mom and she loved it. Many walk with her indoors and out. Mom just loves some of them and tells them so. They are gentle with her. I am unemployed so I do the activities and mental stimulation and take her out every day.
I am sure you let the good CNA's know how much you like their work habits-it is a hard job to do day in abnd day out and a little praise goes a long way in making the job a little easier and even writing them a short note would be great.
As a caregiver, I have been in the business for more that 10 years and I have noticed that alot of family members rely too heavily on the ALs and NHs for alot. I would advice that you advocate for and represent your parents in a way that will satisfy their emotional needs......visit them......hug them....let them feel that they are still a member of the family and are not abandoned by you.......sometimes the negative is not the facility.....it is the relationship that the the family membr has with the parent that is not forthcomeig......those unfruitful relationship...breeds fear, anger, depression and sadness in many seniors that are moved to these facilities.......so my advicde is that you should do your research and stay on top pf things and lovongly love and visit your parents who have to live in these places. Thanks Andria
Happy in Omaha, that how we are with our IN HOME CARE, I do 90% of the care for my wife now in her 12th year of Alzheimers and only 61 years old. We then use HomeInstead Senior Care, Inc, corp. office is here in Omaha and I personally know the founder Paul and Lori Hogan...great christian couple. We love the caregivers that help us. They bring cards, etc. things Frannie likes, as they love sharing with her. They have over 900 franchises world wide...over 700 here in US. What I personally like is they do more than just care for Frannie, they do our dishes, put in a load of laundry, mop or sweep the floor, all while caring for her also. At Christmas they helped decorate the house with Frannie and I over the three days it took to do so. They are about $26 per hour so here in Omaha, but well worth it, with all the extra we get for the time they are here. hope this helps!
My positive experience is with our current home care agency. We have tried four or five different agencies over the past 15 years. The one we have now is the best so far. We've been with them about a year.
We currently use agency caregivers approximately 48-50 hours a week. The current agency employs only CNAs, who typically have more training than an HHA (home health aide). The agency we use is pretty strict about caregiver attendance, unlike the last agency. This has been immensely helpful.
A few things from my heart about home care:
(PART 1 - FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS - How to get the most from your home care)
1. Document your primary care needs BEFORE you meet with the agency for the first time. Prioritize your must-haves and provide that list to the representative. Stress the number one thing you need and insist they send only caregivers who can meet that need to your satisfaction. Do you need someone who is excellent with transfers? A good listener for a lonely parent? Would a caregiver who talks endlessly about her own life get on your parent's nerves (and yours?) Would your elderly dad prefer a male caregiver instead of female?
Don't be shy if an item or two is critical to a good fit. It's easier for the agency to screen out what won't work up front, instead of sending endless people to your house only to be rejected later.
2. Be organized. Caregiving agencies can have A LOT of caregiver turnover. If home care is your long-term plan, you're bound to be answering the same questions over and over whenever a new caregiver is sent to you. A simple way to make this less painful is to develop a set of documentation for new caregivers to use as a reference until they get familiar with how it works at your house.
For example, here are some of the typed sheets we post in the house for our caregivers
a. Daily Caregiver Requests sheet (on a clipboard). Our caregivers often refer to this as 'daily charting'. It's a typed sheet with today's date/shift at the top and a list of the main items we need done regularly (with an 'X' next to each item we want done on this particular shift): before-breakfast meds, after-breakfast meds, evening meds, breakfast, lunch, shower, shampoo, oral care, PT home exercises, speech exercises, cleaning the bathroom, making the bed, feeding the cats, and so on. (I also include other items as little reminders--such as: Remember to remove your food/drink from the refrigerator before leaving.)
All the caregiver has to do is scan the list for the items we want done, and check the items off as they complete them. I find this also helps ensure that things actually DO get done consistently.
b. Dad's Daily Peri Care and External Catheter Instructions (from his doctor) c. Description of each PT home exercise. d. Description of each Speech exercise. e. Dad's Daily Foot Care Instructions (from his doctor) f. Instructions for cleaning Dad's shaver. g. Caregiver Updates Sheet (on a clipboard. Here I post updates about Dad's health that they need to be aware of; for example, results of a recent doctor visit, something they need to do differently when he eats lunch, a new topical, and so on.)
All together we have maybe 20 or so separate sheets on different topics taped here and there in the house-- on Dad's dresser mirror, on the bathroom mirror, in a binder next to his lift chair, in the kitchen, in the foyer, on a clipboard, and so on. Saves countless time and stress, both to me in having to repeat myself again and again and for the new caregiver who may be shy about asking.
3. Pick your battles with the caregivers.
In agency home care, the caregivers typically have other clients besides your family. Each home is different and there are SO many things to remember. Prioritize the items that MUST be done a certain way over what would be NICE if it was done a certain way. Don't nit-pick over how they make the bed when the more important thing is that your mom with poor circulation is left sitting with her feet up, not with her feet down.
4. Pick your battles with the agency.
Likewise, the agency may have 100 or clients to please, each with a set of constraints that must be applied when trying to put together the weekly schedule. Each caregiver has a set of constraints of their own (the hours they can work, vacation, time they need to block off, items they're not willing to do, and so on.) And finally, the agency has their own set of constraints--for example, the need to limit the caregiver to 40 hours a week, total, to avoid paying overtime.
Give the agency as much notice as possible whenever you need to cancel, add, or change caregiving hours. (I would suggest always emailing your requests so that you have in writing what you asked, for if it's disputed. If the agency insists phone calls are better, then provide both.)
Be firm when a caregiving situation isn't working out, but don't expect them to find someone new that's a good fit for you overnight. This is a field with mega demand and everyone wants their best people. Conversely, if it's clear you're not getting their best people no matter what you do and how patient you've been, consider making a change. Some agencies are clearly better than others.
4. Smile. It really does go a long way.
5. Be gentle. Be grateful. It's so easy when already stressed to forget the caregiver (and agency) who's only trying to help. Remember that he or she is dealing with her own challenges in her own home. Say thank you. A LOT!
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
Medically they care for her, bath her, watch her and make sure she is safe The CNA's except for one (I won't allow him to touch mom) are good. Some are great! The other day a CNA was dancing with my mom and she loved it. Many walk with her indoors and out. Mom just loves some of them and tells them so. They are gentle with her. I am unemployed so I do the activities and mental stimulation and take her out every day.
Thanks
Andria
What I personally like is they do more than just care for Frannie, they do our dishes, put in a load of laundry, mop or sweep the floor, all while caring for her also. At Christmas they helped decorate the house with Frannie and I over the three days it took to do so. They are about $26 per hour so here in Omaha, but well worth it, with all the extra we get for the time they are here. hope this helps!
We currently use agency caregivers approximately 48-50 hours a week. The current agency employs only CNAs, who typically have more training than an HHA (home health aide). The agency we use is pretty strict about caregiver attendance, unlike the last agency. This has been immensely helpful.
A few things from my heart about home care:
(PART 1 - FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS - How to get the most from your home care)
1. Document your primary care needs BEFORE you meet with the agency for the first time. Prioritize your must-haves and provide that list to the representative. Stress the number one thing you need and insist they send only caregivers who can meet that need to your satisfaction. Do you need someone who is excellent with transfers? A good listener for a lonely parent? Would a caregiver who talks endlessly about her own life get on your parent's nerves (and yours?) Would your elderly dad prefer a male caregiver instead of female?
Don't be shy if an item or two is critical to a good fit. It's easier for the agency to screen out what won't work up front, instead of sending endless people to your house only to be rejected later.
2. Be organized. Caregiving agencies can have A LOT of caregiver turnover. If home care is your long-term plan, you're bound to be answering the same questions over and over whenever a new caregiver is sent to you. A simple way to make this less painful is to develop a set of documentation for new caregivers to use as a reference until they get familiar with how it works at your house.
For example, here are some of the typed sheets we post in the house for our caregivers
a. Daily Caregiver Requests sheet (on a clipboard). Our caregivers often refer to this as 'daily charting'. It's a typed sheet with today's date/shift at the top and a list of the main items we need done regularly (with an 'X' next to each item we want done on this particular shift): before-breakfast meds, after-breakfast meds, evening meds, breakfast, lunch, shower, shampoo, oral care, PT home exercises, speech exercises, cleaning the bathroom, making the bed, feeding the cats, and so on. (I also include other items as little reminders--such as: Remember to remove your food/drink from the refrigerator before leaving.)
All the caregiver has to do is scan the list for the items we want done, and check the items off as they complete them. I find this also helps ensure that things actually DO get done consistently.
b. Dad's Daily Peri Care and External Catheter Instructions (from his doctor)
c. Description of each PT home exercise.
d. Description of each Speech exercise.
e. Dad's Daily Foot Care Instructions (from his doctor)
f. Instructions for cleaning Dad's shaver.
g. Caregiver Updates Sheet (on a clipboard. Here I post updates about Dad's health that they need to be aware of; for example, results of a recent doctor visit, something they need to do differently when he eats lunch, a new topical, and so on.)
All together we have maybe 20 or so separate sheets on different topics taped here and there in the house-- on Dad's dresser mirror, on the bathroom mirror, in a binder next to his lift chair, in the kitchen, in the foyer, on a clipboard, and so on. Saves countless time and stress, both to me in having to repeat myself again and again and for the new caregiver who may be shy about asking.
3. Pick your battles with the caregivers.
In agency home care, the caregivers typically have other clients besides your family. Each home is different and there are SO many things to remember. Prioritize the items that MUST be done a certain way over what would be NICE if it was done a certain way. Don't nit-pick over how they make the bed when the more important thing is that your mom with poor circulation is left sitting with her feet up, not with her feet down.
4. Pick your battles with the agency.
Likewise, the agency may have 100 or clients to please, each with a set of constraints that must be applied when trying to put together the weekly schedule. Each caregiver has a set of constraints of their own (the hours they can work, vacation, time they need to block off, items they're not willing to do, and so on.) And finally, the agency has their own set of constraints--for example, the need to limit the caregiver to 40 hours a week, total, to avoid paying overtime.
Give the agency as much notice as possible whenever you need to cancel, add, or change caregiving hours. (I would suggest always emailing your requests so that you have in writing what you asked, for if it's disputed. If the agency insists phone calls are better, then provide both.)
Be firm when a caregiving situation isn't working out, but don't expect them to find someone new that's a good fit for you overnight. This is a field with mega demand and everyone wants their best people. Conversely, if it's clear you're not getting their best people no matter what you do and how patient you've been, consider making a change. Some agencies are clearly better than others.
4. Smile. It really does go a long way.
5. Be gentle. Be grateful. It's so easy when already stressed to forget the caregiver (and agency) who's only trying to help. Remember that he or she is dealing with her own challenges in her own home. Say thank you. A LOT!
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