Levels of Care

In looking for alternative living situations for an older relative or friend, there is often confusion in knowing where to look and finding the appropriate place. The varying levels of care change from facility to facility. They must be licensed by the state of California to provide the level of care specified under a particular criteria appropriate for that level.

First it is absolutely necessary to have an assessment done professionally by someone experienced in this area. This can save needless expense, worry, and frustration as well as time.

Custodial Care Services:

-In home care: provides care and services to support the person living in their own home when appropriate to the person's needs and wishes. This could be companion care much more depending upon need.

-Board and care: For the person who can no longer live independently. Group living arrangements providing a degree of oversight while helping with meals, bathing and dressing.

-Assisted Living: Group homes which provide help with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Assisted Living facilities do more oversight and often have residents with some memory impairment. The Facilities are responsible under their licensure for the safety of the resident, to be aware of the resident's needs and report to physicians or family if there are concerns.Many assisted living have a separate dementia unit which enables husband and wife to live in the same community while receiving the level of care to meet their needs.

-Dementia facilities: appropriate for Alzheimer's and other related diseases, which effect the person's ability to function.

-Rehabilitation facilities. These facilities are not structured for the long term care senior, but are staffed to handle physical therapy needs and work on a timeline of progress to get the person functioning so that they can go home or to another facility.

-Convalescent or Nursing Homes: Facilities can provide short term rehab services as well as long term chronic care 24 hours a day.

activities. For the long term, there is no insurance to cover the cost unless the individual has long term care insurance. The number of medical beds are limited.

Many facilities will have an ombudsman who handles complaints and works with the patient, the family and the facility to resolve issues.

Contacting a professional geriatric care manager can relieve your anxieties. Reviewing your options with a professional can offer you sound information considering personal circumstances as well as financial ones.