Picking the perfect personal care home |
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2. Who pays for a personal care home?
In some states, community care programs cover some expenses for Medicaid-eligible residents. But usually, residents are responsible for paying. Many personal care home owners are flexible about the rates, within reason. But if your parent can only pay $1,500 per month, it's a waste of time to look at homes that cost substantially more.
If adversity hits and your parent's financial status worsens, some owners adjust the rates. "I'd say eight out of 10 owners that I work with would decrease the monthly payment if they had to in order to keep a resident," says Moreland. "They won't all do it, but there's frequently flexibility that you won't find in an assisted living facility."
3. Are these homes regulated?
They are regulated by each state. The requirements vary, so check your state government's Web site for information. Know what the regulations are before you tour a home. If a personal care home owner isn't following the state's guidelines, then they're probably cutting corners elsewhere.
Personal care homes sometimes go by different names, such as "board and care homes." Or they might even be lumped in with assisted living facilities. New LifeStyles has a state-by-state database that helps identify the names of housing options in each state.
4. How do I find a personal care home in my state?
A good place to start is with A Place For Mom, where you'll be hooked up with an eldercare advisor in your area. The service is provided free; the care providers pay fees. Eldercare Locator, provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging, is another resource. Also contact your state's Department of Aging for information on services in your community.
5. What do I look for when I tour a home?
Before you leave your home, grab a notepad. Later, when you're trying to remember which house didn't seem wheelchair-friendly enough, you'll be glad you have your notes. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you tour a home:
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Look for the state license in the entryway. |
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Check out the kitchen. Is it clean? Is the dining area cheerful? |
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Don't forget to inquire about meals. Are menus posted? Is it the kind of food your parent likes? Are healthy between-meal snacks available? |
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Examine the bathroom. Are there handrails? Easy access to the shower? Is there an odor? |
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Check out your parent's potential bedroom. Is it large enough for your mom's rocking chair? Is there cable hook-up? Adequate closet space? |
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Confirm that a medication log is kept. Are the medications kept in a locked cabinet? |
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Take a walk outside. Is there a hazard-free place to walk or sit outside? |
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Locate the nearest hospital. No one wants to think about such things, but it can make a difference if an emergency room is close by. |
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You can get more helpful checklists at A Place For Mom and the Pennsylvania Health Care Association.
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