Assisted-living
residences
One
of the privileges of family life is helping a beloved elder
family member find an assisted-living residence to meet their
daily living, health-care, nutritional, social, and spiritual
needs. Seniors’ residences vary in both offerings and qualifications,
so it’s important for a family to review several residences
before making a selection.
Here
are some screening guides:
-
Ask
for records of licensure, quality assurance planning, association
memberships, inspection certificates, and continuing education
for staff.
-
Investigate
resident needs assessments and a progress plan.
-
Identify
facility assistance available to memory-impaired or disabled
residents.
-
Inquire
about physician and hospital availability.
-
Obtain
a listing of all services and activities, from medication
assistance and laundry to social activities and group outings.
-
Be
sure to understand all costs and fees.
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When
care fails
Assisted-living
centers that conduct health-care testing have a particularly
important responsibility to residents. After an 84-year-old
was placed on a cardiac medication, he underwent testing to
evaluate results. Although the test lab faxed notice of abnormal
value readings to residence medical staff, they took three
days to notify the resident’s physician. When the resident
became ill and died, his family brought a medical negligence
suit against the testing lab and the assisted-living facility.
A jury awarded significant damages as a “clear statement”
that the resident’s life had value despite his advanced age.
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