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SENIORS Senior Corner It’s not in the brochure By: Panida Ferris-Locke, MA In October of 2016, I had the opportunity to attend the


California Assisted Living Association Conference in Palm Desert. At this event, professionals in our industry come together for the purpose of learning, networking and sup- port our industry of Senior Living. There’s no doubt that our industry, like many industries, face challenges of de- mand and strive to continue to raise the bar on our service delivery. Indeed, there were many take away messages, but


one that stands out to me was Customer Satisfaction. In the Senior Living in- dustry, we strive not just to create meaningful interactions with our residents and families through active lifestyles, support, but also to create an atmosphere of home. While that sounds simple, it is indeed a difficult task for many communities to meet. Communities that have found a way to meet such goals know about choosing


the right people to run their operations. In my years of being in senior living, it is clear to me that empoloyees must have passion for working with seniors. This is an important factor when you are searching for the right community for your loved ones. Once moved in, the amenities that brought you to that decision in the first place may not seem as important. In the end, it is the people; the staff in which you are interacting with on a daily basis. Observe how staff interacts with their residents when you tour a community. Chat with a resident to see how they like living in that community. Programming is important, but make sure you understand what that means.


It’s not just about what activities calendar is presented to you, it’s about how suc- cessful these actives are in that specific community. Are there a good amount of residents attending? What’s a popular activity that brings the room to life? Per- haps you may want to attend and observe an activity to see for yourself. Activities should be balanced to inlcude includes physical, mental, and social components. Clinical and care support is another key component. Make sure you under-


stand the staff make up. What is the assisted living director responsible for? How does medication get managed and passed to you? Are there call systems that help you alert the staff in the event that you need assistance? Asking questions that are related to care will allow you to make an informed decision and to better understand whether this will be your final move, or a short term move. What if you become a two people transfer, can the community provide care? When you are considering moving in to a community, there are a few items that you will need to provide, based on the State’s requirements:


1. A Physician’s Report, also known as the 602, must be filled out and signed by your physician. This report specifically addresses any primary and secondary diagnoses as well as provides an updated medication list. It provides information such as: Can you manage your own medication? Can you leave the community unescorted? Can you manage you daily living ac- tivities such as bathing, continence and ambulation? From the findings on this report, you will be asked to participate in an assessment.


2. An Assessment will be done by the community to decide what type of care you will need. In this area, I often see that there are some families and residents who will negotiate care. While cost cutting is important, it is one area that is highly misunderstood. Saving a few dollars that may put you at risk for a fall can create a trajectory in health decline that is not worth it. The first 30 days in the community is a telling time. The community is getting to know you and you are getting to know your new home. Care can always be adjusted in the event that you do not need it, but I would highly recommend that you go with what the assessment says when it comes to your initial care.


3. A Physician’s Order for Life Sustaining Treatment form must be com- pleted and signed by your physician. This form covers what services you want or do not want during a medical emergency. For more information, please visit polst.org


4. Tuberculin skin test (also called a Mantoux tuberculin test) is done to see if you have ever been exposed to tuberculosis (TB).


FEBRUARY 2017


All in all, the decision to find the next place that you can call home is not


an easy one. I advise people to trust their instincts but be sure to do your home- work. Move into the community that you most feel will offer an environment that feels most like home to you. Chose a community where you can make friends and live a rich life. Ultimately, a beautiful activity room that is empty is not as ben- eficial as one that may look less fancy but is full of life!


Panida Ferris-Locke is an Executive Director for Integral Senior Living


in Chula Vista. For any questions and feedback, please feel free to contact VillabonitaED@islllc.com or call 949-633-3243.


Redefine Your Life


Are you 50 plus years and thinking what now? Are you living your best life or is it time to re-imagine the life you


want? Join us in the process of self-discovery and reigniting the flame within. We will redefine the concept of aging and explore what needs to happen on a day to day basis to create a life with more joy and purpose. MSJC.EDU/CE or (951) 487-3707


Menifee Valley Campus, Continuing Education, 2/11/2017 10:00 am – 12:30pm


Fee: $55, Class number 9008. Keigley, J (M.A Counseling/Psychology)


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