Working Caregiver- Texas Options for Seniors in Assisted Living
Is Assisted Living an Option for Your Senior?
Assisted Living, Is It an Opiton for your Seniors?
Too many times, the decision to move our elderly loved ones from their home to an assisted living facility or nursing home is forced upon us without adequate time to research what they are and what they do. This decision may be required due to an accident, surgery, financial or other reason, but we feel compelled to make the decision quickly, but not lightly.
According to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), "assisted living facilities provide individualized health and personal care assistance in a homelike setting with an emphasis on personal dignity, autonomy, independence, and privacy. Facilities can be large apartment--ike settings or private residences. Services include meals, bathing, dressing, toileting, and administering or supervising medication." Rates and fees are as varied as the services provided and are usually based on the resident's needs and abilities and the type of facility as discussed below.
Texas licenses assisted living facilities based on residents' physical and mental ability to evacuate the facility in an emergency and whether nighttime attendance is necessary.
- A Type A facilitycares for residents who do not require routine attendance during sleeping hours and are capable of following directions in an emergency.
- A Type B facility is for residents who require staff assistance to evacuate, are not capable of following directions in an emergency, and require nighttime attendance.
- A Type E facility is for residents who are mentally and physically capable of unassisted evacuation in an emergency, do not require night time attendance, and require only medication supervision.
The Licensing Standards for Type A, B, and E facilities are governed by DADS and are included as Chapter 247 of the Health and Safety Code of Texas. These include, but are not limited to, provisions for:
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employees qualifications,
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responsibilities, training, and continuing education,
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residents comprehensive assessment and individual service plan criteria,
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resident and admissions policies, resident records and medications;
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food and nutrition services, infection control; social services.
Assisted living facilities are designed to assist those individuals that need a little help. Not all seniors need the same level of assistance or want the same level of socialization with other residents. If privacy is a factor, then a facility that provides 1 bathroom for two units may not be the way to go. Look at the average level of disability at the facility compared to your senior. Are they comparable? One of the most comprehensive articles on assisted living can be found online at http://www.aaacap.org. Take the time to research what your senior needs, and then find that facility that makes them feel at home. You and your loved ones will be happier in the long run.
Sandra McElvaney
Real Living, Lifestyles Realty
512-751-6352
