Important Facts

• How do I know if my loved one is ready for assisted living?
• Assisted Living checklist - things to know
• Veterans Benefits

How do I know if my loved one is ready for assisted living?

Here is a list of behavioral changes to look for

• Does not react appropriately in emergency situations
• Personal hygiene problems
• Home in disarray or needing to be cleaned
• Extreme weight loss or weight gain-check for spoiled food or insufficient food in the home
• Failure to manage medication or medical appointments
• Increased difficulty with mobility such as climbing the stairs or using a bathtub
• Changes in judgment, mood or overall behavior
• Increased forgetfulness-check for un-opened mail or unread newspapers
• Missed bill payments or other financial difficulties
• Unusual or extravagant purchases that are out of character
• Decreased social activities or failing to maintain friendships

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Assisted Living checklist - things to know (Download PDF)

Facility and staff:

1. Who owns the facility?
2. Is health care the company’s primary business?
   
3. How long has the facility been open?
   
4. How long has the management staff been at the facility?
   
5. Are there any R.N.’s or L.P.N.’s on staff?
   
6. If there is assistance with medications, who does this?
   
7. Are the past state inspections available for viewing?
   
8. What training does the staff receive?
   
9. What is the process for filing and resolving complaints?

Costs and Features:

1. Which services are included in the monthly fee?
2. Which services have an extra cost?
3. Is a security deposit required? Are there any other deposits? Are they refundable?
4. Can residents use their own belongings? Can they have their own car at the facility?
5. Will the facility make arrangements for extra medical support if needed? With whom? Is there an additional charge for this?

Activities & Amenities:

1. Can you receive a copy of the weekly activities?
2. Does the facility have a particular religious affiliation?
3. How many men and women are at the facility? What is the average age?
   

Medical Services:

1. What health care services are available on site? (podiatry, physical therapy, dental, etc.)
2. Can the facility arrange prescription delivery?
   
3. How are incontinence and other personal supplies provided?
   
4. Are assistive devices allowed at the facility?
   
5. What type of emergency response does the facility provide?

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Veterans Benefits

The VA (The Department of Veterans Affairs) has a Pension Benefit called “Aid and Attendance” This is available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or are receiving in-home care.

Additional info and assistance in applying for the “Aid and Attendance” benefit may be obtained by calling 1-800-827-1000.

Information available online at: www.va.gov

You may apply online though it is recommended that you seek help with a Veteran Service Organization (VSO).  (You can contact Rose Garden to get numbers of local service officers.)  There are 2 reasons for using a VSO. 1) agents are accredited with the VA to assist you and,  2) they have access to the VA’s tracking system and can follow your application through the process helping to expedite it.) 

Submit application online at:  http://vabenefits.vba.gov/vonapp/main.asp