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Adult Care Homes: Understanding the Truths and Misconceptions
Adult care homes, previously known as adult foster homes, have been around for over 30 years. The original intention of these small homes was to provide an alternative to the traditional “nursing home” model of care as well as provide a small, family like environment. There are now more adult care homes than any other level of care in the state of Oregon. Care homes can be an ideal level of care for an individual who needs overall supervision, daily care, and who would benefit from a small environment.
Here are some of the misconceptions and truths about adult care homes:
Misconception: A lot of abuse and neglect happens in care homes.
Truth: Most care homeowners provide quality care in a warm, loving environment. Homes with a reputation of good care will always let you visit unannounced or on short notice and will communicate with you regularly about what is going on with your loved one in their home. As a referral agency, we vet care homes very carefully by visiting them regularly and checking county and state complaint history.
Misconception: Care homes can’t handle people with dementia, so they should go to a memory care community.
Truth: Many residents in care homes have a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. If the person is not exit seeking or wandering regularly, a care home can provide the high level of support that individuals with dementia need. A smaller environment, with less stimuli and high caregiver ratios is often preferred for these individuals over a larger community.
Misconception: All residents do all day is watch tv.
Truth: Care Homes have a consistent daily routine and are required to offer six hours of activities per week. Some residents decline activities and prefer spending time in their room, other residents are active with reading, doing puzzles, spending time outside, art projects or other things the resident is interested in. It is helpful if the family shares what types of activities your loved one enjoys and bring things that offer joy and comfort.
Misconception: Care homes can’t provide care for people with complex medical care needs.
Truth: Many high needs care homes offer 24/7 nursing staff and multiple caregivers during the day and a caregiver that is awake at night. They offer almost as much care as a nursing facility at half of the cost.
Misconception: My loved one will be unhappy in a care home.
Truth: There is always an adjustment for residents after a move, regardless of the level of care. Often residents do better with caregivers that aren’t family, but it is normal for residents to take a couple of weeks to adjust. After the adjustment period residents typically stabilize or even improve once they adapt to the routine and the care that is provided to them.
Misconception: Care homes can’t care for my loved one at night.
Truth: Care homes are available at night for occasional night needs, such as repositioning for people who are bed bound, incontinence care, bathroom support, etc. Most residents don’t need someone awake with them at night, but if your loved one does require awake night care there are care homes that can accommodate that need as well.
We hope that we have dispelled some of the misbeliefs about adult care homes. As a referral agency, we find care homes to be a safe, warm level of care for the individuals we place.
The post Adult Care Homes: Understanding the Truths and Misconceptions appeared first on Mt. Hood Senior Solutions.
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