If you are new to the senior care industry, understanding the language and the acronyms can be a challenge. We've assembled some of the questions we are most frequently asked with answers below. But, if we've forgotten something, please use the email link below to get help from our experts.
Q: My husband has Alzheimer's disease. When we started investigating a nursing home for him, I was told Medicare won't cover it because his care is custodial and not skilled. What is the difference between custodial care and what is skilled care?
A: Generally, care is considered custodial when it is care that helps support activities of daily living like cooking, bathing, dressing and more. These activities do not require the skills of a licensed, professional caregiver. Skilled care is when a person requires the skills of a licensed professional. Some examples include wound care following a surgery or accident, physical therapy to recover from an injury, speech therapy following a stroke or the administration of IV antibiotics. They are usually short term in nature with the exception of patients with a chronic illness that requires a ventilator or long-term treatments.
Q: We are looking around for an assisted living apartment for my aunt. The person we spoke with asked us how ambulatory she was. What does that really mean?
A: Ambulatory is a term used in senior living to describe a person's ability to walk around. They ask that because it helps them to determine how much care your aunt will need. For example, if she is able to "ambulate" on her own to the dining room, it is likely that she will need less care than someone who requires the use of a wheelchair.
Q: We have toured two assisted living communities to find care for my father. In one newer community, the residents seemed much more active than in one that has been around longer. Why are there such differences? Shouldn't they be required to move to a nursing home?
A: That is one of the most frequently asked questions! Some communities follow a philosophy referred to as aging in place. That means that once a resident has moved in to a community, they are allowed to remain there as they physically and mentally decline. The community typically brings more services to them as they are required. They allow residents to remain there as long as they are not a danger to themselves or to the residents around them.
Q: I have been caring for my wife at home for nearly 4 years now. She has dementia and keeping up with her is wearing me out. My doctor suggested I place her in a nursing community for a respite stay. What does that mean?
A: Sounds like your doctor thinks you need a break from care giving! A respite stay is often viewed as a break for a weary caregiver. Respite can range from a few hours up to a month. This service gives caregivers the opportunity to run errands or to just take a nap! It is also an alternative for a family if the caregiver needs to attend an out-of-town wedding or go on a business trip.
Q: Our adult son keeps telling us that we need to have an Advance Directive. What is this?
A: Most commonly known as a "Living Will," it is a written document that states a person's health care preferences and who their decision maker is in the event they have a serious illness or injury that makes them unable to make their own health care decisions. It helps your family clearly understand what your wishes are in the event that you cannot speak for yourself.
If you have a question we haven't covered, contact your Senior Care Advisor or email our experts at: AskTheExpert@SeniorLiving.Net. We'll be happy to help!
