The Problem
Many folks do not understand the difference between “as needed care” and “scheduled care.” As a result, people secure improper care for themselves or their loved one. Improper care often results in injury, malnourishment, depression and overall health decline.
This story from COMO News highlights a common problem in larger assisted-living institutions. As a geriatric care provider, I frequently hear this exact narrative.
Breaking It Down
What is As Needed Care?
As needed care allows residents to receive whatever personal assistance or care they need when they need it. For example, if a resident has an incontinence accident they do not wait for care. Instead, a resident receives assistance as soon as possible – often immediately. Consequently, resident’s maintain their skin integrity and dignity.
Spada Care Homes provides as needed care. As a result, residents receive the safety benefits detailed above and also experience a better quality of life. Thus, it seems so basic to me – residents should receive assistance whenever they need it, not only when it is convenient for the staff.
What is Scheduled Care?
Alternatively, scheduled care is common in assisted living facilities. Sadly, the majority of consumers do not understand this significant difference.
Residents in assisted living facilities enjoy more privacy within private closed-door quarters. This provides a feeling of greater independence. Yet, for anyone with mobility or cognitive challenges, retiring behind closed doors often carries significant risks and can result in severe injuries.
In institutional settings, staff commonly check on residents at predetermined times. For example, a care plan might specify a shower on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 PM. If a resident needs a shower because they have an unexpected incontinence episode, it is often difficult to get help when they truly need it.
If a resident is unable to call for help, or their call button happens to malfunction, they will suffer until a caregiver checks on them at the next predetermined schedule. The gentleman in the story was on the floor for at least eight hours before he was discovered!
This is the risk of scheduled care — and being alone behind closed doors.
Incidentally, in similar situations, the facility often considers you a “high-risk resident” and will likely obligate you to hire – and pay for – your own full-time caregiver(s). On average this service costs $26 per hour in Seattle. Care for eight hours a day will set you back a hefty $6,240 a month.
In fact, it is more common than you think for a facility to require a private caregiver for sixteen, and even twenty-four hour days depending on individual safety risk factors.
The Solution
Seek out solutions for yourself and your loved one where care is provided on a consistent basis!
In our adult family homes, you receive the care and personal assistance you need, 24/7/ 365 days a year!
You can still retire to your own bedroom and maintain the privacy and solitude you desire, but our caregivers are constantly checking in on you and your safety!
Moreover, use this article’s information to secure proper care. With your newfound knowledge act as an advocate for yourself or your loved. Do so by asking the right questions to gain additional information.
If you are living in an assisted living facility or considering moving into one, here are three simple questions to ask the administrator:
- Under what circumstances or conditions would you require us to hire a private caregiver?
- If my parent is to need unexpected assistance outside of routine scheduled times, how would it be handled?
- If my parent requires additional assistance, for example with dressing and undressing every day, how would you handle this, and how would it effect our cost?
Further Information
If you are interested in furthering your knowledge you can read the original story here.
