What’s Best for My Loved One?
The isolating effects of this pandemic have been difficult for us all, but particularly hard on some more than others. Persons with memory impairment are no exception. Like all of us, they require socialization as well as engagement and stimulation, to which quarantine is not conducive.
Many with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias may have slipped further along in their disease, or their families have realized they are not equipped to care for them properly. The journey to find just the right care for a very special person can be daunting.
Navigating the search for the right assisted living or nursing home has become more complicated with the pandemic, as additional questions need to be asked regarding how they have managed during the crisis. We spoke with Maria Scaros, Executive Director at The Greens at Greenwich, to provide us with some guidance to help you navigate the search.
Assisted Living or Long-Term Care
What Should You be Looking for:
Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?
Sponsored by:
• Do they have a chronic medical issue that requires a nurse or
doctor to monitor them 24/7?
• Are they wheelchair-bound and do they need assistance to transfer
in and out of bed?
• Are they medically unstable, requiring constant supervision?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, they may not be appropriate for assisted living, and likely will need a nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility. Each assisted living and skilled nursing facility has its own criteria for admission.
Be honest. Let the facility know what you need. It only hurts your loved one if they are not placed in the appropriate community because you did not disclose their true needs.
ASSISTED LIVING
Assisted living is for-profit, and therefore is private-pay. The costs range depending on the resident’s needs. As more help is required, costs may increase. The Greens at Greenwich provides all-inclusive care, which means that as the resident requires more help, costs do not increase.
What does your loved one need?
Memory care assisted living communities are specialized and structured to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias that progress over time.
Maria Scaros states, “The Greens at Greenwich is a leader in memory care and is recognized by a number of universities. Internship programs for master’s-level students who wish to work with residents and families dealing with memory impairment are a part of our culture.” One of the many unique factors at The Greens at Greenwich is that Maria Scaros is a clinician. Her leadership in education and programming over the past six years is reflected in the community’s way of living as well as the longevity of residents and staff.
Memory Care Assisted Living
• What is their philosophy of care?
• What are their interventions, activities, and programming?
• Who facilitates the programs? What is their expertise?
• How is the programming developed?
• How do programs and care change as the resident changes?
• How are families involved?
• What is unique about the way they care for memory
impairment?
In your search for memory care, educate yourself in the diseases of dementia.
Ask communities:
Share what your loved one enjoys and what would pique their interest. “At the Greens, a resident who was a former CEO still enjoys making presentations. We have provided him the opportunity to develop presentations which he then gives to the Greens staff,” says Scaros. She continues: “Another resident owned an art gallery and is encouraged to offer tours to staff and residents about the art in her apartment and in our common areas.”
One of Maria Scaros’ family members offered a tip: “Get a map and draw a circle around the area you want to explore, and don’t go outside the lines. Google the communities that lie within your area of choice. Select three to five communities to explore.”
For that family, proximity to Mom was very important. They wanted to drop in before and after work. Thankfully, The Greens at Greenwich was the perfect choice as they landed smack in the middle of the circle and met all the important criteria.
Start with a Map
What brought you to the place where assisted living or skilled nursing is your next step? Answering that question will help guide you to the level of care you need. A traditional assisted living and a memory care assisted living will look and feel different. The questions you ask will also be different.
Before you call or visit, do your homework and compile a list of questions. If you find you are still overwhelmed, engage a Senior Advisor who will provide personalized service and help you explore and navigate the various communities. Their services are free to you. Use a local Senior Advisor, as they have visited the communities you are exploring and will help you find the best fit. Ask them to come with you as you visit the communities. Some of the best in Lower Fairfield County include:
Why Now?
• OASIS Senior Advisors: 475-619-4123
• Care Patrol: 203-244-9562
• Assisted Living Locators: 203-651-6866
At The Greens at Greenwich, the virus was kept from the community for nine months. By November, the virus creeped in. Thankfully, by Christmas, the community was covid-free again.
How Has the Community Managed During the Pandemic?
The search for the right community for your loved one is a daunting task. It can be overwhelming and can bring up practical and impractical concerns, along with emotions that will surprise you. For most of us, this road is not on our radar. But you are not expected to be an expert. Do not be afraid to ask questions of the first person you get on the phone. Remember, you do not need to do this alone. Take a breath. Ask for help. Take the first step. You will find the right community for your loved one.
While speaking to the community representative, do you feel comfortable? Are they truly sensitive to your loved one’s needs and your questions? Does the community appear bright, warm, and inviting? Will your loved one be able to navigate the space? Does the staff look happy? Are the residents engaged? What are the social, cognitive, educational, and spiritual activities? Most of all, can you see your loved one happy in the environment? Trust your gut feeling, and be honest. It is about your loved one, not you.
Look Beyond the Brick and Mortar
• What are the current procedures for caring for residents?
• Do staff work in multiple places?
• Has the community received the vaccine? If not, when is it
scheduled?
Ask what protocols the community has in place for COVID:
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203.531.5500
