Q'2
How safe are Nursing facilities and personal residence for people with Alzheimer's?

If you’re in this situation, you know already there is no easy solution. Seniors each one have an unique medical and emotional needs. And money is the main important point in determining the type of care that will be provided. According to the New York Times article “Deciding on Care for Elderly Parents in Declining Health” there are questions that need to be answered.

IS HOME STILL SAFE? If your parent is living at home, he or she probably wants to stay there. If that’s the case, you need to hire an expert.
COMPARE COSTS - Add up the costs that would be involved in keeping your parent at home, including home upgrades, caregivers, rent, mortgage payments and taxes. Factor in what long term care insurance will cover.
WHAT FAMILIES CAN AFFORD? Ultimately, it may all come down to money. Find out how much your parent has and if he or she bought long-term care insurance
THE ASSISTED-LIVING OPTION- Even if parents insist on remaining in the home, doing so may not be in their best interests. A parent in failing health or somehow impaired is not the only one in jeopardy; other family members may be under a lot of stress, too. It can also be lonely and isolating for a parent to stay at home. (Lesley Alderman)

According to the “Alzheimer’s Association Campaign for Quality Residential Care”, the Care of Alzheimer’s patients in a nursing home depends on the extend of two specific areas: focuses on the basics of a good care such as what type of food is in their menu and the amount and type of fluid consumed; also such as the safety of the patients which involves preventing, wandering, falling and having to be physically restrained as well as providing a very safe environment. To ensure good care in nursing homes, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages nursing homes to implement 4 strategies: Advocating with direct care providers ; For quality assurance, working with federal and state policy makers is essential; Offer additional training and education to all levels of care staff; Utilize the “Alzheimer’s Association CareFinder”, Online guide to help consumers in recognize and choose the best options for their care. (Alzheimer’s Association Campaign for Quality Residential Care)

According to the” American Health Assistance Foundation”   Precautions for home care include having emergency phone numbers, locks for windows, doors , toxic substances, medications and alcohol. Smoke detectors, safety devices such as handrails, grab bars. Removing potential hazards such as weapons, plastic bags and power tools. (Alzheimer’s disease research American Health Assistance Foundation)