Higher Levels of Care

Levels of care:

1. Independent/retirement communities- provide community living options
2. Residential/personal care homes- deliver personal-care services to a smaller setting
3. Assisted living- includes assistance with daily activities
4. Skilled nursing homes- provide a higher level of medical care, 24/7 care/supervision
5. Memory care- provides support for seniors with moderate to severe cognitive impairments
6. Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)- offers varying levels of care within the same facility

Respite care- Provides temporary care when the regular caregiver is unavailable (one or two weeks–potentially longer). Note that respite care isn't covered by insurance. Can be used to help relieve caregiver burnout.

Senior Placement Agencies:
Placement agencies can help you and your loved one find the best fit for your needs. Below is a list of local agents:

• Care Patrol
  Contact: Mary Ann Pickell
  Phone: 610-509-0445
• Premier Senior Placement
  Contact: Karen Onushco
  Phone: 484-764-0610
• A Place for Mom
  Contact: Lori Horvath
  Phone: 570-899-5027

Questions to Ask When Touring a Facility:

Staffing:

• What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
• What memory care training does the staff have to work with dementia?
• How does the staff handle challenging behaviors such as bathing and wandering?
• Do you have any experience with [loved one's diagnosis or challenges]?

Housing:

• What types of apartments/levels of care are available?
• Do you have a waitlist–and if so, what is your policy?
• What if my loved one needs a higher level of care in the future?

Cost:

• What is the monthly cost per apartment type?
• What services are included in the monthly cost?
• What services have additional costs?

Medical:

• Can my loved one still see their current medical care team?
• Is there an on-site physician available?
• Are there nurses on staff 24 hours per day?
• Who will make arrangements for my loved one's outside medical appointments?

Hygiene & health:

• How often do you provide bathing assistance?
• Is toileting assistance available?
• What foods are served?
• Can you accommodate special diets?

Recreation:

• Are there specific visiting hours for families and visitors? If so, what are they?
• What activities are scheduled throughout the week?
• Are there day trips or outdoor activities?
• Is there reliable transportation?

Other ways to search for Skilled Nursing Facilities (aka SNF or Nursing Homes)
www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html

Other ways to search for Assisted Living Facilities (aka ALF:
A list of assisted living facilities from the PA Care Planning Council:
www.carepennsylvania.org/list05_PA_assisted_living_facilities.htm#assistance

A search tool for NJ:
www.healthapps.state.nj.us/facilities/fsSetSearch.aspx?by=county