Senior Care Questions
1. I think my parent needs more help. How can I tell for sure what they need?
When a parent needs more help, it is important to keep things in perspective. Remember that you do not have to do everything by yourself and there is help available in the community.
First, determine what type of help your parent needs. If he needs help with meals, there are programs available in the community. If she has become physically frail, some modest adjustments to the home might help tremendously. Well-placed grab bars and close attention to removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs and extension cords can go a long way in keeping someone safe and independent. Also, consider a personal call system, which is very helpful for frail people at home alone.
If your loved one is beginning to experience some memory loss, even though he is physically independent, it’s time to seek some help. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association for guidance and suggestions of appropriate services.
For those with increased physical needs, perhaps an adult day health program a few days a week will provide you with the break you need, and also give your parent a chance to make new friends and interact with peers. Another option is home care. This is available in many different configurations ranging from companion care to a visit from licensed and registered nurses. Sometimes well-scheduled home care visits can meet a person’s needs for quite a while.
If your parent is truly in need of 24-hour care, there are still options available to you. Depending upon the level of need, assisted living facilities or adult homes may be the right fit. For those with increased needs, a nursing home really is the best option. Here, skilled professionals care for your loved one night and day. Nutritious meals are provided and a variety of social and religious services are available. When the need for nursing care is clear, the decision to go to a skilled nursing home is an appropriate and compassionate one.
For information about local providers available to help you, go to www.rahsa.com.
First, determine what type of help your parent needs. If he needs help with meals, there are programs available in the community. If she has become physically frail, some modest adjustments to the home might help tremendously. Well-placed grab bars and close attention to removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs and extension cords can go a long way in keeping someone safe and independent. Also, consider a personal call system, which is very helpful for frail people at home alone.
If your loved one is beginning to experience some memory loss, even though he is physically independent, it’s time to seek some help. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association for guidance and suggestions of appropriate services.
For those with increased physical needs, perhaps an adult day health program a few days a week will provide you with the break you need, and also give your parent a chance to make new friends and interact with peers. Another option is home care. This is available in many different configurations ranging from companion care to a visit from licensed and registered nurses. Sometimes well-scheduled home care visits can meet a person’s needs for quite a while.
If your parent is truly in need of 24-hour care, there are still options available to you. Depending upon the level of need, assisted living facilities or adult homes may be the right fit. For those with increased needs, a nursing home really is the best option. Here, skilled professionals care for your loved one night and day. Nutritious meals are provided and a variety of social and religious services are available. When the need for nursing care is clear, the decision to go to a skilled nursing home is an appropriate and compassionate one.
For information about local providers available to help you, go to www.rahsa.com.
2. I promised I would never put them in a nursing home, but I see no other option!
Admittedly, this can be a difficult situation. The important thing is that your mother gets the care she needs in a safe environment. If you can no longer do that yourself, you must look at options. Don’t hesitate to get some help to gently advise your parent that, while you want to, you just cannot provide the help that is needed by yourself.
However, you can help your mother by addressing some of the fears she may have about this change.
However, you can help your mother by addressing some of the fears she may have about this change.
3. How do I talk to my parent about accepting more help?
Although a sensitive subject for many, this is not an impossible one to address. Getting started may be the most difficult step.
Keep the discussion calm and low key. Family meetings can work well. This provides a forum for you to talk about your concerns. Then everyone can be involved in identifying what the real issues may be and coming up with ideas.
It is often helpful to engage the assistance of a third party, perhaps your parent’s physician or attorney, or bring in a social worker to help. Your church also may have a person who helps seniors in need of special services. This person can help move the discussion forward and prevent it from being stalled in denial or argument.
Take a collaborative approach with your parent. Focus on the fact that you are in this together and want to work together to figure out what the options may be.
Once you have talked with your parent about accepting more help, keep in mind that he or she may not be prepared to accept all the consequences of the discussion. That’s okay. Take it one step at a time. Arrange for your parent to talk to someone about available options (a physician, attorney or community agency can help), or take them to visit a local provider and arrange to stay for lunch.
What is important is that you all make progress, begin to gather information and get familiar with the options that are available.
Always keep the conversations calm and take a team approach. Remind your parent that you will work together to find the best solution.
Keep the discussion calm and low key. Family meetings can work well. This provides a forum for you to talk about your concerns. Then everyone can be involved in identifying what the real issues may be and coming up with ideas.
It is often helpful to engage the assistance of a third party, perhaps your parent’s physician or attorney, or bring in a social worker to help. Your church also may have a person who helps seniors in need of special services. This person can help move the discussion forward and prevent it from being stalled in denial or argument.
Take a collaborative approach with your parent. Focus on the fact that you are in this together and want to work together to figure out what the options may be.
Once you have talked with your parent about accepting more help, keep in mind that he or she may not be prepared to accept all the consequences of the discussion. That’s okay. Take it one step at a time. Arrange for your parent to talk to someone about available options (a physician, attorney or community agency can help), or take them to visit a local provider and arrange to stay for lunch.
What is important is that you all make progress, begin to gather information and get familiar with the options that are available.
Always keep the conversations calm and take a team approach. Remind your parent that you will work together to find the best solution.
4. How do I pick the right care provider?
Choosing the right care provider be it a nursing home or a different type of care—can be a complex task. With an increasing number of options to choose from, it is important to begin your search before you or someone you love needs care.
Start your search by asking for referrals from your family members, physician, friends, clergy, or from your hospital social work department. You might consult with a geriatric care manager or a community agency that specializes in serving seniors (check the yellow pages for resources). Once you have identified three or four options, contact each home or service and request an information packet.
After reviewing the information you receive, arrange to tour the places that interest you. Each situation is unique, so your priorities and those of your loved one will help you decide how to weigh the different offerings.
For a free checklist of things to look for when visiting a home, contact Wesley at wginfo@wesleygardens.com.
Start your search by asking for referrals from your family members, physician, friends, clergy, or from your hospital social work department. You might consult with a geriatric care manager or a community agency that specializes in serving seniors (check the yellow pages for resources). Once you have identified three or four options, contact each home or service and request an information packet.
After reviewing the information you receive, arrange to tour the places that interest you. Each situation is unique, so your priorities and those of your loved one will help you decide how to weigh the different offerings.
For a free checklist of things to look for when visiting a home, contact Wesley at wginfo@wesleygardens.com.
5. I’m afraid of the costs? What are our options?
It is good for you to be considering the costs of long term care. If you are looking ahead to the future, there may be time to consider long term care insurance for your loved one. There is certainly time to consider it for yourself.
Some estimates predict that one out of two Americans will require long term care at some time in their lives. Long term care insurance offers a variety of coverage options. Do your research to determine what a policy may costand to understand what is covered.
First, you need an understanding of long term care costs. Long term care is usually provided through four basic forms: home care, adult day health care, assisted living and nursing home care.
In the Rochester, New York, area today, the average cost for home care is $16.87 per hour or $21,931 per year (assuming five visits per week of five hours per visit). Cost for assisted living is $2,312 per month or $27,744 per year. Cost for nursing home care is $200 per day or $73,000 per year. Naturally, inflation will impact these costs.
When considering insurance, give thought to what type of long termcare you might need or want. Not all policies cover every type of care. Do you want coverage for home care? What about adult day health care? For nursing homecare, make sure a policy covers custodial care since day-to-daynursing home care falls inthis category.
Comparing policies is extremely difficult because there are so many combinations of benefits and coverage. Most offer to pay a fixed dollar amount each day you receive care.Other companies offer to pay a percentage of the cost of services or a specified dollar amount to cover the actual charges for care. Whatever type of policy you choose, make sure it includes inflation protection since costs are sure to increase by the time you need the benefits.
Carefully review the benefits in the policy, make sure you understand them and that they are what you desire. Do not buy a policy primarily because it has the lowest price. Benefits and qualification requirements vary greatly among policies so you should not compare policies based solely on cost. As with any important purchase, be sure to shop around.
If it is too late to consider long term care insurance for your loved one, long term care costs must be paid for by personal savings and assets. Medicaid is available for people that meet certain financial criteria. Be aware that there are many confusing issues impacting Medicaid eligibility such as the “look back” period and spousal impoverishment. It is important to get good help in navigating all the Medicaid regulations. In Rochester, New York, Lifespan(585-244-8400) and Eldersource (585-325-2800) can provide some assistance. You can also check out the government’s website at www.cms.hhs.gov.
Some estimates predict that one out of two Americans will require long term care at some time in their lives. Long term care insurance offers a variety of coverage options. Do your research to determine what a policy may costand to understand what is covered.
First, you need an understanding of long term care costs. Long term care is usually provided through four basic forms: home care, adult day health care, assisted living and nursing home care.
In the Rochester, New York, area today, the average cost for home care is $16.87 per hour or $21,931 per year (assuming five visits per week of five hours per visit). Cost for assisted living is $2,312 per month or $27,744 per year. Cost for nursing home care is $200 per day or $73,000 per year. Naturally, inflation will impact these costs.
When considering insurance, give thought to what type of long termcare you might need or want. Not all policies cover every type of care. Do you want coverage for home care? What about adult day health care? For nursing homecare, make sure a policy covers custodial care since day-to-daynursing home care falls inthis category.
Comparing policies is extremely difficult because there are so many combinations of benefits and coverage. Most offer to pay a fixed dollar amount each day you receive care.Other companies offer to pay a percentage of the cost of services or a specified dollar amount to cover the actual charges for care. Whatever type of policy you choose, make sure it includes inflation protection since costs are sure to increase by the time you need the benefits.
Carefully review the benefits in the policy, make sure you understand them and that they are what you desire. Do not buy a policy primarily because it has the lowest price. Benefits and qualification requirements vary greatly among policies so you should not compare policies based solely on cost. As with any important purchase, be sure to shop around.
If it is too late to consider long term care insurance for your loved one, long term care costs must be paid for by personal savings and assets. Medicaid is available for people that meet certain financial criteria. Be aware that there are many confusing issues impacting Medicaid eligibility such as the “look back” period and spousal impoverishment. It is important to get good help in navigating all the Medicaid regulations. In Rochester, New York, Lifespan(585-244-8400) and Eldersource (585-325-2800) can provide some assistance. You can also check out the government’s website at www.cms.hhs.gov.
Questions About Wesley Gardens
1. What types of services does Wesley Gardens offer?
Wesley Gardens offers high quality, resident-focused care in the heart of Rochester’s cultural district. Wesley offers traditional skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation, memory care, respite and hospice programs.
Skilled Nursing Care:Wesley provides compassionate and friendly care to those who require medical assistance or help with daily living activities. Care is provided around the clock by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants.
Rehabilitation: Effective rehabilitation after injury, illness or surgery can be the key to regaining physical abilities and even independence. A brief stay in a nursing facility that meets your rehabilitation needs may be the key to a successful recovery. This choice can also provide peace of mind to family members who know that their loved one is receiving quality medical care in the appropriate setting. Wesley provides a range of physical, occupational and speech therapy. For more information, ask for your free copy of Wesley’s rehabilitation brochure.
Memory Care: Wesley’s Memory Care program is designed to provide a safe and nurturing living environment for those dealing with memory loss. The program is aimed at promoting independence and self-esteem while reducing agitation. All direct caregivers receive special training conducted with the assistance of the Rochester Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Hospice:Through Wesley’s Hospice program, residents receive comfortable end-of-life care from caring professionals.
Respite: Wesley’s Respite program provides skilled nursing care to individuals for short periods of time, often when a caregiver needs to be out of town. Respite residents receive the same high-quality, individualized care as long-term Wesley residents.
Skilled Nursing Care:Wesley provides compassionate and friendly care to those who require medical assistance or help with daily living activities. Care is provided around the clock by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants.
Rehabilitation: Effective rehabilitation after injury, illness or surgery can be the key to regaining physical abilities and even independence. A brief stay in a nursing facility that meets your rehabilitation needs may be the key to a successful recovery. This choice can also provide peace of mind to family members who know that their loved one is receiving quality medical care in the appropriate setting. Wesley provides a range of physical, occupational and speech therapy. For more information, ask for your free copy of Wesley’s rehabilitation brochure.
Memory Care: Wesley’s Memory Care program is designed to provide a safe and nurturing living environment for those dealing with memory loss. The program is aimed at promoting independence and self-esteem while reducing agitation. All direct caregivers receive special training conducted with the assistance of the Rochester Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Hospice:Through Wesley’s Hospice program, residents receive comfortable end-of-life care from caring professionals.
Respite: Wesley’s Respite program provides skilled nursing care to individuals for short periods of time, often when a caregiver needs to be out of town. Respite residents receive the same high-quality, individualized care as long-term Wesley residents.
2. What is the admission process?
A potential resident must complete an application form, which provides information regarding next of kin, insurance, and financial information.
- A Patient Review Instrument (PRI). The PRI provides a standard evaluation of a potential resident’s health status and level of care needed. This form helps determine the most appropriate placement for each resident. If a potential resident is currently hospitalized or in another facility, they will complete this form. If this is not the case, the person must contact an individual that performs PRIs and have one done.
- Before moving in, a resident or designated representative must sign Wesley’s admissions agreement.
3. When can a resident move in?
Once Wesley determines that we can meet the needs of a potential resident, a bed offer is made. If the bed offer is accepted by the potential resident, a mutually convenient move-in date and time is scheduled.
4. What are Wesley’s rates?
As a provider of skilled nursing care, Wesley offers 24-hour care provided by a variety of well-trained, certified and/or licensed personnel. In addition, standard day-to-day living expenses are also included in our rates.
For our most current rates, call our Admissions Office at 585-241-2111.
For our most current rates, call our Admissions Office at 585-241-2111.
5. What is the New York State Assessment?
In 2002, the New York State legislature adopted a budget policy that taxes nursing homes 6% on all revenue. Wesley’s only option is to pass this cost along to our customers.
6. What types of payment does Wesley accept?
We accept private payment, long term care insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.
7. What services are included in the daily rate?
We offer many services for our guests. They include:
- Room and utilities (except telephone, television and cable).
- Staff available 24 hours a day to assist.
- Three meals each day planned with the assistance of a registered dietitian. Meals are served in attractive dining areas and room service is available for those temporarily unable to get to the dining area.
- Housekeeping, linen and laundry service.
- On-site dental services for examinations and routine care.
- Assistance with bathing, grooming and personal hygiene.
- Caring social workers to offer support to residents and families.
- Engaging activities and social outings.
- Worship services for spiritual guidance and enrichment.
8. Is the cost of medications covered in the daily rate?
The cost of medications is not covered by the private pay rate. If a private-pay resident has insurance with a prescription plan, our pharmacy can handle the billing for those prescriptions if the resident chooses.
For residents who receive Medicare Part A and Medicaid, medications are covered in their daily rate.
For residents who receive Medicare Part A and Medicaid, medications are covered in their daily rate.
9. What other services are available to residents at Wesley?
Beauty Shop and Barber services are available on site for an added fee.
Many laboratory and x-ray services are available on site for convenience. (Fees for these services depend upon the resident’s insurance.)
Wesley’s finance department may provide courtesy services for residents such as paying bills, billing insurance companies and assisting with insurance/Medicaid applications.
Many laboratory and x-ray services are available on site for convenience. (Fees for these services depend upon the resident’s insurance.)
Wesley’s finance department may provide courtesy services for residents such as paying bills, billing insurance companies and assisting with insurance/Medicaid applications.
10. Are private rooms available?
Wesley Gardens has an unusually high percentage of private rooms. Wesley Gardens has 80% private rooms.
11. Do the rooms have private baths?
All rooms have half-baths. For the safety and comfort of residents, there are separate showering rooms on each floor where staff help residents during their bathing routines.
12. What are visiting hours?
Residents of Wesley Gardens may receive visitors at their discretion. A reception is on duty from 9 AM to 9 PM.
13. Can residents leave with family for outings/visits?
Certainly, we encourage such outings. Residents must have a “leave of absence” order completed by their doctor. Often this form is completed upon admission with permission for the resident to leave with a “responsible party.”
This form is required whether residents are leaving for just an hour or a week.
When leaving for overnight or longer, we ask that families notify staff of a resident’s outing in advance so that medications can be ordered and ready when the family comes to pick up the resident. When the family arrives, they should first talk with the nurse manager so that they have up-to-date information about the resident’s health, the latest news on their medications and any other information they need to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.
All residents going on an outing should be sure to sign out on their floor and/or at the front desk when they leave and sign in upon their return.
This form is required whether residents are leaving for just an hour or a week.
When leaving for overnight or longer, we ask that families notify staff of a resident’s outing in advance so that medications can be ordered and ready when the family comes to pick up the resident. When the family arrives, they should first talk with the nurse manager so that they have up-to-date information about the resident’s health, the latest news on their medications and any other information they need to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.
All residents going on an outing should be sure to sign out on their floor and/or at the front desk when they leave and sign in upon their return.
14. May residents bring personal belongings to Wesley Gardens
Yes. All residents are encouraged to bring personal belongings that will help them make Wesley their home.
Furniture is provided at Wesley Gardens. Basic furniture provided includes a single bed, dresser, nightstand, chair and closet or armoire. Residents are encouraged to provide other furniture or decorations for the room.
Furniture is provided at Wesley Gardens. Basic furniture provided includes a single bed, dresser, nightstand, chair and closet or armoire. Residents are encouraged to provide other furniture or decorations for the room.
15. How is the facility staffed?
Wesley Gardens has registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants in the building around the clock.
16.What type of medical staff do you have? Can residents keep their private physicians?
We have a doctor and nurse practitioner on staff. The doctor specializes in gerontology — caring for the elderly. He and the nurse practitioner are on-site during business hours. They are also on-call to provide assistance around the clock.
Residents may maintain their relationships with physicians in the community if they so choose. However, the physicians must be credentialed by Wesley Gardens and agree to have routine visits with their residents.
Residents may maintain their relationships with physicians in the community if they so choose. However, the physicians must be credentialed by Wesley Gardens and agree to have routine visits with their residents.
17. Does Wesley Gardens provide transportation to medical appointments?
We will arrange for transportation. This service will be billed to the resident’s insurance, if applicable, or billed directly to the resident.
18. Can Wesley Gardens hold and dispense spending money for residents?
Residents are permitted to keep money in a Personal Service Account that Wesley provides as a courtesy. This gives residents easier access for cash withdrawals and to provide payment of monthly bills.
19. What arrangements are made for telephones and televisions?
All rooms are able to accommodate a private telephone and television and also have cable hook-ups. These services are personal expenses in addition to our daily rate.
An exception is made in some of the rooms for our short-term transitional care residents where basic telephone, cable television, wireless internet access and daily newspaper services are provided by Wesley.
An exception is made in some of the rooms for our short-term transitional care residents where basic telephone, cable television, wireless internet access and daily newspaper services are provided by Wesley.
20. What types of activities are offered at Wesley Gardens?
Our recreation programs are designed to provide engaging opportunities for socializing while promoting good physical and mental health. Activities include such things as motion classes, a variety of arts and crafts, discussions of current events, and many types of musical events — both to listen to and participate in. Outings include shopping, and visiting nearby museums and theaters. We also offer special activities for residents with dementia. These programs are designed to help residents stay as alert as possible and connect with their memories while minimizing agitation.
21. What types of religious offerings does Wesley Gardens have?
Wesley Gardens welcomes residents from all faiths and currently we have residents from a variety of religious backgrounds. We offer Catholic masses as well as non-denominational Christian services. Other clergy are welcome to visit residents and every effort is made by the spiritual services office to accommodate special requests made by residents. Other programs include rosary groups, Bible studies, vesper services and prayer groups. We also have chaplains on staff and our director of spiritual services is available to help with questions and special services.
22. What credentials does your staff have?
Wesley only hires individuals who pass a drug screen and a criminal background check. Our medical director is a physician specializing in gerontology. He is assisted in his work by a licensed nurse practitioner, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Other staff include a registered dietitian, certified physical, occupational and speech therapists, as well as trained social workers, and we hire only New York State certified nursing assistants. Beyond this, we provide all direct caregivers with additional training. This training includes range of motion and rehabilitation skills, interpersonal and communication skills, and the clinical aspects of dementia along with how to deal with the challenges of caring for those with memory loss.
23. Who owns The Wesley Gardens?
The Wesley Gardens is a not-for-profit corporation. Wesley is not owned by any individual, group or other organization. The board of directors is legally responsible for Wesley and they provide guidance and direction. They are not paid for their work as board members. If Wesley makes a profit in any given year, it would be reinvested in the organization for things such as capital improvements.
24. How much freedom do residents have over their lives day to day?
At Wesley, we recognize that people choose to make Wesley their home, not because they want to stop living, but because they need some help that we can provide. Residents have as much freedom in their daily lives as they choose, provided we are able to keep them safe.
We meet with residents and family members to determine likes and dislikes as well as preferred routines. Our activities calendars are full of happenings throughout the day and evening. If group events are not desirable, there are many quiet places to relax and do what you prefer.
Able residents are encouraged to go on planned outings and to make visits off campus with loved ones.
We meet with residents and family members to determine likes and dislikes as well as preferred routines. Our activities calendars are full of happenings throughout the day and evening. If group events are not desirable, there are many quiet places to relax and do what you prefer.
Able residents are encouraged to go on planned outings and to make visits off campus with loved ones.