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Important Considerations for Long-Term Care
There are several options for long-term care. No matter which type of care you may be considering, it’ s important to visit in person and to assess the general spaces and resident rooms, how staff interact with residents, how well the residents seem to be cared for and more. Visit a few different times, if possible— during a morning check-in, a mealtime and an organized activity, for example. You’ ll want to have a list of questions, such as:
+ Do you have experience caring for people with Parkinson’ s? What kind? Do the staff have certifications or expertise in Parkinson’ s?
+ Do you have physical, occupational or speech therapy on site? Do they have Parkinson’ s experience?
+ How many residents are assigned to each nurse or staff member? What happens overnight and on weekends?
+ Who provides medical coverage, or manages my loved one’ s medications or surgical devices, like deep brain stimulation?
+ What exercise, social, religious, spiritual or recreational activities are available?
+ Do you provide transportation for errands or to medical appointments?
+ Do you provide all meals? How do you handle dietary needs( such as for swallowing difficulty) or preferences?
+ How often will my loved one get a shower or bath?
+ How do you prevent and monitor for falls?
+ How do you handle memory or behavior changes or hallucinations?
+ What are your protocols if my loved one’ s condition worsens?
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+ What preventive protocols are in place for infections, such as the flu or COVID-19?
+ Are there restrictions on visiting?
+ What are the costs? What will I need to cover on my own, like shower supplies, incontinence products or snacks?
+ Who is my main point of contact? How often do we check in? Do we regularly assess how my loved one is doing and if this remains the right place for them?
+ How can I best support my loved one while they live here?
Supporting Your Loved One from a Distance
You are still just as much of a care partner when your loved one moves to a new location. But now your role shifts again, as it has throughout life as a care partner. Your care may now focus more on the following areas:
Advocacy. Your advocacy may be more necessary and specific as staff get to know your loved one. You may also need to advocate more during times of transition— for example, if medications change. Complete any necessary HIPAA forms or other paperwork so you can easily communicate with the care team.
Partnering with the care team. Get to know the staff caring for your loved one. Have a main point of contact and keep lines of communication open. If possible, attend care planning meetings where staff and family come together to discuss the loved one’ s care. This is an opportunity to learn more and ensure your loved one is getting the care they need.
Visit, when possible. Regular visits can improve your loved one’ s care and well-being as well as give you peace of mind. Most importantly, visits keep you connected to each other. You’ ll learn their routine, find ways to bring light to their days and see how you can be their best care partner in this new arrangement.
If in-person visits aren’ t possible, consider how you can use technology. Staff may be willing to set your loved one up with the necessary tools; otherwise, use the telephone to stay in touch.