My father is ready for assisted living but has a g-tube, he&#39;s not ready for a nursing home. What are his options?

Oct 3, 2011

Who takes care of your father's g-tube and his feedings now? Do you, a visiting nurse, can he do it himself, etc? I can see that an ALF would not take on that responsibility. Would it be possible to exept them from that responsibility and to keep on doing whatever you are doing now? I don't know if that meets their legal constraints, but it might be worth asking, if it is possible from your side.

tjgirl713

Oct 3, 2011

Thank you! That is an idea. He takes care of the whole thing. I will ask that of some of the ALFs we have looked at. Although I believe because it is considered invasive (same as an IV) it isn't allowed with their licensing. But I will definately check it out. again Thank you!

jeannegibbs

Oct 3, 2011

While you are checking, if that say they can't do it, also ask if they have any other ideas of what you can consider.

tjgirl713

Oct 3, 2011

Thank you Jeanne, I will!

NancyH

Oct 5, 2011

What about adult foster care?

lourox

Nov 11, 2011

Hello, I was reading your question about your father wanting to live in assisted living and Title 22 licensing being a problem with PEG feedings. My father is in that situation now. He can feed himself as well. Have you been able to place your father in an ALF yet?

Soverytired

Nov 12, 2011

I don't have actual experience with this. But I understand that independent senior residential communities are not subject to the same regulations as assisted living facilities. Independent living facilities cannot evict for health status, they are subject to the same laws as apartments so they could evict for non payment of rent or for the potential of harm to other residents but not for a g-tube. Assisted living, on the other hand, is subject to different licensing requirements and so have certain health conditions (often including G tubes) that they can and sometimes must evict for. So you might call some senior independent living facilities in your area. Many serve 3 meals a day, offer social activities and also have arrangements with local home health care agencies that provide one on one care just like the elder would have in their own home, at slightly reduced rates. Also, in just calling around looking for options for my mother, I have found much more willingness to accept Medicaid waiver payments from independent living facilities than from assisted living facilities (at least the corporate owned ones). If your dad is a veteran, they will also accept the Aid and Attendance benefit and some also accept Section 8 housing benefits. Section 8 is hard to qualify for, waiting lists are long. Good luck.

lourox

Nov 12, 2011

Thank you, I will look into the VA Aid and Attendance benefit.