A relative has cognitive impairment. When we moved her to an assisted living facility a few years ago, we were assured she could remain in that apartment until the end of her life. Staff were aware of her cognitive issues at the point she moved in - the major problem being she finds it difficult to find the appropriate word, but she could make her needs known. We are now being encouraged to move her from the lovely assisted living apartment where she has all of her favorite items and furniture, to the dementia care unit at the same facility. In the dementia unit, one could have a few knickknacks & small dresser but there is a hospital-type bed in one room with private bath and small closet. We know there is high demand for the assisted living apartments at this facility. How does one determine that the move is in the best interests of the patient vs the facility. This relative is perfectly capable of dressing, bathing, and feeding herself. She walks the corridors, but otherwise watches tv or out the window in her room. With covid, none of the family or relatives have been able to spend any time with her in-person since March. Walking the hallways is her only outlet. We do know that moving her to the dementia care unit in the same facility (which she is very familiar with) will have a very major negative impact. If we didn't know about the high demand for the assisted living apartments, perhaps we would not have such a negative reaction to the suggestion. We know to the extent possible these days this woman is still able to function. Does any one have any experience with this issue, i.e., facility suggesting a move that you don't feel is necessary and which will have a very negative impact on the patient?
As situations change, circumstances change. No one can prevent it.
No promises can be made to keep a patient if they decline. No doctor can delay it either.
If you believe that was promised, find it in writing! It should be obvious to anyone that no guarantee like that can be made...not for any resident, at any time. I think what is meant is that they will provide a certain level of care as long as needed (which, for many, could be for the remainder of life). Good sales technique.
There used to be some companies, and perhaps some still exist, that offer a "contract" for life-long care, including whatever level of care is needed from independent living through skilled nursing care. This involved a genuine legal contract and required a substantial financial investment up front, much more than the average facility requires (or that an average family can afford)
You can bad-mouth facilities as much as you please. And some, without doubt, deserve it. The the real answer is read the fine print and buyer beware!
Why are they saying she needs memory care!
Although capable of feeding herself, is she? My dad was capable, however, his fridge was filled with green meats, brown lettuce etc. His cereal boxes were empty and or expired.
Are they finding her wearing rhe same clothes a few days in a row?
Since family has not been to see her things could have changed dramatically in the past 5 months.
There are good and bad days, and when you call to talk to her she may be on a good day.
Have the center explain their reasons. speak with an elder care attorney and her doctors that see her regularly.
BEST wishes
Our facility has our own staff doctors and they along with other members of professional staff make the decision. If the patient/client involved still maintains an outside physician, they are not involved in this type of decision at the facility.
And as previously state, the family is free to give notice and use another facility. No one is chained to our facility.