The owner hires the live-in caregivers from an agency in New York, but we are in Texas. This is our second attempt at a residential care home. The last one was unlicensed and also hired the caregivers from an out-of-state agency. It was a disaster.
From what I see, these caregivers are unqualified and untrained. I see them as babysitters for the elderly. It does not appear they care nor know anything about dementia. The caregiver at my mother’s care home is cold and unfriendly. My mother says she is “mean” and “rough” with her. I am there every day and agree.
My mother wants to move. She is very dependent, in a wheelchair and has dementia. My problem is, I’m concerned about how another move will affect her. Also, she needs a lot of individual care. Any suggestions on how I should proceed?
Now the rates have increased where it would cost 2k more a month.
SNF for dementia is so expense. I feel medicare/insurance should cover some of the cost.
But differently move to licenced facility. ASAP
I would be in jail if I saw anyone be mean to my Mom.
Is that the backstory? Three moves & death of a spouse in a bit more than a year for your mom. Whew, that’s a lot to deal with.
Has she gotten an assessment done recently? They usually are done by a duo of a Social Worker & RN. Personally I think she should have an assessment done and she then gets placed at whatever level of care the assessment determines. The Area Agency on Aging for Tarrant county should have contact names for an assessment team. NH & perhaps AL also might can do an assessment for an incoming new resident as part of the admissions process.
On the “unlicensed” aspect….. TX allows for “personal care” homes if it’s 3 or less unrelated persons living there - other than property owner & any staff they may hire- to be unlicensed. It’s “hosting” done in a private home. If that is what this place is, they totally do not have to be licensed. They are registered with the State but unlicensed so do not need to have the stricter staffing & safety regulations of a larger size personal care home or a Type A or Type B AL, or a SNF/NH. The residents in a personal care home are expected to understand how to deal with an emergency.
If your mom cannot manage to transfer from her wheelchair, then she realistically should not be in a small care home. If she - due to her dementia - cannot understand what to start to do of there was an emergency, she realistically should not be in a place without sufficient staff and resources. Really get an assessment done so you can use it to get her proper placement. As you have been a SW in the past, call your old coworkers to find out what might be a good facility for your mom.
I find myself increasingly stuck in the realm of CALL SOMEONE. APS or doctor or social worker or police.
I seldom take the time to research back. Too busy talking, I guess!
Thanks for taking the time.
Of course moves are hard on the elderly, more so with dementia, but if the care is troubling then you have to weigh her options. You are there daily so she has that going for her.
I have seen care homes who take disabled people’s disability checks and give then a bed and meals. They make no pretense about what they provide. They are not nurses or personal care aides. I doubt anyone is ” trained” except the owner/manager who gives meds and knows what she has to do to collect their checks. They are licensed by the fire department etc. County and State license. So many feet per person, so many to a bathroom etc. They send them to adult day care during the day.
Then there are other ones for the developmentally disabled who have a similar set up.
They are not for sissy’s I can tell you that, much less elderly with dementia in a wheelchair. Those go to a NH when they reach a certain age.
I’m sure you have your reasons for not putting your mom on Medicaid and in a licensed SNf/NH. I can tell you a good number of those are not trained either. It seems to be learning on the job. Would your mom qualify for hospice? She would get a little more help that way.
You might try bringing treats to the aides and try getting to know them. It must be hard to come to another state for low pay. I wish you and your mom success in finding the right place for her.
I would be concerned about her safety.
I find it interesting that 2 of the Care Homes you have found have been unlicensed.
Both of these homes should be reported. there is no telling how many Local, County, State codes have been violated. This makes me frightened for the residents who can do little to protect themselves.
Please find a licensed facility or home that can properly, legally, safely care for her.
The fact that Mom wants to move should be considered seriously. Hopefully there aren't things she's keeping from you, the things that happen when you're not there.
You're paying out of pocket anyways, right? Find a licensed place that you're comfortable with. Get help through this website under the Find Care tab or contact the nearest Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 855-937-2372 to find an affordable place with kinder and happier people.
Best wishes to you and Mom.
IMO, them being unlicenced may mean you have no one to complain to legal wise. If there are four or more residents, this place is illegal. IMO you have to be on top of everything. In my State, there has to be an RN over the aides. Maybe not present but on call. Aides, unless certified, should not be handing out medication.
This residence has no one they need to answer to. I think you need to place Mom in a legal residence.
I hope you are able to find a good residential care home, although most are really not equipped with the trained caregivers she will need. As you say, they are just babysitters.
Perhaps a nice memory care facility? If she is very dependent, she may require a skilled nursing facility. Some are nicer than others, and while a SNF will provide more competent, hands-on care, they won't spend a lot of one-on-one time with her.