BRANDO FONTAINE Ms. VONDA BOLLER

By with CEO The Canyon Villas Retirement Community

search of Residential Care Facilities in your area you will see a long list of sponsored placements, and as you know, are always the first ones that appear at the top of the results of your search. Most of these sponsored placements are for Placement Agencies that can help with finding a proper facility. While most Placement Agencies are very helpful, your search may be limited to only the facility’s limitations and the Placement Agency’s clients. I work with a select group of Placement Agencies and find that some are extremely helpful to their clients when searching for the perfect Retirement Community. If you would prefer a more individual search without the use of a Placement Agency, then continue to scroll down until you find the actual listing for the website of the Retirement Community and call the contact number to schedule a tour. While most places require an appointment others will welcome walk-in tours, I always welcome walk-ins to my office.

Mr. Fontaine: Now that they have done their search for a Retirement Community/ Facility, and planned their tour stops, what are some of the questions that should be asked while at the Facility?

Ms. Boller: Be prepared to give details about the potential resident and what needs they may require. The more information you can give during a tour the better they will be able to assist you during your visit. On the Department of Social Services Website, there is a list of questions that can help you during your tour and in finding what you need, however, these are my suggestions: mand menu available during dining room operation hours, and if snacks are available 24 hours a day?

What type of accommodation do they offer, are they shared rooms, studios, or apartments?

Ask about the nursing ratios. How many residents to the nursing staff on-site during working shifts and if there is 24-hour care? What procedures are in place when something happens to the resident? What happens if the resident needs more care? What types of communication(s) are put in place between the facility and the primary care doctor and other outside medical agencies such as physical therapy or Hospice care? Is there a mobile physician/dentist? Can a Personal Care Giver continue when a resident has moved into the facility? Who will contact me if a situation occurs?

Is Physical Therapy allowed in the facility, if not, is transportation provided to and from doctors and therapy appointments (if needed), or will transportation have to be provided through the family? Ask about the surrounding area and if Public Transportation is available, can a Cab be called, and is a Ride Share available?

What are Visiting Hours and are guests welcome in the dining room? Is there a charge for guest meals and how is that paid for, or can it be charged to the resident’s account? Are overnight guests allowed?

Some of the residents like to look as good as they can, so see if there is a Beauty Salon/Barber on site, and if so, how is that billed.

Mr. Fontaine: When being shown around the Facility, is it okay to talk to the other Residents?

Ms. Boller: That varies from Facility to Facility and Resident to Resident. Some residents will ask the person if their new here. I personally welcome conversations between Residents and Prospective Residents, they are always very warming to me. It’s delightful to see that type of interaction.

Mr. Fontaine: At times, people will leave the hospital and need a place to continue their recovery and may need some assistance.

Ms. Boller: You’re referring to Respite care. Many Facilities offer this short-term length of stay without long-term commitments, typically once a person is ready to leave the hospital and still needs some help during their continued healing and recovery, for them, this is often their best option. Another reason is for Seniors who are on the fence about moving into a Residential Community and want to give it a test run to see if it might be right for them. I have used it for the care of a Senior while family members go on vacation or have other obligations that will require them to be away from home and don’t want to leave their family member without anyone to care for them. I have seen Respite stays being used for people who are traveling and want or need to have care readily available if needed.

As you can see, to find the right Residential Community Facility for you or your loved one, there is a good deal of preparation even before you start looking at places in person. First, you need to assess what you want from a Facility, this might even require a consultation with your physician to fully know your needs. You need to determine your budget and include the services you want. Then you begin your search. Once you’ve found the Facilities that look promising, you can plan your tour. By the end of your first visit to each Facility on your list, you should have a good idea of what type of service and amenities are avail - able and do they meet your wants and needs. It is important that during your visit that you felt welcome and that all your questions and concerns were addressed to your satisfaction. Were your surroundings clean and orderly? Did you have the opportunity to taste the food available? But most importantly did you feel comfortable there?

All of these are important questions and should be evaluated closely. After all, that facility will be taking care of a very special person, and that care should be conducted with dignity and great care to insure the care and safety of yourself or your family member. If this wasn’t enough to help get you started, and you still have more questions, ask our expert, Ms. Vonda Boller at The Canyon Villas. You can reach her at 858-490-3515. I wish you all the best in your quest in finding the perfect place for you.