Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Senior Communities & Resident Rights
One of the most difficult aspects of being an administrator in a senior living community is having to move a resident due to a change in care needs or "level of care" as it is often called. As hard as it might be for staff to deliver the news to a resident and their family, it in most cases it is devastating for the person who receives this news. Recently, in California, a resident of a continuing care retirement community sued the facility for the right to remain in her apartment in the independent area of the community with 24/7 private care. The following article relates to the courts ruling on this matter. Like me, you may be surprised with the outcome.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Your right...I am surprised...pleasantly so! I agree whole-heartedly with the court. I have worked with hundreds of families over my career who insist their loved move into a CCRC because they "won't have to move" from the facility. Unfortunately too many families interpret that to mean their family member can stay in their apartment.
ReplyDeleteCCRC's have an obligation to be more explicit about what triggers the need for a resident to move to the next level of care. And the family has an obligation to be realistic about their loved one's needs and to follow the recommendations of the community.
All of us in the industry have an obligation to educate the elderly and their family on the housing option that is most appropriate at the time of inquiry...unfortunately due to the economic pressures to "get heads in the bed" all levels of senior housing are tempted to, and often are, accepting residents who are inappropriate for that level of care.
My goal is to have happy residents and families. By making sure the family and resident (if possible) understand the parameters of the agreement helps to assure this. Remember a happy family is your best source of advertising.
ReplyDeleteKatie
Belmont Village