What would you value most in your search for an AFC?

2/25/2015

Brenda Sue Smith, RN-BSN, CEO

2/26/2015 06:50:21 pm

If I were searching for an AFC to place one of my loved ones...the first thing I think of is "trust." I would be asking myself "why should I trust these people with my family?" In general I believe we all tend to want to know the how, what, when, where and why to determine our valid responses to most every situation.

In reasoning out the how, a person or family needs to accept that sometimes the amount of care that a person requires is greater than can be provided in the basic home setting. This sometimes is a combined element that involves emotions (inability to care for someone because of emotional strains attached can destroy relationships or allow for misplaced guilt, etc.), or perhaps the loved one just does not desire to feel like a burden, or the loved one wants to maintain a level of independence from the family. So the how aspects sometimes require some self reflection and acceptance, as well as mutual agreement. The financial aspects are sometimes a concern when a person has little to no income/pension or retirement benefits. There are organizations that can help some people (based on income status, veteran associations, etc.). The AFC that is private pay status will require payment in full and can provide the guardian or power of attorney with documentation to submit for reimbursement from benefit plans that the resident may have. The AFCs that are not private pay, generally are contracted with the state to provide basic services at a state rate payable from the state.

The element of what is basic. What you need in an AFC is a basic theory...a safe well functioning place for a loved one to live his/her life to his/her fullest potential. The AFC should be more about the one who needs to live in an AFC than it should be about the outside elements. Knowing that nothing is truly perfect in this world, its best to have some basics that you're looking for and let the extras be perks. It might be wise to have a little check list to know what your priorities are in determining which AFC is best for your needs.

The element of when is sometimes complex. There are times the family feels the loved one needs to be living in an assisted living type setting before the loved one fully agrees. There are times that the loved ones need to step away from the full responsibility of keeping a house and just enjoy the fullness of life without the jobs attached.There are times when someone ends up on the brink of homelessness because their current situation is ending faster than they can organize the next move. The when changes day by day depending on multiple variables. Someone may have just suffered a stroke and three weeks ago that someone was running a marathon. The concept of needing an AFC can be temporary or long term. The when, how and why the need arose will sometimes intermingle here.

Where is a good question to ask yourself. Does the loved one desire to live closer to family, stay in an area of familiarity while the rest of the family moves elsewhere or perhaps the where is dependent upon the biggest "bang for the bucks" mentality. Either way, selecting where can be overwhelming. Sometimes making a little check list of pros and cons will benefit everyone in the search for what is most desired. There are many fine AFCs in this area and there are some that are perhaps not so fine. Investigate more than one and make an informed decision. Never just take the first one you look at, you will not know what you don't know until you learn more about it. (education is power)

So we are back to why. Why would I trust you to care for my loved one....because I have considered all aspects of the AFC and determined that this is the best solution for everyone involved. Never compromise or lower your standards for your loved one. The moment you compromise is the moment you admitted that you do not fully trust something. Misplaced guilt cannot arise out of being fully involved and honest. If you put the loved one's NEEDS as a priority the rest should fall into place...in time.

This is purely just my opinion, but if I were in the position to find an AFC for my mother...I would be investigating who these people are, what character they represent, what are they pledging to offer my mother, ask if they have any community references, ask if the AFC is fully licensed with the state (or are they unlicensed...and ask why), explore the facility (poke your nose around and look it over)...the list is endless. This is a HUGE decision and not one you desire to make repeatedly. As mentioned previously "education is power"...that is why there are extra resources on this website to allow you to make an informed decision in selecting an AFC for your loved one. Quality and excellence is not just by happenstance...it is a daily practiced attribute.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." (Aristotle)

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BEAM of Hope, LLC is owned and operated by Brenda Sue Smith, RN-BSN. I am a Registered Nurse in the state of MI (specializing in elder care). I am also a licensed cosmetologist, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and good friend to others. I am a natural born caregiver and devote my life to serving others. I have decided to open my home to providing quality care to a small group of elderly people. I have much to offer and believe in empowering others.

What would you value most in your search for an AFC?

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