How to Advocate for a Senior Citizen in an Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are residences that provide supervision and assistance in daily activities for the aged. It has emerged as an alternative for continuous care of senior citizens who can not live independently anymore. ALF is different from a nursing home as in a nursing home a nurse or a helper needs to be 'present' all the time (24 hours) whereas in an ALF one nurse just has to be 'available' which can be summoned whenever required. A lot of cases of exploitation of the aged have emerged in recent years. These ALFs have rather turned into money making organizations.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your loved one often. Make your visits at odd hours of the day. Go during shift changes of the facilities' staff in order to assess the treatment your elder receives at different parts of the day.

• 2

  Inform your loved one about the possibility of theft in such facilities. Help them keep their money in a wallet attached to their clothing all the time. Report any missing items to the management as soon as possible

• 3

  Make sure they are given regularly groomed and bathed. Check if proper assistance in eating, drinking or walking is provided. Pay adequate attention to the health, hygiene and mental state of the occupant.

• 4

  Write any complaints or concerns directly to the head staff. Request a meeting if serious issues arise. Make sure they don't suddenly raise living prices or charge higher medical fees without informing you first.

• 5

  Get involved in any state surveys that are conducted annually at these centers if they receive state funding. Express your concerns and views freely so that other families in search of an ALF get proper guidance.