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As time passes, your relative with Alzheimer's may need more care than you can offer at home. It may be necessary to move from an assisted living facility to a nursing home, or from one unit to another within a facility. Here's some information to ease these changes.
Changing your home care provider
Do you need more home care services or want to change your home care provider? An Alzheimer's Association care consultant can help. Call 1.800.272.3900.
Transferring to a different unit
If a person needs more care, staff members may decide to move him or her to a different unit. Stay involved in this decision-making process by attending care meetings. Ask how you can help with the move. Afterwards, get to know the new staff members.
Moving to a different facility
If you're unhappy with one facility, you may want to move your relative to another. Your local ombudsman can help you find the best facility. Be prepared. Moving requires paperwork and time to share information.
It also takes time to get used to a new place. A person may suffer temporary sleep problems, wandering, falls and appetite changes. Ask how the staff helps a person with dementia adjust to the new environment.
What if you are asked to leave?
Physical or mental changes may prompt a facility to ask the person to move. If this happens, ask for a new assessment and a care plan meeting. To understand your rights in the discharge process, seek the help of the long-term care ombudsman.
Transition from the hospital
If you or a loved one needs to be hospitalized, ask to speak to a discharge planner before or at admission. This person helps decide what kind of care someone needs after a hospitalization. Sometimes a short stay in a nursing home is needed for rehabilitation.
Transition to hospice
Hospice is end-of-life care for a person with a life-threatening or terminal illness. The hospice team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, nursing aides, clergy, therapists and volunteers. They aim to relieve suffering and support the patient and family. Your doctor can tell whether you or your loved one is a candidate for hospice care. It's covered by Medicare in all states and by Medicaid in most states.
Hospice care typically occurs at home. But it can also take place in assisted living or a nursing home. If you have an advance directive, be sure to share it with the hospice team.
One last thing: Get help
Remember that you're not alone. Your family, friends and community resources can all help. And the Alzheimer's Association offers support group meetings, care consultation and our 24/7 Nationwide Contact Center Helpline, 1.800.272.3900.
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