When It's Time to Transition to a Residential Facility

First in a series

The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers provide a secured environment for those with dementia and other memory impairments. It’s an adult day health care center, which means it’s only open during the day. Many people mistakenly believe we’re a 24-hour residential facility.

While our participants can be with us for many years, sometimes they must move on to a skilled nursing facility that includes or specializes in dementia care. There are many wonderful facilities within San Diego County that provide these services.

This week, we thought we’d outline some questions for caregivers to consider if and when the time comes to make that transition. (And, if the state as now planned eliminates funding adult day health care and in-home health services, many more dementia patients will need to be placed.)

These checklists come from the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

First up, the environment:

• Is the facility calm and quiet?
•  Does it use soft music or natural scents to create a soothing atmosphere?
• Is the place well lighted?
• Are there complex patterns on carpets or walls?
• Can staff easily observe from common and outside areas?
• Does the facility have a wander system alert?
• Do doors come equipped with a system to delay exit?
• Is there a locked and secured outdoor area for walking?

An interesting note: California law requires a resident’s or court-appointed conservator’s consent before he or she may be placed in a locked or secured perimeter facility – the type often utilized for dementia care residential facilities. No one else – including family members or an agent listed in an advance director – may give consent.