Assisted Living Personal Care Home FAQs

Assisted Living Personal Care Home FAQs

What is a residential or personal care home?

In our case we have taken a traditional four to five bedroom home and added all the licensing requirements that are needed for an assisted living. Most of our cottages or homes located in The Woodlands and Spring, Texas will serve only seven Elders/Guests at a time however our Kingwood, Texas cottage serves 10.

Are these type of homes licensed?

All of our Assisted Living Cottages are licensed by DAD’s… there are some homes in Texas that are unlicensed and thereby not inspected by Department of Aging and Disability Services. The unlicensed homes cannot serve more than three residents or they are out of compliance with the state of Texas.

What is the ratio of staff to clients?

We have one of the highest care partner to elder ratio in the market with two direct care partners servicing 7 guests. In addition we have a RN (not required) to serve the clinical and medical coordination needs for our guests.

What about activities?

We have group and individualized activities base on preference, interests and ability…our goal is to provide meaningful activities. We are growing our programs constantly and increasing the quantity and quality of our volunteer programs.

What do I bring?

We encourage families to bring their own furnishings and favorite pieces. Our position is that this is your family members home and we are a guest in their home…we provide a sample move in suggestion list.

What are the costs?

Based on the level of care required we have all inclusive rates starting as low as $100.00 dollars per day…we also offer private and shared accommodations and shared is a little more affordable.

What are the main difference between Private Care Homes and larger assisted living facilities?

There are many… however it depends on life style and personal preference. Our homes are intimate, warm and comfortable. It is home not a home like setting…it is magical to see how our guests connect as well as the extended family and care partners. Where do most people go when they need assistance… they want to go home.

What are live in care givers?

Live-in care partners are what we specialize in for greater continuity and intimacy. Our live in care partners live on site with our Elders and know the details of their care requirements.

Do you have a nurse?

Yes we have a RN and her primary responsibility is medication management, coordination of care and continued in-service and training.

Can you handle hospice?

Yes we can and welcome serving in all capacities…hospice is a wonderful service and does not mean someone is in their last days…we have had guests on hospice services for over two years.

Can you coordinate care?

Yes with home health, pharmacy, podiatrist, physician, hospice services and medical equipment…yes our goal is to bring the care to you. Have you ever felt like going to the doctor when you don’t feel well?

How will I know if this is the right assisted living care setting for my family?

After a short interview, we discover what your needs are then we give you a tour and explanation of who we are and what we do. After visiting our assisted living personal care home you will have a good idea if this is right for your loved one based on your family member's level of activity, interest, personality and preferences.

How long have you been in business?

…since 1995 and here in the woodlands/spring since 1998

How did you start in this type of service?

We both come from families that cared for other family members growing up so it was natural to do the same…we also recognized a need for dignified and humane care and realized there had to be a better alternative than old school traditional long term assisted living care?

What is the Eden alternative?

www.edenalt.org

Do you serve meals?

Yes, three inviting home cooked meals per day and we bring in dinner for major holidays. We encourage the family style dinning however we will serve meals in the room if a guest is not feeling up to it.

Do you do laundry and housekeeping?

Yes, we provide all the laundry and housekeeping services.

What about transportation services?

We can arrange for third party transportation; most outings are with family or friends.

What about doctor's appointment?

We try and coordinate all care and arrange for physicians, home health, hospice, medical equipment and pharmacy coming to the home.

Is Smoking allowed?

Not inside, but there is designated smoking areas outside.

Are pets allowed?

We will consider all requests and we allow regular pet visitation.

What are visiting hours?

Our visiting hours are open ended. We ask that you are sensitive to early morning due to early morning schedules.

Can you accept Alzheimer’s, Memory Care and Dementia?

Yes, we can and it has been our experience that many times individual guests requiring these services do better in a smaller more intimate care setting.

What happens in the event of an emergency?

In most case we would call 911.

Can you handle special dietary needs?

Yes, because of the limited number of guest it allows us to pay attention to the details. Our meals are cooked on site daily and can accommodate special dietary needs.

What about phone, internet and cable tv?

Our guest are welcome to enjoy TV in the den and if their preference to also have one in their room then that is ok too. Guests can use the house phone or some prefer cell phones or to have a land line installed in their room at their expense. We also have internet if desired.