We were fortunate to begin The Caregiver Hour Road Show, our new marketing concept, with Arden Courts (ALF) which specializes in Dementia Care at their Seminole, FL location. Bernadette Homan, Business Development Specialist with Arden Courts and I began the tour by highlighting the three distinctive personalized programs for their residents; including Namaste, their new one-of-a-kind program which incorporates a holistic approach to care. It truly is something to see. I had a chance to take a peek while the programs was being done and was amazed, as well as impressed. The residents were in paradise as they sat relaxed in large comfortable recliners with aromatherapy neck wraps gently placed around their necks, listening to soothing music and getting individual hand massages from the caregiver-staff. This was holistic care in motion.

Bernadette and I continued the video tour by describing the unique design of the building and walking paths that makes it easy for their residents to move around safely without feeling lost. At the end we finished with a brief yet poignant conversation with their Executive Director, Andrew Defosses.

I want to thank Bernadette and the Arden Courts team for their trust in us to present their company in an innovative and personal way. 

Often family caregivers ask me what to look for when touring an Assisted Living Facility (ALF). Here are a few pointers.

1) You want to get the full picture of what the facility has to offer. We recommend setting up your tour at a facility rather than walking in unexpectedly. This way someone is expecting you and can save you time and energy. If you want to return for a surprise impromptu visit at another time you will be more familiar with the building and staff and know what to look for to make a final decision.

2) Notice the entryway and who greets you. Was the entryway welcoming and easy to maneuver? Who was the first person to greet you? Did you like the way it was done? 

3) Check out the Activities Calendar and see if the activities are actually happening as scheduled. This will give you an idea of how well that department runs and who is attending the activity.

4) Meet the Managers. If you become serious about moving yourself or your loved one into a facility ask to meet the managers: Executive Director, Director of Nursing, Dining Services, Activity Director. You want to get a sense if this team feels like the extended family you can trust with your loved one. Will they provide the care? Will they be accessible if you have any questions or concerns? How long have they worked at this particular facility?

5) Ask to see the ACHA (Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration) report. This organization visits the ALF to see if there are any deficiencies or concerns. You are entitled to see what the report has to say and gives you an opportunity to ask more questions. 

6) Get an honest opinion. Ask if you can talk to some of their current residents to see if they like living at the facility. 

7) Be specific. If a certain apartment location will be best for your loved one ask for it upfront. This is an important detail. If the apartment you desire is not currently available how will they help your loved one get to where all the activities and meals are being offered? You want to avoid isolation. 

8) Have your list of questions ready. Be sure to sit with the tour-person to go over all your questions. Include: Can they describe their new resident's program where the staff helps them become acclaimed to their new home?

If you are interested in having your community or business highlighted as Arden Courts has done, please contact: Kim Linder at Kim@thecaregiverhour.com to begin a conversation.

Warmly,