Tucson area caregivers: recommendations please!

paulaincolorado

Dear Caregivers,

My sister and I are in the process of moving our mother to Tucson where my sister lives. We have been looking at memory care assisted living facilities. There are a lot! My mom has two small dogs, who are the most important thing in her life right now. We really want to let her keep one or both of them as long as possible. Does anyone have any recommendations on facilities and doctors in the Tucson area? We are scrambling to do make some decisions in a bit of a crisis situation so any help would be MUCH appreciated! 

paula

eaglemom

Welcome to the message board Paula. I will be back later to help you out, but it would be best if you remove your phone number. I realize you put that on there to make it easier, however, in the interest of your safety would you please remove it. Simply trying to protect you.

As stated, I'll be back later and hopefully have some pointers for you and your sister.

eagle

paulaincolorado

Thank you, eagle. Phone number removed.

paula

eaglemom

Welcome to the message board Paula. Thanks so much for taking your phone number off. We want to keep everyone protected.

Please don't get overwhelmed, but I have questions that will possibly help us help you in your situation with your mom. Is your mom in a memory care facility now? If so, how was her initial adjustment? If no, does she have a 'formal' diagnosis? Meaning she's been to a neurologist and has had a battery of tests. Is mom aware that you girls are wanting to move her? This is a biggie. If where she's at is where she's lived her entire life you are going to have a battle on your hands. That is her familiar and your asking her to leave what is home and go somewhere else, that's a scary situation for anyone, much less someone whom has a dementia.

Are either you or your sister on her financial accounts? Have you been to an eldercare attorney to get things setup correctly? What about financial POA and medical POA? I don't know if this is an in state move or your trying to move your mom from out of state, but all of those documents will need to be reviewed to make certain they are valid in AZ. 

As for looking at facilities ask around. Word of mouth is a good way to find things out. Just because the facility has beautiful flowers outside doesn't mean the residents are cared for better or worse. Try to time a visit to a facility during a meal time. Just stand back and see the residents: are they chatting with one another & content? The servers talking with them? Is the environment pleasant? (Meaning table is set, water / tea / coffee / etc offered.) Do the residents rush through the meal to hurry back to their rooms? Or stay for another cup of coffee? You get the idea. 

This should get you started. Its a big overwhelming process your taking on. You can't do it all quickly. There will be roadblocks. Let us know how we can help you.

eagle

JJAz

Paula,

We are lucky here in Arizona because the state licenses small group homes, which can be wonderful for AD patients.  My husband was in one of these homes in Scottsdale and they allowed a small pet.  When the lady died, her pet stayed on.  LOL.  The homes are licensed for up to 10 patients.  Many are operator owned.  Here in North Phoenix area, they are either Hispanic staffs or Romanian staffs.  Many do not advertise and are not easy to find.  Call the local Alzheimer's Association or find a Senior Placement Specialist to assist.  Our experience was wonderful once we found the right place.

Jamie