Asked to move from Memory Care Facility

dakdoug · June 28

My gal is 70, 5ft, 115lbs and mobile, she was diagnosed MCI 2018 and progressed to Alzheimer's her memory and cognitive issues became too much for me and she has been in a Memory Care Facility for 8 weeks. She did not adjust well and after 3 weeks they sent her to a Psych Hospital where they put her on some pretty serious medications, since she has been back there have been several incidents to the point the facility has asked me to place her somewhere else citing anxious, disruptive, aggressive and combative behavior. She has zero memory and although mobile needs direction/assistance with most things. What type of facility should I be looking for they made no recommendations but suggested I find a Geriatric Care Professional. The only people I have found get paid by the facility they introduce and that makes me nervous. So again, basic question is what type of facility should I be looking for I would really like this to be her last move

sandwichone123 · June 28

The names of "types" of facilities are pretty fluid. You might try to find a care manager, who would know the area well. Otherwise, it's a matter of touring facilities and talking to the people. You can ask each of those facilities what place they would recommend for someone "like" your wife. You might also reach out to the psych hospital social worker for recommendations, although they may no longer have the time of day for you.

ARIL · June 28

Agreed that what services are offered at “memory care” varies: some seem to be AL with a locked door; others explicitly say that they are “trained to manage all behaviors” (probably hyperbole, but they claim it). That’s all to say that because one place called “memory care” has asked you to go elsewhere doesn’t mean that you should discount all facilities called memory care.

Asking a few professionals is a good idea, and you’ll also have to do all the facility tours all over again.

I am sorry about it. We hope we find a placement that will work for the long haul, and then wham! it feels like square one again.

SDianeL · June 29

So sorry you are going through this. She needs a Geriatric Psychiatrist who can get her medications regulated so she’s not agitated. Was there one at the hospital? Very few facilities will accept her if she’s combative. Maybe have her taken back to the hospital to give you time to find the right Geriatric Psychiatrist doctor and ask them for a Case Manager there to assist you.

dakdoug · June 29

how would I find a knowledgeable care manager

dakdoug · June 29

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/246929#Comment_246929

Thanks

sandwichone123 · June 29

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/246949#Comment_246949

The AlzConnected 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 is a great place to start looking for local resources.

SDianeL · June 30

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/246949#Comment_246949

the doctor, hospital or facility should know. Case Manager or Social Worker.

harshedbuzz · June 30

@dakdoug

That's hard. I'm sorry. This does happen. We were fortunate that dad was refused a placement based on his diagnosis and interview, otherwise we may have been in your shoes. It's hard to know what the next step is.

On one hand, there do exist facilities that cherry-pick residents who are mostly agreeable for their facilities. These tend to be corporate chains with lovely decor and appealing spaces and activities. As a caregiver, it's easy to feel drawn to such places as they just seem "nicer" that facilities that focus more on training and staff retention where dementia-informed helps more anxious residents feel settled.

That said, they did agree to her returning after her geripsych stay, so perhaps she is still struggling and needs a different level of care. It might be prudent to have her readmitted and work with the unit's social worker on finding a better placement for her. Another option would be to find a local IRL support group and ask. The group leader and some of the members will know which area facilities have worked with families whose LO struggled with behaviors. That's how we found the MCF that did accept dad.

HB

weareallunique · July 1

How long was your wife in geripsych- sometimes it takes weeks to get the "mix" right.

Whatever you do, don't agree to accept her back home for their convenience - just tell her current home - it is not safe at your home. They can't discharge her unless she is going to a safe place.

Asked to move from Memory Care Facility

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