Supportive Staff at Elderly Facility

Welcome to My Dad's Dementia Journey

The staff at my dad’s facility are wonderful and so supportive of him. He’s endeared himself to the staff over the years and they are also protective of him. Believe me, he tested them and helped him through a lot.

If I call there (there have been times that he doesn’t answer the phone for hours or even a full day) and ask them to check on him, they do. If he’s not in his room, they ask staff if they have seen him, then call to let me know he was in the dining room for lunch or such. With so many residents it’s assuring they know exactly who my dad is. He’s often been found at the front office recharging his phone. I sent him a load of phone chargers for his phone, and we haven’t lost track of him like that anymore.

Dad got involved with several scams so when they got physically close (or potentially) and onto the facility grounds the security team jumped in and protected him and by doing that, protected all the residents. They took any and all actions they need to in order to keep him safe.

Even though Dad got into scam trouble, he was still liked by the staff, and they took the care they needed. Dad probably became pretty noticeable due to that, but they did not ask him to leave. They were supportive of him in any case.

I have to assume elderly fraud and scams affect some good number of seniors. More classes should be taught before people get to the point of no longer understanding how to combat fraud. I’m sure there are such classes in many facilities, but I don’t get notice of them since I do not live there.

My dad’s health system is tied to the facility contracted system, and only one option on Medicaid works with that group, so Dad needs to keep that plan. They come to his room to evaluate him on a schedule or when he needs a doctor. They have certain equipment they can bring along to the room if needed. It’s a good system. They can also come every morning and evening to give Dad his medications (he’s not been taking them consistently).

There is a workout center with various equipment and even a swimming pool. There are people there to make sure no one has any issues, like passing out or drowning.

There are areas with books. There are jigsaw puzzles all along a certain hallway walk – tables with chairs. There is a computer area with a printer. If a phone needs charging, they can bring it to the computer area (if one lost their charger or if it stopped working). There are activities scheduled all week long. There is Sunday worship (with a couple choices of types of services).

I would spend time with the staff before placing your parent in a facility. Eat in the dining room and pay attention to the healthy food options. Spend time with the front office. Take tours of the facility and of the rooms. Watch how people react to you as you walk around. If you say “hi,” are they friendly back or trying to get away from you? Will your questions get answered (come prepared with questions)? Is it able to give graduated care as the person declines? Will it accept Medicare or Medicaid? Does it have a medical system in house or do appointments need to go to a PCP office? Do they provide that transportation? Are pets allowed? Do they take residents to shop when they need or on a regular schedule? How are prescriptions refilled? Think of all the questions you might have to help your parent have a good place to stay, at an affordable cost.

My dad is in a Brookdale facility in Colorado Springs. I cannot think of a better place for him. They know how to deal with all kinds of people, including those in decline. They make them feel like they are welcome and watch out for them. They are well trained for all phases of care.

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Supportive Staff at Elderly Facility

Welcome to My Dad's Dementia Journey

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