Choosing Assisted Living

Article submitted by Mary E. Carpenter, MSW, LCSW at The Arizona State Licensed Social Workers of Adult Care Connection, Inc.
For more information, they can be reached at 602-840-5461.

Support and Education Ease the Stress of Change
The thought of making a major change in one's living situation after years of living independently can cause great stress for both the individual needing Assisted Living or Nursing Home Care and the family members as well. Social Workers can provide Support and Education to aid in this trying life experience.

The impact of change has been identified as a major cause of both physical and psychological stress for many individuals. Studies have shown that the impact of changing one's living situation is often ranked as one of a person's most stressful life experiences. This is especially true if the person has lived in the same home for many years. It is also true if the person's move is not being made by choice, but brought on by a decline in physical or mental health.

Planning an out of home move can set off many emotional reactions:

• Anxiety and fear of the unknown are the most common reaction to moving from one's home.
   
• The person considering a move may deny the need for the move. Denial may cloud the individual's judgment. This may lead to a tendency to underestimate care needs. In some instances, a mental decline may contribute to a failure to understand the circumstances that surround the person's need for out of home care.
   
• Family members may have differing opinions about the care needs as a result of denial about the degree of decline.
   
• The family members most responsible for the person needing care may put excessive pressure on the person due to their own burnout from care giving. Anger and frustration may surface and family relations can become strained. Feelings of guilt and fear among family members may exaggerate their perspective about the person's safety at home.

All these reactions tend to create an atmosphere of crisis rather than an opportunity for orderly planning.

Identification of Choices Available
Most families are unaware of the different choices that are available for Seniors and Handicapped individuals in the Metropolitan Phoenix community. Locating the living situation that is equipped with just the right level of care and in an atmosphere that is comfortable for the individual is a daunting research task for the perspective resident and their family. Seeking the assistance of a Placement Agency staffed with Licensed Social Workers, such as Adult Care Connection, Inc. can be very beneficial when faced with this task. Minimizing stress for the person needing to move, as well as the family, is the goal of Social Workers specializing in placement planning

Assessment.
The most successful placement can occur when the Licensed Placement Social Worker has an opportunity to gather information relevant to the planning. It is recommended that families meet with a Licensed Social Worker to permit a thorough assessment of the perspective resident's circumstances. This assessment would include: (1) the medical condition, and expected progression of the illness or injury; (2) the current daily care needs and what increases in this care might be anticipated in the future; (3) geographic preferences especially related to family convenience; (4) life style preferences; (5) financial constraints; and placement timing. This information allows the placement Social Worker to direct the prospective resident and the family toward the most appropriate facilities.

Support and Education
As the prospective resident and family members become acquainted with the placement social worker they will quickly recognize her expertise. The art of matching the situation with the most appropriate facility is apparent. Several choices that meet the care needs are offered to permit considerable input from the handicapped person and family. Tours are arranged at the convenience of the person and family. In addition, the Social Worker is available to accompany them and assist in asking in-depth questions.

During the decision making process, the placement social worker is acknowledging the anticipated feelings and reactions that are predictable when such a major change must take place. Providing education and support throughout the process reduces the stress reactions that surface when a change must occur. Knowing that the placement Social Worker will remain available after placement occurs is an added benefit. Change leads to stress and stress leads to many emotional reactions. Taking action to lessen the impact is most practical.