Wednesday, January 7, 2009

WHERE DOES ELDERCARE TAKE PLACE?

This is my fifth post based on a policy paper of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC), entitled: "DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS." The full policy paper is very detailed and expands upon the lists I have quoted in this and previous posts with comprehensive narrative. Nevertheless, the basic lists are self-explanatory. The following list of "Service Delivery Settings" is a direct quote and an excellent example of a useful guide:

"SERVICE DELIVERY SETTINGS

• Home (single or multiple unit)
• Senior centers, day care centers, day hospitals
• Supervised apartments, congregate housing
• Homes for the aged
• Adult foster care facilities
• Basic nursing facilities
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Rehabilitation units/facilities
• Hospice
• Hospitals
• Practitioner offices
• Ambulatory care centers
• Specialized nursing homes for the mentally ill and mentally retarded
• County medical care facilities"

Can you think of anything to add? If so, please comment.

Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

In California, we have what are called "board & care" facilities which I am not sure exist in every state.

It is a one-story residence in a neighborhood where 6 seniors reside along with 2 full time caregivers living there with them (state regulations). The caregivers work 5 days, then there are two other caregiver relievers who spell them for their 2 days off each week. I don't know if this type of living arrangement falls under any of the other categories above. Most residents in the board & cares I've visited have dementia or Alzheimer's disease, but not all do. Some are younger with other brain diseases, or live there because they can't live on their own for other physical or mental reasons.

Bob Tell said...

Linda--Thanks for your comment about "board & care" facilities. Very interesting variation on the idea of congregate housing and one which sounds like it may be more attractive than institutional settings like nursing homes (assuming quality of care can be maintained). I appreciate your educating us about this concept.

Bob Tell said...

Cynthia--Thanks for the information. I'm sure it will be of interest to my readers. Best wishes,