Grace Pointe, a Continuing Care Senior Campus in Greeley, Colorado
I’m taking care of a parent with memory care problems. Who can I talk to, and where can I go for help? We understand how difficult it can be to take care of a loved one. You are not alone, and there are many resources in our community that can help. Our admissions team can provide you with literature, community contact support, and information about our services, including temporary respite care, to help you take a break and get the rest you may need.
Where do I start when trying to figure out what kind of healthcare my loved one needs? Making a decision about the level of care needed and how to get started can be difficult. The best place to begin is to talk with your loved one's doctor. He or she can tell you about your loved one's physical, mental and emotional well-being so that you can start to understand what type of care will be the most beneficial. The doctor may refer you to additional healthcare providers who will help you answer all of your questions.
When you start to interview health care providers, make sure you really get acquainted with the community and discuss all of the issues at hand about the health, special needs or unique challenges of your loved one to see how the facility would manage them. Provide as much detail as you can for healthcare providers during the interview, including; What are my loved one's diet likes and dislikes? How mobile are they? How much can they manage their personal care and hygiene? What were their former living conditions like? What support do they have? What role does religion play in their life? What are their routines and habits, as well as hobbies? What about mental capacity? Do they fear new surroundings? Do they socialize easily? Then health care providers can do their part to help make the transition to long-term care as smooth as possible.
How long will it take my mother to adjust to living at Grace Pointe, and how can I help her make the adjustment? Be aware that the first month or so may be uncomfortable for both of you. Don’t be surprised if you encounter anger and experience some degree of fear, tension and guilt. Any behaviors from your loved one, and your reactions to them, are normal under the circumstances. Adjusting to new living arrangements is a process that each resident goes through in their own way, and in their own time. Gradually, you should find your loved one talking less about their old home and more about their new community. The staff at Grace Pointe are available to help you through the highs and lows of this very emotional experience. Feel free to ask for some moral support, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions at any time. We have counselors on staff who can help.
You can also help your loved one settle into their new community by decorating rooms with things brought from the previous home, such as pictures, or a favorite chair. You can provide photos of family members, or photos of their favorite subjects. Bring magazines, books, CDs and music or audio tapes for your loved one’s enjoyment – or anything else they enjoyed doing in their previous home.
My mother never wanted to go to a “home” and I feel guilty, even though I know it’s best for her. Are my feelings normal? Relief. Guilt. Confusion. Anxiety. Yes, these feelings are common and understandable when a family member moves into a long-term care community. Such a major life change affects everyone in the family, whether it was long overdue, or is the result of a sudden illness. It may help to express that you only have your loved one’s best interests at heart, by remembering the advantages of a long term care community:
- Around-the-clock medical assistance available.
- The social aspects of community and activities, which encourages residents to be involved and active.
- Bonds and friendships that can be formed with caregivers who are working to make their lives comfortable.
- Certified Nursing Assistants and licensed nurses who teach skills and promote self-care.
- Medical staff who regularly track the medical needs and individual progress of each resident.
- Nutritious and tasty meals on a regular schedule, and special dietary considerations for those who need it.
- Finally, more relaxed and satisfying relationships with family members who now have sufficient energy and time to devote to the emotional needs of their family member rather than handling the stress of full-time caregiving.
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General
What is skilled nursing care and what is assisted living? Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers are for those recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Many patients need additional medical and rehabilitative therapies before successfully transitioning from hospital to home. Skilled nursing facilities, typically known as nursing homes, are designed to care for individuals who are unable to care for themselves and have numerous healthcare requirements. Many people are able to rehabilitate and move from skilled care back to their original home.
Assisted living facilities are designed to help persons who are able to provide some care for themselves except for a few everyday activities. Some examples include assistance with taking medications, bathing, dressing or meal preparation. Some assisted living centers are designed specifically for those who may be experiencing some memory problems, which interfere with their ability to manage everyday activities on a regular basis. Programming is focused on maintaining skills and retaining quality of life. Grace Pointe is licensed to offer multiple levels of care in the same building, while other facilities may only offer one level.
What are the qualifications to be able to move in? Our admissions team can discuss with you the appropriate placement situation and financial qualifications to assist you. In all cases, the support and involvement of a doctor is required.
How does payment work? How much does it cost?
Payment options and costs vary, depending on the level of care and services provided by Grace Pointe. Our admissions team will be available to discuss financial options with you.
What are the payment programs you will accept? Grace Pointe accepts private pay, insurance, and Medicare residents.
Who will have access to my health information?
Within the facility, only those who "need to know" in order to perform their job duties will have access to your personal health information, and in that case, only the information they need will be provided to them. This is called the "Minimum Necessary" under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
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Skilled Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Services
What should I look for when selecting a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility?
For short-term stays focused on rehabilitating a resident for return to home, ask the facility about its plan of care and successful outcomes treating residents with your loved one's illness, injury or disease. Also ask about the staff's knowledge regarding post-hospital care. Tour the facility for cleanliness, friendliness of staff and amenities that are important to you. Ask to sample food and visit with patients similar to you or your loved one.
Where can I find information to compare nursing homes?
Before deciding which long term care setting to choose, compare the recent state health department inspection records of the two or three facilities which impressed you most favorably during your visits. You can visit the Colorado Department of Health website for survey results of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Both of my parents will be going in to the nursing home together. Will they be able to have their own room?
Yes, in most cases. There may be times when couples need to be separated due to health concerns. If parents wish to be together, please discuss this with the admissions team.
Do you bill Medicare or Insurance?
Grace Pointe will be certified to accept individuals covered under Medicare and will bill Medicare for approved skilled care and therapy services. Medicare is a program designed to cover illness or rehabilitation, and the length of time coverage is available is subject to Medicare program rules. Generally, Medicare pays for 20 full coverage days and 80 co-payment days. Grace Pointe’s business office can discuss specific details and billing options with you.
Do you have short stay rehab available?
Yes, Grace Pointe will offer rehabilitation services on a short-term basis. Depending on availability, Grace Pointe will also offer respite care and daycare to provide caregivers with a break.
Do you have private rooms?
Grace Pointe will provide private rooms for the privacy and dignity of your loved one.
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Assisted Living Services
What should I look for when selecting an assisted living facility? In assisted living centers, residents are encouraged to maintain control and independence while receiving assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Full time staff on-site should be available to provide assistance to you and your loved one. Ask for a tour and visit the facility. Sample food, check out the activities schedule, visit with residents and ask how the program can assist with your need. Many locations require private payment, so ask about cost and consider whether this works with your financial situation.
What assisted living services does Grace Pointe provide?
Grace Pointe’s staff assists with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, as needed. Meals and snacks are provided each day as well, while considering the resident’s needs and desires. Medication administration and assistance is provided, taking into consideration doctor’s orders and the plan of care. Other services are available and tailored to individual resident’s needs.
How do I apply to become a resident?
Grace Pointe’s Admissions team can assist with paperwork and a deposit to hold space available.
Their number is 970.304.1919.
What is your availability?
At certain times and for certain types of services, there may be a waiting list. Grace Pointe’s admission team will be happy to discuss availability and details with you.
Do Assisted Living residents drive? Our experience is that transportation and the burden of a car produce unnecessary concerns for the resident. We strongly encourage residents to share their transportation needs with us.
What can I bring with me when I move in? This is your new community; as a general rule you may bring whatever helps you to be comfortable. Those moving into assisted living may bring their own furniture. Feel free to personalize the room with pictures, plants, mementos, and other items to make for a homey atmosphere. We discourage residents from keeping valuable items, such as expensive jewelry and large sums of money, in their rooms. The facility cannot take responsibility for such items.
Can I go to my daughter’s home for the holidays? Am I allowed to leave the facility?
Yes. Residents are encouraged to go on outings as much as possible. If overnight outings are planned, check with your caregiver team regarding the policy on overnight stays. You may need to sign out at the nurses' station and let the staff know the time you will be returning. In some cases you may need to obtain approval from your doctor and take necessary medications.
Who will wash my clothes? You have the option of either laundering your personal clothing or allowing us to wash the clothes. All clothing will need to be properly marked with an indelible marker.
When can my family and friends come to visit?
Friends and family may visit whenever you choose to have guests. This is your community, and you may open it to visitors as you choose. Depending on the area of the facility, for residents' security the facility doors may be locked after a certain time in the evening. If you are visiting after that time, please call the nurses' station in advance so that someone is available to open the doors.
Can my friends bring me snacks and drinks, or join me for meals?
Yes, please notify the nurse if food is brought into the facility for you so that it will not interfere with dietary and medication restrictions from your doctor's orders. All snacks need to be in sealed containers to assure freshness. If guests want to join you for a meal, a reservation is required and there is a nominal charge.
May I eat meals in my room?
All residents of the facility are invited to enjoy their meals in the dining room. If they are recovering from an illness, the nurse may suggest that a tray be brought to their room. Those who need reminders are prompted at mealtimes and assisted if necessary.
What if I don’t want to participate in activities?
A wide range of individual and group activities are provided. Participation is encouraged. However, if the resident chooses not to join in the fun, that’s fine. Family members are also invited to get involved in our volunteer program.
Will the facility have Cable TV and internet access in the rooms?
Yes, family members need only to call the phone or cable companies to make arrangements.
Can I keep my regular doctor?
Yes, Grace Pointe allows for your personal doctor to follow your care while you are a resident in the facility.
What if I need emergency care?
In the event a medical emergency cannot be addressed with the on-site nursing staff at Grace Pointe, 911 is called for transportation to the hospital.
Am I committed to stay or can I move if I want to?
There is no long-term commitment for residents to stay at Grace Pointe. All rent is paid in advance on a month-to-month basis, similar to many apartment arrangements. The facility does require a 30-day notice when a resident plans to permanently move out. When there is a specific change in the resident's health care status that requires a more intense medical service at a different location, the resident’s apartment will be on hold for their return unless they decide to permanently move out or relocate.
How can I receive therapy services?
Talk to your doctor about the current problem(s) you are experiencing. A doctor's referral for physical, speech or occupational therapy is required and Grace Pointe staff can provide services on-site. Grace Pointe’s business office can discuss payment options with you.
I like to get my hair done every two weeks. Is there a beauty shop available at yOur Community?
Yes, there is a beauty parlor on site at Grace Pointe and services are available several times a week.
How long can I stay in assisted living before moving to a nursing home? You and your doctor, together with Grace Pointe staff, can determine when your medical needs could be better served in skilled nursing or long term in the nursing home or different healthcare environment.
Can I live in one level of care while my spouse, who needs more assistance, lives in another?
Yes. As a continuing care retirement community, Grace Pointe is designed to meet the specific level of care needed for each resident.
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Memory Care Services
What should I look for when selecting a facility for Memory Care services?
When searching for care for a loved one living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, the focus should be on finding a location that has a warm, peaceful environment with safety features and a therapeutic program. Ask what type of programming is offered and if it is customized to each individual. How do they handle residents who are no longer interested in eating, or those who wander or exhibit behavior such as depression? Ask what other family members needed and how the facility responded. Visit the center and watch how the staff interacts with the residents, and also check how clean it is...if there are any strange and strong odors. Etc.
My question is not answered here. Where can I send my question?
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