Q1. How much do you charge for your services?

A1. Nothing. Our services are free to seniors and their families. HOME is compensated for this service by the facility it recommends once the placement process is complete. HOME will refer communities that do not offer compensation if it is the best option for the senior. We believe seniors come first.

Q2. Can you help me find housing outside of Sacramento?

A2. Yes. We have personally visited more than 650 senior communities in the following counties: Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, and Nevada. Just let us know where your loved one would like to live.

Q3. How much time should I plan to find a senior community and begin the move?

A3. It depends. For most people the steps progress at a comfortable pace and take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Here’s a summary of the process: 1) Evaluate the needs of the senior; 2) Receive referrals from HOME; 3) Tour facilities; 4) Selection is made; 5) Complete the forms required for admission; 6) Meet with personnel at the future home 7) Move-in day.

Q4. What forms must be completed before admission?

A4. The Form 602A, physician’s report, is required prior to admission. This must be completed by your loved one’s primary care physician. This is a standard State of California/Dept. of Social Services form that will help determine the care needs, diagnosis, and medical history of the senior. A recent TB test will be required (good for 6 months) or a chest X-ray (good for 1 year) to show negative results for TB.

Q5. Who pays for independent, assisted, or residential care?

A5. These senior communities require private pay, which includes long-term care insurance, assets, monthly retirement income, and/or family support. If you are interested in finding out more about a pilot program being conducted by Medi-Cal, visit www.californiaassistedliving.org.

Q6. Are there organizations that will help supplement the monthly cost of assisted living?

A6. The Veterans Administration has a program called Aid & Attendance Allowance. Your loved one must meet all the requirements of the program to participate. For more information, visit your local VA office or call 1-800-827-1000. See also VA Benefit Program. The Masons also provide assistance to their members. Call your local Mason organization for more details.

Q7. Will I be required to sign a long-term lease?

A7. No. The senior communities are available on a month-to-month basis. A 30-day written notice to vacate is usually required.

Q8. Can I bring my own furniture and personal belongings to the facility?

A8. Yes. The facilities encourage seniors to bring their own things so they feel at home. In addition, most assisted living facilities will furnish an apartment upon request.

Q9. What if my physician says skilled nursing care or 24-hour care is needed?

A9. Unfortunately, some physicians do not understand the level of care provided by today’s assisted living and residential care facilities. It is true that these facilities prohibit seniors who require feeding tubes and IVs and who have a contagious disease, however, they can provide a high level of care such as help with transfers and incontinence, diabetic care, and Alzheimer’s disease. Call our office and we will help you determine the best care home for your loved one.

Q10. What‘s the difference between independent living and assisted living?

A10. Independent living or retirement communities offer meals, housekeeping, activities, and transportation services. Seniors have their own apartment and live independently. Assisted living offers all of the above services plus assistance with medication management, weekly laundry service, and bathing and dressing assistance. Assisted living facilities also offer around-the-clock care and can help with mobility issues, incontinence care, and memory care (Alzheimer’s and Dementia).

Q11. What is the difference between a large assisted living facility and residential care (also known as board and care)?

A11. Both facilities are licensed by California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Large assisted living facilities usually have many activity programs and provide more socialization. In addition, residents also tend to be higher functioning. Smaller residential care homes can provide more one-on-one attention since there are no more than six residents in the home. Residents in smaller care homes tend to be frail and usually are not interested in being with a large group of residents or participating in activities. The residential care homes are smaller with a more intimate setting and home-cooked meals.

Q12. What happens if over time our savings account is depleted of funds?

A12. You may relocate to a more affordable senior community before the funds run out. If your care needs exceed what you can afford, and your only income is social security, you may apply for Medi-Cal and move into a skilled nursing facility, or you may qualify for the California Assisted Living Waiver Pilot Project. For more information, visit www.californiaassistedliving.org.

Q13. Is the cost of care tax deductible?

A13. Yes. Be sure to check with your tax accountant for details specific to your situation.

Q14. What type of community provides care for seniors who require Dementia or Alzheimer’s care?

A14. Senior communities vary on whether they accept residents with Dementia. If your doctor lists Dementia or Alzheimer’s as a primary diagnosis on Form 602 (required prior to admission) the facility may request that your loved one move into the memory care unit. Other assisted living facilities will not accept seniors with any diagnosis of Dementia or Alzheimer’s. You may want to discuss this with your primary care physician prior to completing this form; although, if your loved one is taking Aricept or Namenda the doctor may not be comfortable with making the diagnosis secondary.