Choosing a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF)
Community Based Residential Facilities are state licensed facilities designed to provide care services to 3 or more unrelated adults.
Step 1 - Gathering Information
The first step in seeking alternate living arrangements is to gather information. It is important to consider the atmosphere, the programs offered, and the quality of service. As you look over the literature sent from various CBRF/group homes, look for application fees and add on charges for services. Your loved one needs individualized care and personal attention. Staffing patterns and emphasis on personal attention dictate the quality of care and naturally, the cost of this care. Make an appointment to tour, check out the meals, and observe the cleanliness of the home. You may even want to talk to one of the residents and see what they think of the home.
Step 2 - Making the Decision
Now that you have seen the homes, it is important to share this information with your family member. Now may be the time to invite them for a lunch tour at the homes you feel they would like best. (Remembering they may not think any change is needed.) Once you have taken your family on some tours, it is important to narrow down the options. If living in their own home is not feasible at the present time, tell them exactly what their options are and offer them a trial period. Nothing is final. Help them to feel in control. Involving the prospective resident is instrumental in helping them make a healthy adjustment.
Step 3 - Preparing for Admission
Preparing for the day of admission can be made easier if the resident has been able to come and see the home, maybe have lunch and/or participate in an activity. Preparation is helpful in making the admission work. When this is not possible, it is up to staff to help you and your family member take this step. Encouraging your loved one to talk about his or her feelings is important. Being honest about what options your family member really does have is difficult, but helpful. Allowing them to help make the decision and make their thoughts and needs known can make an easier adjustment for them.
It is important to discuss the positive aspects of the admission to a group home. Assure them that many of their personal belongings may be brought to their home. The resident may continue to go out with family for holidays, shopping and overnights. The home you choose should have various family celebrations throughout the year in which you can get involved. Family members should be able to come to the home and have lunch or supper at anytime, free of charge. Your loved one needs this regular and relaxed involvement from you. The residents should feel like the home is theirs, inviting in guests. The residents should reach out to each other, offering words ofcomfort and encouragement. The isolation of living alone gives way to new friends and new opportunities to learn and grow. They become like family.
Family Involvement
Prior to the day of admission you may want to go to the home and begin to personalize your loved ones' room. This may mean placing some family objects on their dresser, or maybe the addition of a favorite chair. This may help to make the transition easier. Plan to have lunch with your family member on the first day and help them settle into their room. The staff at a quality room will help make the first day more manageable. Their job is to involve the resident in daily activities and to guide them through their day. It is important to help make the resident feel in control of their routine as much as possible. It is hoped that the admission to the group home will bring great relief to your loved one and to you. You will know you made the right decision when you don't have to worry about your family member. The new found independence that they experience will help them in their adjustment to the home. Soon they will have new friends and a new sense of self.
For family members there may be a sense of hesitation. Perhaps you made a promise that you would keep your loved one in their home. Unfortunately as we age there are many factors that are out of our control. Finding an alternative living arrangement that is not in your loved one's own home doesn't mean you have broken a promise. It means you are doing your best to find a place that will meet their present needs while maintaining their dignity and the need for individuality.
We at Family Tree hope this information is helpful as you look at the many care options available for your loved one. Please let us know if you have any questions. We wish you all the best!
For further information and to discuss care for your loved one at Family Tree, click here.