Healthcare Choices

My mother is scheduled for hip replacement surgery next week. What kind of post-operative care might she need?

Your mother's doctor will determine her rehabilitation program after joint replacement surgery. She will most likely be written a physical therapy prescription to be filled at an outpatient therapy facility. Or, if she qualifies as "home bound" she could have her physical therapy sessions at home through a home health agency.

To see if there is a Golden LivingCenter with physical therapy services, typically provided by Aegis Therapies, in your or your mother's area please click here. After choosing the pertinent geographical area, then the use the 'Advanced Search" option and check "Physical Therapy."

My father suffered a stroke last week and is being released from the hospital in a few days. What kind of healthcare services will he need after his hospital discharge?

The severity of your father's stroke will determine the type, level and duration of post-hospital care he will require. Your father may need further rehabilitative therapy at a skilled nursing facility. The stroke care services we provide at our Golden LivingCenters will help him address his unique stroke effects with the goal of regaining his independence and then returning home.

If his case is less severe, then he could continue with outpatient therapy through Aegis Therapies at a rehabilitation facility. 

My father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. What do I do now?

You may be able to care for your father in your own home, especially if he is in the early stages of the disease. If you feel as though you can't care for him, then we suggest discussing with your family and his doctor about treatment options available, including a nursing home or personal care home.

Many of our Golden LivingCenters have excellent Alzheimer's care programs* that are dedicated to those living with the disease. These beautifully designed, and secure units and homes help manage the behaviors associated with dementia, focusing on the abilities of each individual so that he or she can live with respect and dignity. 

To see if there is a LivingCenter with an Alzheimer's care unit in your or your father's area please click here. After choosing the pertinent geographical area, then the use the 'Advanced Search" option and check "Dementia & Alzheimer's Care."

If you decide your father can still live independently, but may need help with certain daily activities, our Golden Living communities would provide him with a private suite, three daily meals, recreational activities and light housekeeping services.

*Only available at select locations.

My mother needs help with her daily activities, but is still independent and does not need to be in a nursing home. Would a personal care home be right for her?

Personal care homes/communities are ideal residences for individuals like your mother, who are able to live independently but may need help with certain activities of daily living. Our Golden Living communities will provide your mother with a private suite, three daily meals, recreational activities and light housekeeping services.

Should your mother need skilled nursing care, most of our Golden Living Communities are located close to Golden LivingCenters. This would make it easy for her to receive the skilled care she may need and then return home to her Golden Living community.

My mother suffers from debilitating diabetes. What healthcare services are available to her?

Our Golden LivingCenters have the staff and technology needed for complicated illnesses and recovery processes such as cardiac care, dialysis support, pain management, diabetic care and stroke care. Your mother would be assigned a designated care team, including a registered dietitian to evaluate her needs and develop a personalized care plan for her.

If your mother still lives at home, or is in a personal care home, and is "homebound," she may qualify for home healthcare. 

Because of her declining health my mother can no longer live on her own. How can I choose the right nursing home for her?

You should  focus on your mother's needs and wants, take a good look at what facilities are available in your area. Your hospital's case worker or your mother's health insurance representative can help you with this. Read the facilities' inspection report for the facilities, including ratings of health, safety, and quality of life. Tour each facility - preferably with your mother or other family members. During your tour, keep an eye out for features that will make a nursing home safe and comfortable for her. 

It's good to visit at a time when a facility is most likely to have maximum staff on duty (like at lunch, the biggest meal of the day). This also gives you a chance to test the food quality of the facility.

To see if there is a Golden LivingCenter in your or your mother's area please click here.

My mother is in the terminal stages of cancer. When is the appropriate time to begin discussing hospice care with her?

There are a variety of factors to take into account when considering hospice. It might be time for hospice if the following apply to your mother's condition:

• Frequent hospitalizations in the past six months
• Repeat or multiple infections
• Increased or uncontrollable pain
• Unplanned or continued weight loss
• Progressive decline in health despite undergoing treatments
• Life expectancy of six months or less

If you make the decision for hospice care, the hospice agency will manage all of the healthcare needs related to your mother's terminal diagnosis. This should help take a significant amount of pressure off both the family and her. Your mother's hospice services can be provided at home or in an assisted living facility, nursing facility or hospital.

To see if there is an AseraCare Hospice agency in your or your mother's area please click here.