One of the biggest scams I have encountered is within the elder care community. Most assisted lving communities charge a non- refundable entrance fee anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $8K. After I paid the entrance fee, I was told they could not take care of dad, refused to bath him or provide basic personal hygiene. Dad is unable to stand unassisted, which was disclosed in writing up front. I was told I could either pay for a private setter or leave that they refused to lift him. I left with the large deposit still unrefunded. This has happend multiple times and even with calling APS, the ombudsmen and the Health Department, I am finding there is nothing I can do to recover the deposit. All of my complaints have been found to be "unsubstantiated", which I have found is 99.9% of the time. They ask Dad if he was showered, and he doesn't remember. The records have all been falsely documented. I started writing in his chart "No" when I saw that the CG had recorded bathing and brushing his teeth, when i was there and found him unbathed, and teeth nasty from multiple days of not brushing. I have been accused of being "abusive" so many times, that I have learned this is the facilities way of throwing up a smokescreen to take the focus off of them. I was told the only way to retrieve my money was if the facility had multiple complaints for the same offensive, and to show a pattern. Well, who do you complain to? Are there any honest facilities out there that truly care about elders or have we reached the stage that this is just another get rich quick way to scam our parents? This is the most unregulated, dishonest industries I have ever encountered. Where does one go to get support and who advocates for the residents?
Elder Abuse Information: Reporting Elder Abuse
You need not sacrifice the health and safety of your elderly loved one; report any incidents of elder abuse or neglect.
www.elder-abuse-information.com/news/news_122403_abuse_reports.htm
This isn't harsh, it's reality for our elders who endure this humiliation every day. They sit in urine for hours, because no one will assist them to the bathroom. Their teeth are half gone, because no one will assist in brushing. They smell because they haven't been showered. They are served food that you or I or even the care takers would not eat themselves. Please pray for me that my experience can make a difference for millions of elders who are suffering this injustice every single day.
The court will not consider a case if the elder person did not suffer a considerable damage. Sometimes lawyers will not take a case because the case is not "good" enough, meaning the damage is either hard to prove or is not terrible enough to convince the jury.
I always admire the mature persons who , being busy with their activities and responsibilities will do everything they can for their parents. Parents need us and very often , they have nobody else to protect them.
M Levin
If there are no Alzheimer Support Groups in your area, then get in touch with the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alz.org) and you will find a lot of resources for dealing with the problems you describe. But focus on your needs. Don't try to take on the Institutions or Government agencies until you have own house in order. It wastes too much energy and you will fall along with your father.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox.
You may want to consider a Residential Care Home. From my experience, they are smaller facilities in residential neighborhoods. Usually 2 caregivers to 6 residents. It's more of a family like environment vs an institution. Also, google "senior placement Advisors in AZ". Placement Advisor services are generally free of charge, they are compensated by the Residential Care Homes or Asssited Living Facilities. One that I have come across is www.assistedlivinglocators.com. They show listings of facilities in your area. Once you find a facility that is a good fit for your Dad, try to lighten up and bond with the staff (kiss a little booty). They usually have good intentions, but are overworked and underpaid. Good Luck! You are absolutely right. I've been there. Surrender.
Beth
Beth
that is neglet what that place is doing to him . there should be agaisnt the law in that . i would turn those people in !
he s better off to be at home and have a love ones willin to take care of him one on one .