- Can the person with MS maintain a fairly high level of independence? Can he or she manage dressing, grooming, feeding, and toileting relatively independently?
- Will the person with MS require on-going medical supervision and oversight? Is there 24-hour nursing staff on site?
- Is the person with MS capable of self-management and self direction of care?
- Is assisted living a regulated industry in their state? What facilities are licensed?
- What regulations are in place in the state regarding admission criteria for assisted living? Can all these criteria be met? For example, many states require that residents be able to transfer independently.
- How accessible is the facility if wheeled mobility is used?
- Is there a non-elderly population in the facility, or a desire to individualize programming for a younger resident?
- Is there a willingness for staff to be trained in MS and its implications?
- Are there specific discharge criteria that could necessitate having to move out of the facility if functioning declined?
- Almost 95% of assisted living is paid on a private pay basis. Is the family able to pay the monthly fee that could range from $1800-$4500? What does this fee cover? What are defined as additional services for which additional fees will be charged? If the cost of assisted living is prohibitive, does the state have a Medicaid waiver program to pay for assisted living? What are the eligibility criteria?
 |
| Common Questions About Multiple Sclerosis |
In evaluating skilled nursing facilities, the following issues should be addressed:
- Is the facility's state license up to date? What is their record of complaints and deficiencies?
- What does the "Nursing Home Compare" section of the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services website, www.medicare.gov , say about the facility in terms of number of residents, staff-resident ratios, inspection results, and survey data?
- Does the facility accept Medicaid? Who will clarify eligibility criteria? If paying privately, what financial resources will be available? Who will pay the monthly fee? Will there be additional costs?
- Are there younger residents in the facility? Do any of them have MS or other neuro-degenerative diseases? How much experience has the facility had with MS? Are they open to having staff receive special training in this area?
- How elderly-focused are the activities? Is there interest in incorporating activities appealing to a younger population in terms of music, community outings, intellectually stimulating games and discussion, computer access, etc.? What particular interests and activities does the person with MS most want to preserve?
- How handicapped accessible is the facility? Does it have ramps, handrails, accessible bathrooms, and lifts? Is the importance of wheeled mobility appreciated? Is there storage available for equipment? Does it have arrangements with vendors who can supply and repair wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment?
- What healthcare professionals are on staff - physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, etc?
- What preventive care is available, such as immunizations, cancer screenings, dental care, eye care, foot care, etc?
- How are direct care staff assigned? Do they rotate throughout the facility, or work on specific units?
- Is there individual climate control for residents' rooms?
MS is a variable and frustrating disease. It puts tremendous pressure on families because there is no way of knowing what lies ahead. Perhaps the MS will have a stable course and life will be relatively uneventful. On the other hand, there may be downturns and detours that will be unsettling and require adjustments and alternative planning. The process of looking to the future, evaluating options, and planning accordingly is like purchasing an insurance policy. The coverage may never be needed. But if the time comes when it is necessary, what a relief to know that everything that could be done has been done, and that the family is prepared and ready to take control and move forward. To find out more, you can check out Common Questions About Multiple Sclerosis.