By Amanda Roberts
Navigating Senior Housing: Finding the Right Care for Mr. Jones
Navigating the senior housing industry can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your loved one’s current and future care needs. With so many options and variables, families often ask the same question: “What now?” This is why families and healthcare professionals frequently reach out to Concierge Care Advisors—to guide them through this challenging journey and find the best possible solution for their loved one.
A Family in Crisis: The Story of Mr. Jones
Recently, I was contacted by the Jones family about Mr. Jones, who had been admitted to the hospital twice within three weeks due to flu-like symptoms. However, it wasn’t just the physical illness that concerned his medical team—his family had noticed troubling changes:
- Increased confusion
- Agitation and changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty expressing his needs
The situation had become overwhelming for his wife and daughter, who were doing their best to care for him at home. When Mr. Jones became unresponsive and agitated, the family had no choice but to call 911 and take him to the ER.
The hospital’s medical team recommended that Mr. Jones transition to 24-hour care in a facility with experience managing dementia care. However, instead of clear guidance, the family received a long, disorganized list of adult family homes by county, along with a Concierge Care Advisors card. That’s when they called us—and everything changed.
Step 1: Get Out of Crisis Mode
The first priority in any senior care situation is getting out of crisis mode. On Friday, after gathering vital information from the family, doctors, and therapists, we sent the intake form to our team of social workers to begin the search for adult family homes that fit Mr. Jones’s needs.
During my conversation with the family, I gathered detailed insights about Mr. Jones—his likes, dislikes, and what an average day looked like for him. This personal information allowed us to narrow the search to five high-quality homes in the North Pierce and Puyallup areas, tailored to the family’s preferences and within their budget.
Touring Adult Family Homes: A Streamlined Process
Within 24 hours, we were ready to tour the shortlisted adult family homes. Each home had been carefully vetted to ensure compliance with DSHS standards and high-quality dementia care. As I accompanied the family, I offered tips to help them stay organized, such as keeping a notepad to jot down questions and notes during the tours.
After completing three tours, we decided to take a quick coffee break. Despite the emotional toll, the Jones family was determined to tour all five homes that day to avoid further hospital charges and ensure Mr. Jones could transition smoothly.
Making the Right Choice: Balancing Needs and Wants
By the end of the tours, the Jones family had two top choices. However, like many families, they were struggling to balance their wants with their needs. I reminded them that while it’s rare to find a place that meets every preference, the goal is to find the best overall fit.
In the end, they chose a home just three miles from their family home, making it easy for Mrs. Jones to visit her husband as often as she wanted. The facility had a long history of dementia care, awake staff available overnight, and a warm, caring environment.
A Successful Transition, Thanks to Teamwork
By Monday morning, we had everything in place to move Mr. Jones into his new home. The family felt a sense of relief knowing their father was in good hands, receiving 24/7 care from experienced professionals. When the hospital social worker called with the final question, “What now?,” the family was ready—with a plan, peace of mind, and a safe place for Mr. Jones to thrive.
Let Us Help You Navigate Senior Care
Finding the right senior care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Concierge Care Advisors, we specialize in matching families with the best care options—whether it’s assisted living, adult family homes, or memory care facilities. We offer free guidance and personalized recommendations to ensure your loved one’s needs are met with compassion and expertise.
Call us today at 1-855-444-7364 or complete our Contact Us form to connect with a Senior Advisor and start your journey toward finding the perfect care solution.
