Contra Costa – Assisted Living Facilities

As you meet different Contra Costa County assisted living facility representatives, you will have the chance to ask the same questions and address the same issues in order to more effectively compare responses.

It is important to have find answers to your questions. However, you also want to note the concern and interest of the representative of the eldercare facility. If the representative does not seem to be fully invested in the happiness and well-being of your loved one, choose another assisted living facility or nursinghome. However, if you feel hopeful about the response from the representative, move forward in your investigation by asking questions regarding the nursing care facility's amenities, credentialing and programming. Use the following list of questions as a guide to help you develop your own.

• Has your assisted living center earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
• How long has your Contra Costa County assisted living facility been in business?
• What is the philosophy of the Contra Costa County assisted living facility?
• Is the facility close to family and friends? Is it in close to shopping malls or other businesses that might be of interest?
• How will my loved ones current and future needs be met by the facility?
• What type of training did the staff receive? Review state licensing reports and certifications.
• What services are offered by the Contra Costa assisted living facilities and nursing homes?
• Is there space available for your loved one or is there a waiting list at the adult care centers you've contacted?

It's best to choose a Diamond Certified assisted living facility in Contra Costa County including the major cities of Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Brentwood, Martinez and Pleasant Hill, because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can't pass.

If you want quality from an assisted living facility in Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified facility. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you'll never be fooled by fake reviews. That's because

all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can't find a Diamond Certified assisted living facility within reach, you'll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it's wise to call some references provided by your assisted living facility. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the facility are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That's because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

Below are questions for you to consider when speaking with references about the facility:

• Does the staff take time to visit with you or are they often rushed?
• Is transportation provided at thenursing care facility?           
• Is the food appealing? Is there an option for residents to eat in their rooms? What kinds of foods are served?
• Are hobbies encouraged at the adult nursing care facility? Are there different groups that meet regularly?
• Are the nursing home residents happy, enjoying their interaction together?
• How are residents'  health problems handled?

Once you've chosen a good assisted living facility in Contra Costa County, your loved one will begin the transition to his or her new home. No matter how smooth the transition may go, this will be a difficult time. Here are a few ideas to consider so that you can support your loved one during this time.

Assist your loved one in making their new home personal.
Help him or her choose things from home that are special and that will bring meaning to their new environment. It is important that you simply help during this time; refrain from taking over and making demands. This is their new home and they need to make it as comfortable as possible.

Work through frustrations together.
If your loved one is experiencing frustrations or stress during this time, confirm those feelings. Let him or her know that you are there to listen he or she works through these experiences. Discuss solutions together, discussing steps that can be taken to ease the problems.

Visit and call them at the nursing home and assisted living center as often as possible.
During this transitional time, your loved one needs to know that they are loved and cared for. If possible, include your loved one in family get-togethers. Invite them over for dinner or include them in events that they would enjoy. Regular contact can make a big difference in your loved one's transition to a new home.

Acknowledge feelings of loss.
During this time, it is only natural that your loved one will grieve a loss of independence. Even in the best of circumstances, feelings of loss are to be expected. Focus on the positive characteristics of their new home while also listening empathetically. Let them know that you are there to support them by offering sympathy and encouragement.

Assisted living residents in Contra Costa County including the major cities of Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Brentwood, Martinez and Pleasant Hill, usually reside in their own private or semi-private apartments. The following list of basic services are offered at most assisted living facilities in Contra Costa County.

Daily Activities Assistance
Residents will be given assistance in daily needs such as getting dressed, bathing, moving around or any other daily living need that the resident may need help with.

Assisted Living Center Meals
Facilities provide three meals a day even though some residents have kitchens in their units and, if they choose, are able to cook their own meals.

Nursing Home Laundry Service
Most assisted living facilities offer laundry services for the residents.

Health and Exercise Programs in the Assisted Living Centers
A variety of health and exercise programs are offered at different facilities. Many facilities also have Wellness Programs available.

Housekeeping and Maintenance
Basic housekeeping and maintenance services are offered for the residents.

Basic Medical Monitoring
The resident's basic medical needs such as daily administration of medications will be provided.

24 Hour Supervision and Security
Should any emergency arise, residents can know that help is close by. Many facilities even have emergency alert systems in place.

Assisted Living Facility Social Programs
Numerous ways of interacting with the residents at assisted living facilities are provided. The social environment is a major benefit of an assisted living facility. Programs include educational activities, religious services, and more.

Eldercare Transportation Services
Transportation is provided for the residents though some may have their own vehicles and are able to drive independently.

adult daycare centers
Adult day care centers offer social, recreational and health-related services to individuals in a protective setting who cannot be left alone during the day due to health care and social need, confusion or disability.

Also known as: senior daycare, adult day care, adult daycare center, adult daycare services, elderly daycare

adult social activities and recreation
Most good assisted living facilities offer various forms of social and recreational activities for the residents. These activities may or may not include swimming pools/spas, exercise facilities, clubhouse/lounges, library/reading lounges, hobby groups.

Alzheimer's assisted living facilities
Often referred to as Special Care Units, these types of elder care facilities are staffed with individuals who specialize in working with people who have Alzheimer's Disease. The environment is designed to be very safe and comfortable and the activities center around benefiting the person with Alzheimer's Disease.

assisted living nursing homes
Assisted living nursing home facilities range in size from a small residential house for one resident up to very large facilities providing services to hundreds of residents. Assisted living refers to a range of care varying between an independent living community and a skilled nursing facility. People who reside in newer assisted living facilities usually have their own private apartment. There is usually no special medical monitoring equipment that you would find in a nursing home, and their nursing staff may not be available at all hours. However, trained staff are usually on-site ato provide other needed services around the clock. Household chores such as thechanging of sheets, laundry, and the preparation of food are completed for the resident. Grocery service is often available too. Where provided, private apartments generally are self-contained. Many have their own bedroom and bathroom, and may have a separate living area or small kitchen. Registered Nurses and License Practical Nurses are available by phone or e-mail at all times.

Some assisted living facilities are simply individual living spaces that may resemble a dormitory or hotel room consisting of a private or semi-private sleeping area and a shared bathroom. These types of nursing care facilities usually have common areas for socializing, as well as a central kitchen and dining room for preparing and eating meals.

companion care
Companion care is an elder care service that makes it possible for the elderly to maintain as much independence as possible by providing in-home assistance and companionship.

Also known as: hospice care, home hospice care, companion care hospice

convalescent homes
These types of homes generally provide a home-like environment while patients recover from long-term illnesses or medical procedures. Many residents look forward to returning to their homes after a full recover though some remain for the remainder of their natural lives. Convalescent Homes provide a combination of medical services and support staff.

dementia assisted living facilities
These facilities specialize in providing care for residents that suffer from dementia. Some facilities offer specialized units that provide care to those with moderate to severe levels of dementia. They remain locked at all times and  provide the unique supervision, support, structure, and personal care required by those with problems of dementia.

elder care services
Elder Care Services are in-home services provided by nonmedical, private duty homecare agencies that provide in-home care in order to help the elderly remain in their homes.

hospice care
Hospice care is provided for seriously ill patients in order to offer them a more dignified, comfortable alternative to spending their final months in a hospital environment by helping them live comfortably at home. Hospice care helps manage the patient's pain, improves the quality of the patient's life, and offers social services. hospice care is about getting the most appropriate care in the last phase of life. The goal of hospice care is to provide comfort rather than to cure illness.

housekeeping services
Various housekeeping services are provided at assisted living facilities. Though the services offered vary at each facility, these services often include vacuuming, changing bed liners, dusting, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the kitchen, and laundry. Though most housekeeping services are provided on a weekly basis, daily suite cleaning is available at some facilities.

 independent living centers
 Independent living centers are typically non-residential, provide, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations that provide services and advocacy for persons with all types of disabilities. The goal of these centers is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their communities.

in-home care
In-home care is healthcare provided in the patient's home by licensed healthcare professionals.

live-in caregivers
Live-in caregivers provide in-home assistance to the elderly, disabled or any individual who needs support or total care. These caregivers provide the patient with the knowledge, tools and assistance needed to allow them to remain in their own home. These services include personal needs such as bathing, grooming, dressing, errands, transportation, cooking and light housekeeping.

meal preparation
Assisted living facilities offer meal preparation for residents three times per day. Snacks are provided at some facilities as well.

Medicaid nursing homes
Medicaid is a federal program administered at the state level that provides health care for low income individuals. Medicaid nursing homes are nursing homes that are in compliance with the requirements of the Medicaid program. Residents who qualify for Medicaid may apply for Medicaid to cover the cost of nursing home care.

medication management
Medication management is the monitoring of medications a patient takes to validate that the patient is complying with a medication regimen. This process also ensures that the patient avoids potentially dangerous drug interactions and other complications.

nursing care
Nursing care is often provided at assisted living facilities by licensed personnel.

nursing homes
Nursing homes are homes that provide care for people who need long-term care or rehabilitation after surgery. Some residents may be recovering from a more severe medical condition such as a stroke. These homes provide all of the personal care and services of an assisted living facilitiy with the addition of 24-hour nursing care.

personal care
Personal care refers to daily routines a person must be able to complete in order to live a healthy, independent life. These routines include bathing, laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.

personal care assistance
Personal care assistance provides assistance to persons who need help with day-to-day activities in order to allow them to be more independent in their own homes. Personal Care Assistance can be provided for persons who have physical, emotional or mental disabilities, a chronic illness or an injury.

private assisted living
Private assisted living refers to an eldercare alternative on the continuum of care for people. Varying degrees of assistance or supervision is provided by a trained staff. Residents may live in a private room or apartment depending on their level of independence.

Retirement nursing homes
A retirement nursing home is a multi-residence housing facility intended for senior citizens. Typically each person or couple in a Retirement Nursing Home has an apartment or suite of rooms. Additional facilities are included within the building. These include facilities for meals, recreation, or gatherings, etc.

senior caregivers
Senior caregivers are people who provide care for the elderly by offering companionship, conversation, stabilization and assistance with walking, meal-preparation and clean up, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments and other errands, etc.

Also known as: senior home caregivers

senior emergency call care
Senior emergency call care is a calling system installed by authorized dealers that allows residents to call for help with the push of a button. These systems are often used in assisted living facilities or other forms of senior care facilities.

senior exercise programs
Senior exercise programs are specially designed programs for the aging to help them stay strong, energetic and healthy as they age. By adding activity and movement to your life, you can manage symptoms of illness and pain, maintain independence, and even reverse some symptoms of aging.

Also known as: exercise programs for senior citizens

senior housing
Senior housing refers to the different options available for the aging. You may choose from a variety of options that include Independent Living, Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care.

Also known as: low income senior housing, independent living senior housing, affordable senior housing

senior laundry services
Senior laundry services are laundry services provided for aging citizens. Most assisted living facilities provide laundry services for their residents.

security services
Security services are programs designed to protect against danger, damage, loss or crime.

senior wellness programs
Senior wellness programs improves function and promotes successful living among older adults. It is a comprehensive approach to the prevention of disease and disability. Wellness Programs are designed to educate, motivate and encourage individuals to live an overall better quality of life.

skilled nursing facility
Skilled nursing facilities are health care facilities that are licensed and inspected by the State Department of Health Services. Both short and long-term care options are available for those with temporary or permanent health problems too complicated for home care or an assisted living option. These facilities are most appropriate for the sickest of patients. Patients can receive almost any kind of rehabilitative therapy by licensed health care providers.

transitional homes
Transitional homes are part of a housing program that assists seniors in gaining independence, stability and reconnecting with their community. Transitional Homes are sponsored by HUD and available to citizens who are 62 years of age and older with limited income. Rent is based on adjusted income.

Also known as: transitional living homes

transportation services
Transportation services is a service provided by assisted living facilities for the residents.

Also known as: elderly transportation services

veterans nursing homes
Veterans nursing homes are generally available to active duty veterans but some nursing homes have beds for people who served with the Reserves, National Guard, or spouses of veterans.

Also known as: VA nursing homes, VA assisted living centers, VA elder care