1. Care for Elderly Parents: Where
to Find It

2. Options for Care
• 80-85% of elders who need care are in crisis
• Options for elderly care have grown considerably
• Our ability to uncover and understand what these options are
continues to evolve
• Huge amount of information and resources can guide us

3. Needs and Wants
• Mary Ellen Pierce, R.N., principal of Care Management
Associates of Vancouver, Washington:
– Determining care for elderly comes down to baseline legwork
– “Identify what an individual needs and wants in terms of a living
environment.”
– Take time for an assessment
– Use it as a template
– Add the amenities he or she finds important

4. Tips for Tapping into Senior Care Resources
• After the care program is
defined and plan of action
developed, tap into the
following resources:
– The internet
– Local senior publications
– City and state programs
– Non-profit organizations
• Contact local hospitals and
clinics
• Government entities
– Department of Social and
Health Services (DSHS) Aging
& Disability Services
• Faith-based organizations
• Health-related, non-profit
organizations
– American Cancer Society
– American Heart Association

5. Make Use of the Internet
• Many of these resources can be accessed online
• Use keywords such as:
– Aging services networks
– Community resident referrals
– Senior homes
– Home and community services
– Adult day services
• Professional advice can be found by searching community
senior publications or on the internet – search for senior care
consultants
• When the selection narrows, evaluate fee agreements and
ask if it has been accredited by CARF-CCAC

6. Do the Legwork
• Visit the facility
• Check out the atmosphere, food, staff attitude, services,
health orientation
• Talk with nursing care residents and their families
• Ask “How will your community enhance my loved one’s
lifestyle?”

7. SeniorHomes.com
• Information in this presentation provided by
senior care writer Leslee Jaquette
• SeniorHomes.com is a free resource for
seniors and families searching for housing and
care services
• Visit http://www.seniorhomes.com for more
information on senior housing