Front Page Today's Paper: "Is the Quality of Elder Care in Jeopardy"

The front page story today on the San Luis Obispo Tribune asks "Is the quality of elder care in jeopardy?" The article starts with the story of a woman at a local facility who died from complications from a diabetic condition. State officials found the facility had "insufficient and unqualified staff" who failed to monitor a diabetic condition.

The questions about the quality of elder care are being asked all over the world, as this topic grows in importance with the aging of populations and changes in society.

The small facilities, like the one described above, are said in the article to be often less expensive and less restrictive. Many of them are wonderful, home style settings where a house has been adapted for use as a board and care facility.

The less restrictive aspect of the small board and care homes that offer assistance to frail seniors also means they are not inspected regularly. The article said that unless there is a complaint the small homes might only be inspected once every five years.

The article said in 1998 San Luis Obispo County had fewer than 40 small board and care homes and now there are 74 with 10 beds or less. The trend for more facilities to keep up with the growing demand is expected to continue as the population ages.

For information about local facilities, recommendations, and violations you can call the local ombudsman services where you live. The long term care ombudsman, as discussed in other posts at this blog, is a person who investigates complaints and is there to help you find quality care. This official is familiar with the inspections, violations, and quality of local facilities.

Call Adult Protection Services for Advice

In San Luis Obispo County the number for Adult Protection Services is (805) 781-1790. You can also go to the website for slocounty and click on the tab located on the top of the page that says "Health and Wellbeing".

Adult Protection offers educational advice and counseling. They also investigate possible neglect or abuse.

When people want to help, but don't know what to do or where to turn, then Adult Protection can provide information and guidance. Trying to help someone who has alzheimer's, or dementia, or who is frail but accustomed to independence, can be complicated.

Adult Protection can also help you to find social services that help to provide in home support care and other types of assistance if this is needed.

I have called Adult Protection for recommendations whenever their education or counseling would help me to be a better caregiver for my clients. They have always been wonderful and I have appreciated their suggestions and guidance enormously.

If you do not wish to give out your name ,or the names of other people about whom you are requesting advice, you can call anonymously.