If you have an aging loved one with a developmental disability, it can be difficult to locate care options given their complex and increasing needs. When selecting care options for them, it is important to not only consider their current needs, but their future needs as a senior living with a developmental disability.
Here are some questions to ask yourself and potential care providers:
- Does your loved one do better in a family setting with care given in a Host Home setting? In many cases, your loved one would also need an Adult Day Program. Host Home Providers are independent contractors who provide care in their own homes to the people they support, and generally provide care through the evening hours.
- Does the Adult Day Program offer a senior program that meets your loved one’s individual needs, such as wheelchair access and age-appropriate activities?
- Does the Adult Day Program offer additional assistance with tube feeding, diaper changes, and hygiene care?
- Does the Adult Day Program offer transportation?
- Would a group home be more suitable for your loved one?
- Does the Host Home or Group Home offer adequate respite to the caregivers?
- Do you know who the respite caregivers are and what type of training they have been given to care for your loved one?
- Are you connected with a social worker or resource coordinator who has your loved one’s best interest in mind?
- Are you an active Guardian of your loved one and responsible for their decision-making?
- Does the Group Home or Host Home offer Supported Living Services that are tailored to the needs your loved one when living in their own home?
- Does the Group Home provided trained and qualified professional staff?
- Is a nursing home more suitable for your loved one’s needs?
- Is your loved one receiving all the resources available to meet their individual needs?
If you are having difficulty finding resources for your aging loved one with a developmental disability, or are unsure of how to answer any of these questions, contact one of our experienced elder law attorney at (312)878-0155 or click here to request a consultation online!