Mike C
Feb 2025
INTRODUCTION:<br>Caregiving is an ultimate act of love. But caregiving becomes more difficult as an illness gradually takes independence away from our loved one as well as that of the family caregiver. Certain types of dementia cause physical deficits that render our family members into toddlers. The patient becomes incapable of doing most things for themselves. There are few decisions harder to make than deciding to put a spouse, or other loved one, in a Memory Care or an assisted living facility. The decision may come with a burden of guilt as well as initial grief and loneliness. But placement is often the best decision.<br><br>THE REVIEW:<br>When my wife was placed, she required help for all the activities of daily living (ADLs). Based on the quality of Brightstar in-home caregivers, Brightstar Homes was my first choice. After a tour of the facility, my wife was placed in the “Taft” home.<br><br>—The Brightstar/CMoore homes each hold about ten residents.<br>—All of the meals for the residents are made from scratch. It’s familiar comfort food. Most special dietary needs can be met.<br>—There are a minimum of two staff members on each shift. Often there are more.<br>—Upon acceptance to the home, a residents POA/Advocate fills out a complete bio of the resident. This helps with ongoing care and socialization.<br>— A comprehensive care plan is established when a resident enters the home. The plan is modified as needed based on input from Keystone Health or new requirements.<br>—Resident status reports are issued every six months to the residents advocate.<br>—The homes are self-pay.<br>—Typically, the Taft home smells fresh and clean.<br>—The homes have comfortable patios and visiting areas.<br>—Activities are provided periodically.<br>—They do not provide Nursing home care level services such as feeding tubes or giving infusions.<br>—Medical care is provided by the outstanding Keystone House calls Health team with over sight by Brightstar nurses and the on-site Med-tech.<br>—The care staff takes pulse and oxygen readings as well as issuing meds and logging changes. They will call medical support in the event of a significant physical or mental change<br>—Hospice support is provided by outside agencies for some guests.<br>—Pedicures are provided periodically and are included in the monthly fee.<br>—Hair dressers are available for a fee.<br>—It was necessary to purchase a TV for my wife’s room. Her bed was provided by Medicare via Norco. Family members can also provide familiar furniture and memorabilia for guest rooms.<br>—Disposable underwear is provided by the loved ones family.<br>—Doors to the outside are secured by electromagnetic locks to prevent wandering as well as unauthorized entry.<br>--One truth about placement is that the family caregiver often feels that no one (except themselves) can properly take care of their loved one. A paradigm shift is needed to recognize that >>the care team is truly an extension of the caregiver's family<<. As a client, I try to recognize the work of the regular care team members as best I can.<br>--Turnover is a major issue. We have met several teams of outstanding caregivers. The outstanding caregivers spend more time providing loving support to guests than visiting with their co-workers. Staff members sometime rotates shifts or go to other homes. And, sometimes caregivers transfer to the Brightstar in-home care division.<br>--As caring and wonderful as the Brightstar care team is, no situation is perfect. My wife fell at home and she’s had several falls at her memory care. Hearing aid support has been an issue. I’d recommend an over-the-ear hearing aid with a lanyard to prevent loss.<br>--Overall, my wife’s family and I have been exceptionally pleased with care at Brightstar/ CMoore homes. Although I recognize that every one’s experience will vary, I highly recommend checking out the CMoore homes for your loved one.<br><br>UPDATE:<br>After four years at Brightstar, my wife’s journey ended on 12/03/2024. Both Brightstar staff and Keystone hospice staff did their best to make the transition as comfortable as possible. She died pointing to the heavens.
