Are Group Homes With Four or Five People Appropriate for Alzheimer's Patients?

First of all, it’s important to define exactly what we mean by “group homes.” Some states call them “boarding care homes,” instead. Some states require licenses. So, to start your search, call your state’s licensing department and ask if licensure is required; and, if so, get a list of the homes in your area.

If it were one of my parents, I’d consider only those homes experienced with dementia patients. These facilities will have very specific safety measures, and staffs with special training in working with this population.

Also, when making this decision, consider whether your loved one can stay in the home the rest of her life. For example, if she runs out of money, will the home accept Medicaid? (And will she be eligible for it?) What if she eventually needs a wheelchair, or becomes bedridden, or incontinent. Will she be able to remain there?

In my opinion, smaller homes (with just four or five residents) are best for dementia patients. They’re more “homey.” There’s more contact between the staff and residents. And staff are generally more versatile, as they often have to do a wider variety of jobs.

I believe that residents of smaller homes are often happier. The smaller homes often make it a point to involve residents in daily activities such as cooking and cleaning, folding laundry, helping with the trash, watering plants, and setting the table. Activities such as these allow your loved one to feel a sense of responsibility, and self-worth. And they allow her, as well, to develop a sense of community with the other residents.

When you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s, it’s inevitable that more and more questions will come up in your mind. But we can help. At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we have one of the largest Alzheimer’s Resource Centers in South Florida.

We’re Elder Law attorneys. And over the past 33 years, we've walked thousands of South Florida families through the Alzheimer’s Journey…with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid or the VA.

We know every step of the Alzheimer’s Journey. And we’re just a phone call away.