It’s important to consider why you started looking for an alternative in the first place. It is likely that you started looking because it was determined that mom or dad might not be safe at home. Perhaps they had a fall, have a hard time coordinating doctors’ appointments, or medications. The challenges of managing all of this during COVID have increased, rather than decreased. We strongly recommend transitioning sooner rather than later. The risks of at home isolation and decline are much greater than the perceived risks of transitioning to a community.
COVID-19 Updates
First, we want to say thank you to the countless folks who have reached out to all of our communities over the past few months. Our residents and our teams have been overwhelmed by the loads of cards, well wishes, parades, comfort kits, signs, window visits, food delivery, prayers, flowers, groceries, Zoom calls, FaceTime calls and a lot of virtual hugs! “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members… a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.” While the “walls” around our communities still have to be higher than ever we feel more connected with each of the communities that we serve, and are humbled by all of the incredible folks who have come out to offer support to our residents and their teams. All while being socially distant! While these times have a strange feeling, they have given all of us the opportunity to focus on the basics. Share love, share grace, celebrate the small stuff, and keep one foot moving ahead of the other.
Click HERE to read the rest of the Parsons family letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not moving mom in until I can visit her.
Totally understand this! Many families have felt the same way. There are ways to visit and connect with your mom at our community. We have added a new team member to help with this. The Family Ambassador will work with all families to ensure families and their loved ones can stay connected through events, visits, zoom, phone calls and more.
I am not moving in until COVID is over.
COVID is here to stay. The risks of being home far outweigh the risks of moving into a community. General management of a home, senior health, and day to day activities is a time consuming process, and is a risky one in terms of exposure.
I really want to be able to help mom move in and get settled, how can I do this?
Our Care Support Team will work with you and your mom to help her get settled in. We work with moving companies, and our team can help. Prior to move in we word with the family and resident to get to know their special likes and dislikes to ensure a smooth transition.
Will we be able to take Mom home with us for Thanksgiving and Christmas or will she have to be on homestay/isolation again?
While it is always our home that residents can transition back into full life at Parsons House after they go on a trip or other great adventure. We have to follow the local guidelines regarding conducting a home stay or allowing a resident to fully get back into community life. If they do end up needing to do a Home Stay because the law requires it, we work with the resident and family to create a personal activity plan, provide meal planning times, and opportunities to go outside and have family visits.
What type of visits are allowed once Mom moves in?
We have added a new position to our community. The position is called Family Ambassador. This person’s job is to work directly with all of the families to connect them with their loved ones. Day in and out they work with you and your loved one to have as many family connections that the resident wants and desires. They will work with you to schedule porch visits, zoom calls, FaceTime visits, drive by visits, window visits, in community visits, essential caregiver visits as well as share photos and other things that will help to keep a connection to the elder loved one. We will do all this while staying in compliance with Local, State and Federal regulations protecting seniors.
If Mom has to go out for a Dr. Appointment is that allowed?
Yes. We can provide the transportation or we can work with you to do it. We also can assist with Telemedicine Visits.
Are your residents still able to eat meals in the dining room?
Yes. We offer a variety of Dining Room Seating Options and meal choices. All of which maintain social distance, and provide social engagement.
My mom/dad does not like to wear a mask how would you handle this?
We agree, no one likes to wear the masks! We request that all our residents wear masks and have trained our teams to remind and encourage residents to wear masks when they are in the common areas.
How is the culture for your residents during COVID and how have you been able to keep them uplifted and safe during this challenging time?
We a focusing on a few things, in order to maintain our community culture. Adaptations, a big sense of humor, and infinite resources and ideas to celebrate the little things. All of these have helped to keep our residents engaged and happy. Additionally we have managed to keep our residents safe by hiring additional team members including the family ambassador, as well as developed a robust Infection Control System.
Family Resources
You want the finest care possible for your loved one and we want to give you all the information you will need to make the appropriate decisions. Take a look at the links and resources below. Share them with your family, and then talk to us. Together we'll make sure your loved one gets the level of care needed to feel their very best every day. Contact us for any of the following publications.
Suggested Reading:
- Advice to Adult Children: Parsons House La Porte has developed a guide which provides families with tools in decision making for their elders. Please contact us to order a copy.
- How to Say it to Seniors by David Solie: This book is a resource for communicating effectively with an aging loved one.
Library:
Parsons House La Porte is pleased to offer a series of guides to help families plan for situations often faced when caring for senior loved ones.
- Advice to Adult Children: Parsons House La Porte has developed a guide which provides families with tools in decision making for their elders.
- Handy Move in Guide: A handy guide to help you pack when moving in.
- Anticipating A Hospital Stay: An informative guide to prepare you for an upcoming hospital stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are included in the monthly fee?
Amenities include three restaurant-style meals each day, snacks, weekly housekeeping and linen service, 24-hour staff and call system, scheduled transportation, activities throughout the day, indoor and outdoor walking areas, individually controlled heat and air, all utilities except for telephone and cable.
What are some typical community events?
Some of the events we have include monthly family dinners, monthly seasonal events, holiday parties, outings to local places of interest, volunteer events, and much more.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes, we have scheduled transportation available for residents.
What physical activities are available to residents?
Instructor-led aerobics, stretching, seated exercise, walking groups, swimming groups, nature walks, and more.
What medical services are available on-site?
Staff Nurse, podiatry visits, and geriatric psychiatry sessions.
Are different floor plans available?
Yes, we have many different floor plans to accommodate different resident needs.
Are guest rooms available?
Yes, guest rooms are available upon request for a nightly fee.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, small pets are welcome!
Helpful Links:
It is important to remember that you're not in this alone. Below are some great resources for more information and support.