I publish an availability list of residential care homes on my website Find Houston Senior Care every Thursday to help families and professionals find these smaller care homes dotted throughout the Houston metroplex.
But not every home cuts the mustard. Here is what I saw this week. I went to the Missouri City/Sugarland area yesterday to visit two small homes that were interested in being on my list.
The first one told me they were a Type A licensed facility for two years. I noticed several inconsistencies when I visited. Items that I knew were part of the state regulations such as having all medications in a locked cabinet had not been taken care of. I did not believe the state would license such a facility.
While waiting for the owner (who was taking a shower when I arrived for our scheduled appointment) I visited with a resident. The gentleman seemed very happy with the home and said his VA benefits helped to pay for it. I was concerned however when he told me that he likes this place because they let him take walks in the neighborhood. Sometimes he said I get winded ( he has COPD and is supposed to be on oxygen) and have to sit down on someones lawn. "The neighbors are very nice and help me" he said. So where are the caregivers he is paying to assist him I wondered?
A caregiver toured me through a dirty kitchen piled high with dishes that appeared to be from the night before. We also visited with other residents in the home. They both seemed happy but I wondered if one lady was capable of being able to evacuate in an emergency. (This is criteria for a type A assisted living home)
After checking further I discovered the home DID NOT have a license!
True, he only had 3 residents and state law says you do not have to have a license, but this home was marketing to get 9 residents in the home. Plus the fact that he had not told the truth about his license. Thumbs down on this one!
The second home I visited was just opening for business. She told me that she planned to only have 3 residents in this home and therefore would not be licensed. She was upfront and honest! She plans to open a larger licensed facility in the future.
The home was spotless and well laid out. The owner pointed out safety features she had thought about. This owner is very knowledgeable of the senior industry and is a licensed RN. Her husband is also an RN and together they own a health care company.
After speaking with her for over an hour and talking to several health care professionals I know in the area, I concluded that her reputation is good. I also researched her Home Health Company on the DADS (Department of Aging and Disability Services) website. The Home Health Care Company was in perfect standing. I hope to have this home listed soon as I do feel this would be a good care option for seniors.
See which homes made the list in your area of town. The List
If you need someone to help you I offer a Planning and Strategy Session
But not every home cuts the mustard. Here is what I saw this week. I went to the Missouri City/Sugarland area yesterday to visit two small homes that were interested in being on my list.
The first one told me they were a Type A licensed facility for two years. I noticed several inconsistencies when I visited. Items that I knew were part of the state regulations such as having all medications in a locked cabinet had not been taken care of. I did not believe the state would license such a facility.
While waiting for the owner (who was taking a shower when I arrived for our scheduled appointment) I visited with a resident. The gentleman seemed very happy with the home and said his VA benefits helped to pay for it. I was concerned however when he told me that he likes this place because they let him take walks in the neighborhood. Sometimes he said I get winded ( he has COPD and is supposed to be on oxygen) and have to sit down on someones lawn. "The neighbors are very nice and help me" he said. So where are the caregivers he is paying to assist him I wondered?
A caregiver toured me through a dirty kitchen piled high with dishes that appeared to be from the night before. We also visited with other residents in the home. They both seemed happy but I wondered if one lady was capable of being able to evacuate in an emergency. (This is criteria for a type A assisted living home)
After checking further I discovered the home DID NOT have a license!
True, he only had 3 residents and state law says you do not have to have a license, but this home was marketing to get 9 residents in the home. Plus the fact that he had not told the truth about his license. Thumbs down on this one!
The second home I visited was just opening for business. She told me that she planned to only have 3 residents in this home and therefore would not be licensed. She was upfront and honest! She plans to open a larger licensed facility in the future.
The home was spotless and well laid out. The owner pointed out safety features she had thought about. This owner is very knowledgeable of the senior industry and is a licensed RN. Her husband is also an RN and together they own a health care company.
After speaking with her for over an hour and talking to several health care professionals I know in the area, I concluded that her reputation is good. I also researched her Home Health Company on the DADS (Department of Aging and Disability Services) website. The Home Health Care Company was in perfect standing. I hope to have this home listed soon as I do feel this would be a good care option for seniors.
See which homes made the list in your area of town. The List
If you need someone to help you I offer a Planning and Strategy Session
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