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Bill Ward
William M. (Bill) Ward is CEO of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc. Mr. Ward joined Presbyterian Manors in 1996 after serving as chairman of the board. Presbyterian Manors, a not-for-profit organization with a 54-year history in Kansas, operates 17 communities in Kansas and Missouri. Mr. Ward is a member of several organizations serving health care and retirement services, including the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Mr. Ward may be contacted at Presbyterian Manors' home office: (316) 685-1100 or (800) 336-8511.
Senior Living
2004-04-01 16:41:00
Getting out & about
:  My sister is in a care facility and I would like to take her out for day trips.  Is this allowed or does it depend on the facility?
ANSWER:  In most cases, family outings are not only allowed, but are encouraged. It may even be determined that a family activity would be therapeutic and beneficial to the resident's care program.  Each care center does have its own policies for these kinds of family outings.  Customarily, and depending on the type of program in which your loved one is participating, all that is asked is that the family member or resident notify staff of their plans - when they will be leaving and when they expect to return.  Some facilities do have a curfew as a security measure, both to protect against unwanted after-hours intruders and to help ensure that everyone is home, safe-and-sound each evening.The main factor to be considered is the level of care your sister is receiving.  For example, assisted living residents, by definition, have more control over their own activities than those persons requiring more advanced care, such as persons with Alzheimer's or residents on oxygen and those requiring a high level of nursing care.In addition, a resident's care program may call for periodic or episodic evaluation of the feasibility of outings.  This is especially true for those residents who are receiving nursing care, Alzheimer's or other dementia care.  A family outing may require some advance planning and special arrangements.  Ideally, the family member who is planning an activity will be able to contribute to this evaluation, along with the resident and staff.Another consideration is what special needs your sister may have when leaving the care center where you will both be without the benefit of the staff support to which your sister may have become accustomed. Personal needs such as portable oxygen, nebulizers and other breathing aids; time-critical medications, dietary restrictions and other aides such as a cane, walker or wheelchair must all be considered.  Staff will most likely ensure that you are made familiar with those needs and can assist with them if necessary. If you feel you will need further guidance or information to ensure a safe and enjoyable day, you should not hesitate to ask more questions of the center's staff.Occasionally, you may wish to take a family member for an overnight visit - to your own home, or for a special, long weekend.  Again, it is important to work closely with the center's staff to be certain you are prepared to provide necessary care and assistance for your sister so you both can enjoy the outing.Good communication between you, your sister and the professional staff is the key to success.  Make it a point to visit with the caregivers at your sister's community.  Ask questions and prepare yourself with information in advance of planning any kind of special outing. Last, but not least, have a great time and be assured such trips will add greatly to your sister's well-being and create pleasant memories, not to mention some lively conversation with others at the care center, that last beyond the visit.
 
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