 | Shelly Lunsford is the facility director at The Homestead Assisted Living Residence in Wichita. She lives in Medicine Lodge and received her nursing degree from Pratt Community College. She spent five years working at Wesley Medical Center in the cardiac field prior to taking a leap of faith and jumping into the long term care of assisted living. From the moment she entered the doors at The Homestead, Shelly knew that it was the place for her. From a nursing point of view, this type of position allows her to utilize all her nursing skills, assessing not only the physical, but the mental, emotional and spiritual needs as well. The greatest reward for Shelly is to feel the love and compassion generated between residents and staff. It truly is a home-like atmosphere filled with family. Shelly can be reached at (316) 729-2400 or you may visit the facility at 12221 W. Maple, in Wichita. |
Senior Living
2007-09-01 09:59:00
Is Hospice allowed in assisted living?
My friend moved into an assisted living six months ago. Last month she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She was referred to Hospice and was moved into a nursing home immediately after that. Do assisted livings allow terminal residents or hospice in their buildings?
Answer: That is an excellent question and one that comes up quite often. Of course I don’t know the facts in your particular situation, but Hospice can be called in to the assisted living residence just as if it were your home. In fact, your loved one is in better hands because you have both the facility staff and the Hospice staff working together as a team to care for your loved one. Staying in their residence is like having the best of both worlds.
Ordinarily, there is no reason for the resident to move into a nursing home except under special conditions. With that said, Hospice and the assisted living staff should work together to provide the best course of action for your loved one in order that he/she gets the best possible care.
Often times staying in the assisted living is better for your loved one because they remain in their familiar surroundings with their familiar care givers. Many residents have already formed meaningful bonds with other residents and staff and to suddenly take that away from them causes them to grieve not only about their physical condition, but also about their loss of relationships. Our goal is to give the resident what they want most, which is typically to stay in their home, while giving them the best care possible.
Before choosing both a Hospice and an assisted living residence, be sure to ask questions regarding terminal illnesses and their policies. Their first concern should always be your loved one.
