Assisted Living in Austin

[RichUT]

So it's just about that time for my grandmother to transition into an assisted living community. She's in her late 70's, and has been showing the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease for the last 3 years. We're really not looking forward to the conversation, as she is really not the type to give up her independance without a fight.

Putting that piece aside, we're looking for a good suggestion for a good assisted living community in the greater Austin area, preferably with a monthly rent that isn't completely outrageous. More than anything, we'd like a place where we don't have to worry about the quality of care she would receive.

Anyone have any experiences that they would be willing to share? I'd really appreciate the insight.

 

[mayberryrfd]

Have you considered home health?

 

[TexasFirefighter]

I feel for you in this hard decision. Good luck.

As for choosing the right location, I have no idea what the way to go is, but I would recommend if you narrow it down to a few choices, make some unannounced visits and make sure you feel comfortable with what you see there. As a first responder, there are some facilities that we respond to all the time (seems like the staff is totally inept) and then there are places we nevere go to because everyone is really taken care of.

I know you don't want to break the bank, but remember, you get what you pay for.

Good luck.

 

[HoustonHorn]

Parmer Woods

You can take a look here. I know it is somewhat reasonably priced and my grandmother seems to think it is ok. It's not a fun thing to go through, but assisted living is much better than a nursing home. Good luck to you and your family.

 

[brntorng]

Have been through this with my mother recently. I think she reached the point where she realized it was the right thing to do and she welcomed the assistance while still retaining a lot of independence. She's not in the Austin area, so I don't have any first hand experience with the facilities in Austin. I've driven by the Gracywoods facility on Metric many times and it looks to be well-kept, but that's not much to go on. With my mother we discovered that facilities in outlying smaller cities/towns were considerably lower cost, so if the expense is an issue (and it will be for almost everyone) consider looking outside the city a little ways. Close enough to visit regularly, but far enough away to avoid the higher costs of the big city. Good luck, it's not an easy process in any case.

 

[ScoPro]

Try this link for Travis County facilities:

The Link



It lists how many complaints have been filed with the State against them.

 

[SouthernSooner]

Not in Austin but my wife's granddad has been at a place in Temple that is outstanding.

The facility is called the Meridian on 31st Street (south of Scott White). He's been there for 5-6 years and really enjoys the activities (they have something going on all the time). I've been there several dozen times and the staff is always friendly and seem to be very attentive. All the other residents seem pretty happy as well.

Overall, a very nice, clean apartment-style layout with excellent staff and it is right down the street from Scott White.

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

The Wesleyan Home in Georgetown seems to have all levels of care, including a very nice Alzheimers unit. Your grandmother can live somewhat independently and then transfer into the Alz unit if necessary. The staff there are wonderful and I felt like my mom was taken care of very well when she was there.

 

[ScoPro]

Merrill Gardens is located in my area near Round Rock (Brushy Creek). It was built less than 10 years ago and has close access to Austin via the tollway:

The Link

Once she is situated in a facility, the best thing you can do for her is to visit at least once a week, take her out to dinner, shopping, etc. if she is able. That means a LOT to older folks. My late Dad said it helped him to feel alive.

Also, interact closely with the caregivers, the nurses & attendants, as well as the administrators - make yourself known to them so they know you are on top of her situation. That is very important no matter where she lives.

It's really sad to see a lot of our old folks dumped in nursing homes and then get totally neglected by family. In marginal facilities, that doesn't do the patient any good.

 

[accuratehorn]

If she has full-blown Alzheimer's there is a place called Barton House on Adelphi, near Mo-Pac and Parmer, that specializes in Alzheimer's. I asked my mother who lives in a retirement community, and they had just visited a member of their Sunday School class who lives there. She thought is was good, but that is just from one visit.
May not be reasonably priced, though.
Some, or many, assisted living places may not accept Alzheimer's patients.
Good luck, difficult time and decision.