I realize this is long, but I tried to cover areas which might lead to
questions.

One area I have noticed a real lack of availability for in elder care
is respite care for families of people with AD. One thing I am
considering during my time off from work is starting a respite program.
Our area has home health and personal care aides as well as limited (2
mornings/wk) day care options but nothing more other than ALF or SNFs.
Even then, it can get costly over an extended time.

In another area I operated a center based respite for a different type
disability.  During the time I cared for the in-laws, I often wished I
had someone to care for them for a couple days so I could catch up on
sleep or just go out of town and relax a couple days.  Just being able
to go home to visit my family would have been nice.

I'd like the views of members of this group on whether you think this
is a type of service which would be valuable to families. Respite stays
could vary from four hours min to 30 day (including overnight) maximum
per stay.
State certified medication techs (as used in ALFs) or licensed nurses
would be on staff to administer meds and treatments.
Two (awake) staff would minimally be present all shifts with a
manager/director onsite during business hours and available by phone
and on-call weekends, nights, holidays.
A physician would be on-call for the program for emergencies.  Local
hospital close by in an emergency.
Maximum of 5-6 persons being cared for at any given time.
All staff experienced with caring for person's with
Alzheimer's/Dementia and would be CPR/First Aid certified and receive
regular inservices.
Home used for the program would be handicapped adapted and adaptive
equipment available for use.
Physician would need to complete a medical form and write orders for
any medications or treatments.
Would request family complete informational form on behaviors,
routines, etc prior to stay.
Would be available in a period of crisis or emergencies as well as
regularly scheduled stays or drop-in if all information on file is
current.
Activities would be included.
Meals and snacks provided with diets monitored and adapted.
Varying levels of assistance with ADLs from supervision to total care
would be available.

The goal would be to have enough funding that cost would be minimal for
the family or on a sliding fee scale. Also, contracts would be sought
with hospice and CAP-DA for those receiving that type services. If the
person was on hospice services, their aide and nurse would still be
able to follow them there.

I realize having home care is often preferable, but that's not always
an option.
Would you utilized a program like this?
What else would you like to see addressed? (tried to address most
things here but I know I forgot something)
Any other comments also welcome. That's why I'm asking. I'd like to
know the opinion of families.

Thanks in advance for reading and offering your views.
Lane