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Dementia Care Home
updated: Mar 23, 2011, 9:45 AM

Seeking reasonably priced local nursing home for father. He needs full time care for dementia.

Places People Are Talking About:

Friendship Center	Hospice	Maravilla
Mission Terrace	Mission Villa	Senior Living Consultants
Senior Planning Services	Villa Riviera	Visiting Nurse and Hospice

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 157001P	2011-03-23 09:52 AM
This is really a question to be asking his medical care providers or a trusted psychologist. Why take the chance on a referral from a bunch of unqualified strangers? I think the referrals on edhat should be sticking to less important, life-altering subjects.
COMMENT 157003P	2011-03-23 09:54 AM
Well, this post will no doubt elicit a lot of responses. My experience is, reasonable and nursing home do not go together unfortunately. Having been to every single one, multiple times, in SB City over the years, they are a necessary evil, and that is the best I can say. I have heard that Maravilla has an excellent facility for dementia patients....whew, good luck....not an easy choice to make. Be an advocate for your father and watch over his care closely.
COMMENT 157008	2011-03-23 09:57 AM
Google "Senior Living Consultants". It is a local service that is FREE and offers placement options for your loved one. I highly recommend Peggy Renker. She is amazing, caring and went through similar situation with her mother which prompted her to start this business. Good luck to you.
COMMENT 157011P	2011-03-23 09:59 AM
I totally agree. Having been through this personally, I would urge the poster to talk to doctors, social workers, and care providers. "Dementia" is a broad diagnosis. There are many ways even Alzheimer's manifests differently in people. Some may do better in a more lively, active environment (e.g. traditional nursing home). For others, more individualized attention, such as in a care home with a small resident/provider ration is better. People can tell you what facility they had a good experience with, but there are so many variables, it might not be at all suitable for your parent or relative. And get ready for the cost to be horrible, no matter where. Good luck. It's a terrible process to go through.
COMMENT 157025P	2011-03-23 10:11 AM
i agree that is is a really tough problem. does you dad actually need skilled nursing (SNF) or could he go into a board and care? Does he have Medi-Cal, or just Medicare? if he has Medi-Cal, there will be no out of pocket expense to you if he is placed in a snf. i had to utilize medi-cal for my dad the only place i would consider in sb is buena vsta care out on patterson. and then you will want to visit as often as you possibly can and actively advocate for everything your dear old dad needs. i work with the elderly population and iam very familiar with a place in sylmar, lifehouse mcclay, that i think provides excellent care to its residents. i know it's a long drive, but depending on how often you and other family members plan on visiting your dad, you might consider this place, if you need to use a medi-cal facility. lastly, there is a service in town, sr. living consultants, that helps people, free of charge, place their loved ones .peggy renker works there and is very knowledgeable and really a wonderful person and resource for this type of thing. their # is : 963-6045. good luck to you. ps - you father's doctor or psychologist will not offer you any help in finding a placement for your father. i have found that most medical and psych professionals know next to nothing about the logistics of long-term placements.
COMMENT 157034	2011-03-23 10:17 AM
SNF is a "skilled nursing facility" That means that patient care which requires a skill, such as physical therapy and assessment or monitoring of IV antibiotics. Medicare and other insurance only pay for this skilled level of care after an acute illness or deterioration....say someone falls and breaks a hip. S/he will then go into SNF level care at an inpatient SNF facility while undergoing the rehab. If someone is demented, s /he requires custodial care which is paid for out-of-pocket, unless the person is destitute or Medi-cal. Mission Terrace and Cliff View Terrace are lovely, caring environments. But expect to pay at least $5,000 per month and if the patient is demented and agitated and disruptive, a special and possibly more expensive arrangement may be necessary.
COMMENT 157035	2011-03-23 10:17 AM
For most people skilled nursing is complete overkill. It's also the most expensive option. I found a great board and care for my father (sorry not in SB). They have a maximum of 8 residents and he adpated immediately after telling me straight out that he would never go to such a place. He has his own room and bathroom and it's almost like being in a hotel. I would check a few of these out if I were you. Good luck, dementia is a terrible fate.
EDHATBARBARA	2011-03-23 10:20 AM
The California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) maintain a website for nursing home referrals - they have tracked assisted living facilities (RCFEs) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) by the number of reported incidents to the DHS and DSS and also by staffing numbers. Here's the website: http://www.canhr.org/NH_Data/index.html Don't allow yourself to be fooled by what you see in public rooms. The real key to a quality facility is the ratio of staff to residents! I used to work on a lot of elder abuse cases arising from neglect in residential care environments -- I know firsthand.
COMMENT 157040P	2011-03-23 10:21 AM
My father passed recently after suffering with Lewy Body Dementia for about 4 years (probably longer, but he wasn't diagnosed until 4 years ago). We made the difficult decision to put him in a dementia care facility last summer. We worked very closely with his GP, Neurologist, Hospice (both SB Hospice and VNHC) and Senior Planning Services. All of them recommended Villa Alamar as the best facility for his condition. They were not wrong. Yes, please do work with your father's health care providers in order to make the best decision. I can tell you though, from first hand experience that Villa Alamar is an excellent facility and the people that work there are very kind and loving and treat every resident as if she or he were a member of their own family. My heart goes out to your father and your family. Please continue to reach out to the community to help you with caring for your father. Here are some resources for you to get started: Alzheimers Association (I highly recommend you start here) Hospice of SB Visiting Nurse and Hospice of SB Senior Planning Services Friendship Center (This is a great facility if your father is not yet ready for full time care, but needs a place to go during the day to give you some respite)
EDHATBARBARA	2011-03-23 10:23 AM
You might also want to consider alternatives, including in-home care. You should talk to a professional who could assess the circumstances for you. Try Senior Planning Services, LiveHome or NurseCore, all of which you can Google for websites and contact info.
COMMENT 157045	2011-03-23 10:24 AM
As a nurse very familiar with SB nursing homes, DO NOT GO to Mission Terrace or Cliff View, BAD! I agree with most of the responders, Call Peggy Renker
COMMENT 157048P	2011-03-23 10:27 AM
My family placed a relative with dementia in one of the Casa Rhoda homes. These are converted single family homes in Goleta. It was a warm, loving, home-like environment, and very easy to visit. Also, I highly recommend Friendship Center. If your father is a veteran, he may qualify for a VA-subsidized program there.
COMMENT 157054	2011-03-23 10:30 AM
Contrary to what 025P said, I do think that many doctors and psychologist/psychiatrists do have good connections for at least getting you started in the right direction. More to the point they are the ones treating your dad and they are a better source of information than someone who has no idea what the nuances of your dad's condition is. Good luck, I'm sure this is hard. I hope you get some solid, professional guidance on this.
COMMENT 157056	2011-03-23 10:32 AM
It's been a few years since I needed this for my Dad, but the local Alzheimer's association were very responsive and gave me some good advice. Be sure to VISIT potential care homes and ask a lot of questions. As you narrow down the choices, try to see them at different times of the day, especially meal times. How is staffing after hours? Are the residents parked in front of the TV, or do they have activites? If your Dad is a veteran, you can try to get some help through the VA, but this may be a long shot. Try to find a place where family members can visit regularly. None of this is easy, but my best wishes to you in finding a good place for your Dad!
COMMENT 157071	2011-03-23 11:11 AM
The doctor will have to write an order for your father to go to a facility. You can not just place your father somewhere without a doctors order. There are good and bad employees in all facilities. You have to be active in his care and visit often.
MTNDRIVER	2011-03-23 11:40 AM
You don't need an order to go to a facility--poster 071 must be thinking of commitment to a mental institution. This is not the same thing. Both my parents suffered from dementia. My mom was at Villa Alamar, and we thought it was wonderful. But it was also expensive. My dad was at Mission Terrace, because he needed skilled nursing care, being unable to walk the last year of his life. Also expensive. Both those facilities have good staffs. I really feel for you, dementia in a parent is so painful to work with. The local Alzheimer's Association sponsors support groups and has lots of helpful services--no matter what sort of dementia your father is suffering from. Whatever the cause, the symptoms tend to be similar, and the strategies for working with them. Good luck to you, and I hope you get support for yourself, as this can be a very hard chapter in life.
COMMENT 157086	2011-03-23 12:07 PM
Avoid Mission Terrace (aka Mission Terror). It looks nice and polished and they have a great physical therapy program but most of the people who stay there are miserable and can't wait to leave. I have worked at retirement homes before and my mom is a registered nurse who has worked at many of them here in town throughout the years. We highly recommend Heritage House on Hollister. The owners- Bill and Julie- built it for Bill's mom to be able to stay at. Sadly she passed away before it was completed. They have an area for assisted living and a special dementia unit as well. http://www.heritagehousesb.com/ My best advise is to ask around for both positive and negative experiences from different facilities. I also agree with 056 to narrow it down and then really look into the places at different times and days and ask lots of questions. Good luck!
ROGER DODGER	2011-03-23 12:53 PM
Trust Buzz..I know her.
COMMENT 157105	2011-03-23 12:56 PM
My dad went through this process with my mother. It was very difficult on him. The primary care physician is your best ally and will be familiar with the procedures required for placement. I also recommend you consider consulting an attorney who specializes in elder law. This may sound odd but they can be very helpful with regard to maximizing financial resources and utilizing Medicare. I wish you and your family the best - it is not an easy thing to go through. There are caring people out there and I hope you encounter many of them.
COMMENT 157106	2011-03-23 01:02 PM
Sorry Roger, Buzz's opinion about Mission Terrace is way off the mark. I have had a relative there for months and I am a local doctor.
COMMENT 157107	2011-03-23 01:02 PM
you most certainly need a doctors order!!!!! I work for a gerintologist!!!!!!
COMMENT 157109	2011-03-23 01:11 PM
Call Peggy Renker!
COMMENT 157110	2011-03-23 01:12 PM
Mission Terrace , which is near Oak Park and Cottage Hospital.
ROGER DODGER	2011-03-23 01:58 PM
@Sorry 106 I worked there once. I also knew people there including the woman that was found in a pool of blood acouple years back. The Carp paper was the only one that had enough guts to state her death was a murder. Besides I know Buzz, your comment does not reveal your identity. Just because you say your a doctor doesn't mean that you are a doctor.
COMMENT 157124	2011-03-23 02:00 PM
If you have the total POA that covers health issues you do not need a doctor's order.
COMMENT 157126	2011-03-23 02:05 PM
My neighbor pays something like $5000/month for care for her husband with alzheimer's, which I suspect is much higher than daycare for a young infant, and she even has to provide materials such as food and diapers for the home. It's expensive.
COMMENT 157130	2011-03-23 02:13 PM
I have to agree with Roger on this one about Misson Terrace. I have known many people that were staying there for the physical therapy and couldn't go to the Rehab Center for one health reason/waiting list issue or the other. They HATED it and couldn't wait to leave! If you go to the room look at what the patient views all day. Behind the patients bed are nice pretty paintings which is great for the family to see while they are visiting. For those stuck in bed all day they get to stare at blank white walls or the tiny tv that is shared for the whole room.
ROGER DODGER	2011-03-23 03:37 PM
Don't place him in any board and care homes on Toltec either.
EDHATBARBARA	2011-03-23 03:54 PM
Obviously, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Forewarned is forearmed. Do your own homework and seek the assistance of those who do placements for a living. Be willing to pay for some help -- it will save you much grief and angst in the long run.
COMMENT 157177P	2011-03-23 04:43 PM
157107 -My guess is that you only need a Dr's order if you want a third party to pay.
COMMENT 157190P	2011-03-23 05:08 PM
Don't go anywhere near Mission Terrace or any other facility owned by Eve Murphy! Period. Go to the S.B. Courthouse & do a quick research to see how many legal hassles this woman & her facilities have had the past four to six years. Do your homework! Ask lots of questions!
THE BARRON	2011-03-23 05:19 PM
I've heard exactly what Buzz, 190P, jsducky85 say here. Stay away from Mission Terrace & Cliff View Terrace. They will soak you for all they can. If your loved one is on insurance, Medicare, or an hmo, they'll essentially be booted the day the payment level drops even slightly, unless you want to start selling the farm. These places are not inexpensive! Of course 106 will crow about the facility, he/she's a doctor. Duh. Also, check where the Cottage Hospital discharge planner(s) sends most patients needing convalescent care, because more often than not, it's Mission Terrace or Cliff View. Hmmmm There are many facilities to choose from too. Be very careful and talk to all the people you can in town.
COMMENT 157196	2011-03-23 05:22 PM
I would talk to Jackie at Villa Alamar (on Alamar near State Street). This is a facility specifically tailored for memory related issues. There are some memory care patients who can still live in an assisted living environment. You might also check Wood Glen Hall, as well as the assisted living areas of Val Verde, Vista del Monte, Mar Villa etc. Another option would be to look at 6 person board and care facilities. Get a list of these from Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of Santa Barbara County 301 S. Miller, Suite 116. Santa Maria, CA 93454. Any of the above options would be far better than skilled nursing! Especially if it is care your elder does not need yet! Skilled nursing will cost a lot more money than the options above. Good Luck!
COMMENT 157292P	2011-03-24 07:41 AM
Just a thought: Are you sure the dementia isn't related to interactions between meds or some other medical problem that might be reversible? Dementia doesn't always mean Alzheimers.....
COMMENT 157309	2011-03-24 08:16 AM
Villa Alamar if you can afford it, although it is not a skilled nursing facility. It is board and care with a dementia waiver. Unfortunatly, there is no such thing as good quality affordable skilled nursing care here in Santa Barbara. Peggy Renker is a good resource.
JOSIE	2011-03-24 09:02 AM
Villa Riviera is a wonderful, caring assisted living facility on Grand Ave. on the Riviera. Skilled nursing staff 24/7, all specially trained in geriatric care.
COMMENT 157417	2011-03-24 10:45 AM
It would help to have an assessment from a geriatric care manager to determine the level of care needed. Senior Planning Services is a good place to start- 966-3312. Also contact Luciana Cramer at the Alzheimer's Association at 892-4259. Specialized Alzheimer's units are licensed as Assisted Living and usually run $5000-7,000 per month. There are several specialized dementia units in town. Each facility has its own requirements for entry. Some Assisted Living Facilities will accommodate someone with mild to moderate dementia as long as they are not a wanderer, have behavioral issues or incontinence. The price range for a licensed assisted living, including the small 6 bed homes is about $ 2400- $7000. Wood Glen Hall and Villa SB are the least expensive and are quite nice. The only reason someone with dementia needs to be in a skilled nursing facility, i.e. a nursing home is if they are bedbound or need a 24 hour nurse.
COMMENT 157418	2011-03-24 10:46 AM
I was told by a social worker that there were no decent reasonably priced rest homes for seniors in the Santa Barbara area when we were looking for a place for my Mother in Law. She said that "she wouldnt put her dog in one of them". That was several years ago. Hopefully they have changed! Had many sad experiences with my Father in one. I look back now and wish that I could have taken care of him in my home. But with working 40 hrs a week and taking care of other family members it just wasnt possible. Best of luck. Hope someone can help you.
COMMENT 157431P	2011-03-24 11:10 AM
I bring my therapy dog to visit the folks who live at MISSION VILLA.The atmosphere is very kind and loving whenever I have been there and I have known the new administrator, Fred De Lorenzo, Jr who is a very dedicated, sincere, kind and intelligent man who worked previously at another home that I took my therapy dog to. It is set up like a home and indeed has a homey atmosphere with very caring caregivers. I would recommend it highly. Call and ask to visit! They are dementia care specialists.
COMMENT 157437P	2011-03-24 11:12 AM
I do not know the cost of Mission Villa,( mentioned below) but it is worth a visit.
COMMENT 157665	2011-03-24 07:34 PM
My mom got kicked out of Wood Glen Hall 9 days after we went to all the trouble of moving her from her Pilgrim Terrace apartment where she had lived for 25 years. Then the powers that be sent her to Buena Vista, didn't take, then to Oxnard, a really huge facility that made her even crazier. Then we found Autumn Years, formerly Casablanca, in Ojai. They have a lovely patio so if Mom ran away, she would only wind up in a safe place with loving staff. The staff are what make Autumn Years special. Many have worked there for decades and there are as many helpers as residents. The food is good. The drive to Ojai is lovely. And it was not as expensive as the homes in town. Hope I'm not too late to contribute. It's been a long work day.
COMMENT 157671P	2011-03-24 07:59 PM
First, I think it's wonderful that our Edhat community is so caring, so many thoughtful replies. Second, with all due respect to the dr., perhaps his experience with Mission Terrace was favorable because he is a dr. Do Not go to Mission Terrace!
EDHATBARBARA	2012-07-03 04:16 PM
Here's a new tool that I've just discovered: http://sb-nursing-homes.noozhawk.com/