We are searching for a nice assisted living home in California, roughly San Francisco area. Our family member has early Alzheimer's, but has been declined by AL homes because she has (and needs) a diabetes sensor and pump. Not sure if this is a liability issue or medical support issue. Any guidance would be very appreciated.
I take daily injections, but, I worry of how someone would be able to assist me if I had dementia down the road. I would think that a nurse would be able to monitor and handle your family member's pump and CGM, but, you have to be trained on it. I'm not sure if ALs have nurses in your state. In my state, they aren't required.
I might check with the American Diabetes Association to see if they have any suggestions AND the Alzheimers Association. They have referrals and resources.
Also, I'd inquire if due to your love one's condition and needs with pump and CGM, she would qualify for nursing home, rather than AL. Usually, nursing home is for those who require Skilled nursing care.
Maybe, I'm partial, but, I tend to favor Memory Care Special Units, which are considered ALs in my state, for people who have dementia. That's based on what I have seen offered in my state. The Memory Care units often provide a lot more hands on care and supervision, which the person with dementia usually needs as they progress.
A big concern for me would be if the LO would be able to continue with a pump and CGM as she progresses.
I would talk with your LO's doctor about her pump and CGM going forward. While they are awesome devices, it may become unrealistic for your LO to wear them as she progresses. I'd ask the doctor about the risks. My concern would be that people with dementia often remove things and hide them. They may remove and hide their teeth, eye glasses, compression stockings, hand brace, etc. They can't recall doing it and there is really no way to make them remember or convince them to stop. If the items are replaced, they do it again. I know it sounds difficult to imagine, but, it does happen a lot. So, I'd explore if she will be able to continue with the pump and CGM long term.
We were looking at AL locations with memory care programs so that she would have the proper care going forward as a first choice.
She does have type 1 diabetes. The AL rejection due to diabetes equipment was a complication that we had not anticipated. Scheduled injections were an option at one AL, but doctor believes the pump and sensor are necessary at this time.
Again, thank you for you help!