Supporting Loved Ones of Residents

At ComfortCare Homes, Better Care Begins with Family

One of the tragedies of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is the terrible toll the disease can take on family members. Many spouses and children of those with dementia spend years caring for their loved one before making the emotional decision to seek full-time, professional care. When that moment comes, ComfortCare Homes is uniquely able to meet the needs of both the incoming resident and their loved ones.

Founded by the Stark family in 1993 after their own experiences caring for family members with dementia, ComfortCare Homes’ model of care includes going above and beyond to meet the needs of loved ones during the process of admission and for years to come.

Transitioning to Full-Time Care

Robert Miller, Vice President of Company Development at ComfortCare Homes, believes providing the best care for residents begins with support for the family. “When a loved one is experiencing a health crisis, families can experience conflict, confusion, and pain,” he says. “While we are always focused on our residents, we also offer guidance, resources, and crucial support to their families.”

Ensuring a smooth transition to ComfortCare Homes starts with a well-defined plan. A two-phased approach to admissions includes a meeting with family members or key decision makers to review an initial plan of care, move-in details, paperwork, and a date for admission. Miller says the pre-admission or intake meetings is often when family concerns come to the forefront. “We take time to discuss anxieties, feelings of guilt, questions about care, and any challenges, including areas of conflict that may exist,” he says. “When admission day arrives, families and caregivers are better able to focus solely on the well-being of their loved one.”

Day One at ComfortCare Homes

On the day of admission, experienced ComfortCare Homes staff members welcome the new resident with positive and engaging activities, allowing family members the time to finalize paperwork and review all elements of care. When it’s time for the family to leave, Miller says the ComfortCare Homes staff are experts in guiding both the family and the resident through the moment.

“At this point the resident is usually seated with other residents at a place where they aren’t able to watch the family leave. They may not have understood what exactly was happening until then, and that’s okay. We help them through it,” Miller says. Sometimes, Miller says, the act of separation can be more difficult for a spouse or child than the resident. “We understand what an emotional day this can be, so we often call or contact the family at the end of the day to provide a report on how their loved one is doing,” Miller says. “It’s common for residents to be confused and even disappointed and that’s okay. But families can be comforted by receiving detailed information and by hearing how a team of experienced caregivers are helping mom or dad adjust to a new reality.”

Ongoing Family Support

At ComfortCare Homes, supporting loved ones of residents remains a key part of ongoing overall care. Regular and consistent communication from the ComfortCare Homes staff to family members is always a priority. Some families prefer routine texts or emails. Others enjoy family meetings and direct updates from nurses. Miller says it’s common for ComfortCare Homes staff members to take pictures of residents to text and share with loved ones. And a web-based events portal even allows families to see residents participating in meaningful engagement activities at their own leisure.

“Structured, regular visits* (please see note below) with spouses and children are integrated into residents’ days,” Miller says. Because all ComfortCare Homes are actual residences, comfortable gathering spaces include living rooms, chats across a kitchen table, and beautiful afternoons on the patio.

The philosophy of family support coupled with a commitment to the highest quality of care for residents has been a guiding principle from the start. “We’re proud to be in our second generation as a family-directed, family-inspired organization,” Miller says. “ComfortCare Homes is here for every member of your family.”

If you are considering professional care for your loved one with dementia, ask about how our staff can come alongside your family and caregivers to support you and your loved one in this difficult time. We invite you to reach out to ComfortCare Homes with your questions or a free consultation. For more than 25 years, we’ve specialized exclusively in dementia care. ComfortCare Homes is the best choice for care of all types of dementia diagnosis. Call 316-685-3322 today.

*Important Note: In order to maintain the health of our residents and staff, ComfortCare Homes is adhering to local and state guidelines limiting in-person visits. However, we continue to support the needs of families and residents by offering unique ways to connect. If you have any questions about these protocols and practices, please contact us for information.