Interview with Katerina, Owner and Administrator of a 6-Bed RCFE
Q. How many years have you been an Administrator?
A. Since 2008. I moved to the U.S. in 1999 from Russia. I came to go to college in Santa Barbara. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from UCSB. I also obtained a MA Degree in Organizational Management from Antioch University.
Q. How many Residential Care Facilites (RCFEs) do you oversee/operate?
A. Six
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Casa San Miguel – Santa Barbara
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Casa Los Padres – Santa Barbara
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Casa St. James – Santa Barbara
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Casa Cambria -Santa Barbara
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Casa Beaumont – Goleta
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Casa Salisbury – Goleta
Q. What are the biggest challenges in the local community regarding owning/operating a RCFE?
A.
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Marketing/public awareness of 6-bed RCFE communities.
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Competition for competent and reliable caregivers.
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Staying informed and stay urrent with CCL, DSS, OSHA, Ombudsman, Fire Department new rules and regulations.
Q. What is the biggest change you have seen in the senior care industry?
A.
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more competition – saturated market.
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more acute level of care.
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higher burn out rates among among families and caretakers.
Q. Who is the typically the primary decision maker when someone is deciding to move someone to a RCFE?
A. Power of Attorney (adult child, conservator, private fiduciary, etc).
Q. What is the most common reason a resident moves into a RCFE?
A.
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high fall risk.
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inability to provide self-care.
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financial (cannot afford private caretakers).
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accessibility.
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safety (isolation).
Q. What is the best piece of advice you would like to share with families about benefits of placement in a RCFE, specifically a 6 Bed Board and Care?
A.
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home environment setting.
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opportunity to do respite care.
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closer supervision (caregiver to resident ratio).
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customized care plan, meals, activities, sociaization.
Q. What is the most common mistake people make when deciding to place a loved one?
A. Waiting until it becomes a ‘crisis’ – having limited time to make the most appropriate and best decision for their loved ones.
Also, relying too heavily on the decision of their aging and sometimes cognitively imaired parents (judgement for self care is not always representative of the reality).
Q. What do you find the biggest challenge for people looking for a care home?
A. General awareness of 6-Bed RCFE communities as an option.
Q. Regarding your residents, do you find that most or their family members are local or are they out of town?
A.
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60-70% local .
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30-40% out of town, state.
Q. What is the average duration of time a resident is in one of your care home?
A. 2-5 years.
Q. What is the biggest difference between a 6 bed and a larger community?
A.
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caregiver to resident ratio.
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home setting.
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customized diet, activities, care plan .
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more private group setting.
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close care management (we accompany residents to doctor appointments, send detailed reports to the family members, updated med lists and care plans).
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direct more efficient communication.
Q. What is the biggest reason families hesitate to place a loved one?
A.
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fear of change and loss of independence.
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financial and having to sell their home(s).
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emotional: feeling guilty for not being able to take care of their loves (spouses, children, etc).
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lack of information and details on what is offered
Q. Do most families have enough funds to pay for care in a home? How often do they have to sell or rent out their loved ones home.
A. Yes. About 50% typically sell their homes to pay for care.
Q. Do you offer a respite program or can people have a trial period. What would you recommend for a trial period?
A. Yes. I suggest 3-4 months to acclimate to the new environment (min 30 days)
Q. If someone is interested in placing one – what would be the next steps in order to do that?
A.
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set up a tour of the facility.
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meet with prospective resident(s), do an assessment, determine care needs & financials.
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