As a resident of Fayette County I had an elderly aunt that needed care and now have a mother with Alzheimer’s. I have run the gamut of care situations and levels of care. The following information in entirely from what I have found and experienced in my own life while responsible for my older relatives.

Nursing Home Care appears to be the most dreaded word for most people, but the connotation of the past no longer applies. All nursing homes are regulated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Regulatory Services. In current times nursing homes may have patients in need of moderate to high medical care, therapy after surgery or broken bones, and at times hospice patients. Depending upon the nursing home care needed the payment may be private pay, Medicare, Health Insurance, or Medicaid payment, or any combination for the time and services rendered.

LaFayette in Fayetteville and Southland Health Rehabilitation in Peachtree City are the two choices of nursing homes actually in Fayette County. My family members have at one time or the other been in both and the experiences were good. However, I always maintain that in any residential or hospital situation that family members rally around, visit, and ask questions of the staff. Be involved to be sure your family member is getting their due. Report problems or ask questions of the aforementioned Regulatory Services.

Southland Health Rehabilitation has 155 intermingled beds offering skilled and intermediate care. They have 36 private rooms, 29 standard single rooms and 72 private rooms. They are also good for rehabilitation therapy after surgery or broken bones.

LaFayette Nursing Home has the same services as Southland Health Rehabilitation. My family has utilized services of both with no problems. To check standards on any nursing home facility the Georgia Office of Regulatory service can be contacted and have reports on their website.

Assisted Living is a supported living environment that has minimal or no medical staff present. Medicaid and Medicare do not assist with any payment unless the resident goes into a Hospice Care situation (my Medicare definition someone that has less than six months to live.) The main function is for seniors that are no longer able to take care of a home and need socialization with others of their own age. Rates can be graduated due to the level of assistance required. Some residents just need basically room and board. The rooms or small apartments will be cleaned and three meals a day plus snacks are available.Some of the facilities have small refrigerators, cabinets, space for a microwave and coffeepot available similar to what you would find in hotel.

However this will most likely raise the rate. These facilities can give out the residents’ medications and some will assist with showering and dressing. The hospice is able to work with the end of life residents within the Alzheimer’s unit or assisted living facility at which time the cost for extra care may be eliminated back down to the room and board rate.

The below are the Assisted Living facilities available and the difference in their amenities and of course the more amenities the more the cost. Be sure to think about what your family member will or is able to actually participate in before paying for a costly center that exceeds the needs of your family member. You must also be sure not to leave your loved one in assisted living designated area too long if they have senility and/or Alzheimer’s. It is hard to accept this diagnosis and make the change, move the furniture, etc., but the resident will be happier (believe it or not) in the Alzheimer’s care unit and will receive the needed care, plus will they will be with their peers that are on their same level. Let your doctor, preferably a geriatric specialist, be your guide.

Heritage of Peachtree is half way between Fayetteville and Peachtree City on Hwy. 54. This facility is an Assisted Living and Retirement Community. They have apartment style living with “anytime dining” and the Assisted Living has wonderful suites with a living that is separated from the bedroom with a large archway. There is a small kitchen cabinet style area in the living room large enough for a microwave and coffeepot and a small refrigerator. Small pets are welcome to live with their owners. Merrill Gardens is the current owner of this facility that was named Family Business of the year in 2004. Alzheimer care is not offered at this facility.
Ashley Glen is located in Peachtree City and has Assisted Living as well as an Alzheimer’s unit.

In this facility there are three floor plans to choose from, you can have a single room up to an apartment with living room, two bedrooms that have a kitchen type area that includes a sink in the living room area. It is hard to get your relative into Alzheimer’s Units which serve all types of senility problems unless the relative is an Assisted Living resident.

Dogwood Forest is located across the street from the Fayette Community Hospital. This facility has a multitude of different residential layouts. Some residents share rooms, some residents have apartments. It is a particularly attractive building and interior. There are assisted/independent living apartments and rooms. The lovely living room is often used for the independent/assisted living residences to meet visit, watch television, play cards or enjoy the fireplace. Andy, the resident dog and a cat that primarily stays in the Alzheimer’s Unit are much loved by all residents.

Alzheimer’s Unit residents have a living area space and a set program to keep the residents as occupied and motivated as possible. There is also an enclosed landscaped patio area that is available all of the residents. My mother resides there now.

Azalea Estates is a retirement and assisted living community. This facility is good for the elderly that are still very active. There is an exercise room, aerobic pool and hydro-spa room, a media/library room equipped with computers, large print books and books on tape. Outdoors they have a putting green. There is a choice of four floor plans for the residents.This facility does not have an Alzheimer’s Unit.

Adult Daycare for lonely seniors through Alzheimer’s level for working families and respite care for the families. Ashley Glen provides a limited amount of daycare in their Alzheimer’s Unit.

Fayette Senior Services acts as an information and referral system, a friendship center, in home services for homemaker and/or personal care tasks, Meals on Wheels for at home seniors, Adult Day Services, transportation for medical appointments, the J.O.Y. club for senior trips and activities with other senior groups. They have a website available www.fayss.org.

A good source of information is a booklet called “The Aging Connection” distributed by the Atlanta Regional Commission, 40 Courtland Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

Submitted by Gail Gingerich

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