Size Matters: be like Goldilocks

Goldilocks may have seemed finicky, but really she just knew exactly what she needed.

When evaluating the size of care settings, you have to think like Goldilocks: each individual kupuna needs a setting that is not too big, not too small, but just right.

Getting the right size comes down to matching the physical space, caregiver ratio, and census of other kūpuna, with the physical/cognitive abilities of your kupuna, his/her personality, and ability to self-motivate.

If the setting is too small and with too few people around: a kupuna with higher physical needs may suffer from boredom, lack of stimulation, lack of exercise, depression, and maybe even worse when there is not enough peer pressure. A kupuna living with dementia may experience the above plus inconsistent daily routines and a reversed day/night schedule, all of which can lead to an overall decline.

If the setting is too big and with too many people around: a kupuna with higher physical needs may suffer from lack of caregiver attention, feelings of isolation and being lost in a crowd, and maybe even worse when it is easy to be overlooked. A kupuna living with dementia may experience the above plus spatial disorientation, anxiety and confusion, agitation and hallucinations, again, all of which may also lead to an overall decline.

For some kūpuna, 1-to-1 Home Care might be perfect for them, even though it is at the extreme end of "small." Whereas some kūpuna might thrive in a large Adult Day Care Program or Assisted Living Facility. And many others are somewhere in between, perhaps needing the 24/7 supervision and care of an Adult Residential Care Home, but choosing a smaller Type I ARCH (5 residents) instead of a larger Type II ARCH (8 residents up to 42 residents).

The more you understand the needs, abilities, personality, and preferences of your kupuna, the better that you can find the best fit for him or her. If you need additional guidance, get in touch with us and we will be happy to help!