Understanding Long-Term Care Options in Oregon with Dr. Ann McQueen (Part 2)

Shoshawna Rainwater and gerontologist Dr. Ann McQueen discuss the complexities of choosing long-term care settings for dementia patients. They emphasize balancing past wishes with current needs and highlight the importance of environment, staffing ratios, and personalized care. Ann advises visiting facilities unannounced, talking to direct care staff. And they stress the need for caregivers to advocate for high standards and not settle for mediocre care. Resources & Links:●      Oregon Department of Human Services Long-Term Care Licensing●      Oregon Licensing Complaint and Enforcement●      Oregon Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman●      The Art of Visiting Memory Care: Tips for Families Guest: Dr. Ann McQueen has worked with and on behalf of older adults for the past 30 years. Her experience includes working in long-term care facilities and administration, designing and facilitating training, contributing to academic research and teaching at the college level, and managing policy and programs for both local and state government agencies. With specific expertise in adult protective services, long-term care facility licensing and regulatory oversight, Older Americans Act programs and services, and dementia care, Ann is especially interested in the subjective experiences of people experiencing dementia and in helping to create a world that affords them the safety, respect, dignity, and companionship that all human beings deserve. She has presented at various conferences, both locally and nationally, on topics related to safety and protection, dementia and communication, and the role of humor in the lives of older people and care partners. Ann has a BFA in musical theater, an MS in Communication Studies, and a PhD in Gerontology. She lives with her terrific 19-year-old daughter, two co-dependent dogs, and an aloof cat. Her favorite things include Carol Burnett re-runs, chocolate chip cookie dough, and snow skiing.Text us and please share your thoughts on Hope Floats episodes and topics that would be helpful to you!Support the showThank you for listening! Please be sure to review and share the Hope Floats podcast with any listeners who might be interested. To see more tools, resources, and learn more about the hosts you can visit https://www.rainwaterconsultingpdx.com/hope-floats-podcast