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By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
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We need to eat low-carb and foods more appropriate for lowering high cholesterol and blood sugar. Our children think we should just enjoy it and not want to follow a better diet since my husband is 87. We both disagree!
I've never heard of a senior living place that did not offer SEVERAL choices of food on a dining menu. Never. Look closer at the menu for more items that fit your healthy eating criteria & avoid the '1-2 fried items', speak to the chef at your facility, or the management about your preferences, or do as your children suggest and enjoy these years of your life without placing so much worry on what you're eating. My father worried about his calorie and fat intake every day of his 91 years on earth and still died of a brain tumor. Nobody gets out alive, I'm afraid.
Not to mention, no matter WHAT the ILF serves, the patrons WILL complain! It's the law. Too many veggies/too few veggies/too many fried foods/not enough fried foods/too spicy/too bland/too crisp/too mushy/too sweet/not sweet enough, etc etc etc. I've listened to those complaints for the entirety of the 7 years my folks were living in Assisted Living, in spite of the fact that they had plenty to choose from AND the food was quite good and plentiful~
Last but not least, I'm sure you have a fridge and a kitchenette in your apartment. Meaning, stock up on what you like and eat in a few meals a week to ensure you're getting meals that are tailored specifically to your tastes. That's your best bet.
Honestly there isn't much you can do, is there? Take into consideration all the food for the day instead of worrying about each meal separately - for instance opt for soups and salads for lunch to offset a high carb dinner, ask for eggs, yogurt etc for breakfast and skip the toast. At dinner ask for extra veggies in place of the fries or pasta. If you are allowed a mini fridge you can keep a few items in your rooms. But I think that your kids are right too, the ill effects of high blood pressure and high cholesterol are cumulative and take years to develop, at your ages giving up things you enjoy may not really gain you much benefit.
Sadly the same thing happens in schools, Day Care Centers (for kids and Seniors) High carb, high starch items are cheap and easy to prepare in large quantities. A lot of fried items are purchased in bulk pre prepared and partially cooked so frying is fast, easy and efficient for kitchen staff. You can make good choices when it comes to selecting items. Salad with a squeeze of lemon rather than prepared dressings. Or no dressing use cheese and fruits on top. No bread, rolls, biscuits. Baked or broiled rather than fried. See it's easy..for me sitting in my house not having to make those choices. would I rather have Beer Battered fish and fries in stead of the baked one that is probably dried out and mealy? You betcha. Would I go get seconds on ice cream rather than skip dessert? Yup there is always time for ice cream! Now...back to your choices. do others feel the same way? If so as a group can you gather people and talk to management? See if there is a way that they can offer more healthy options? Since this Independent Living I am sure you have the option of preparing your own meals. Are you given a "meal allowance"? If so cook more at home and be more selective when it comes to dining room meals. Maybe even a group of you can form a "dinner party group" and take turns preparing meals.
Wow! I can't believe how many people advocate passive acceptance of the low quality mass-produced food common in our very expensive institutions! Not everyone can prepare their own food in their rooms, nor should they have to. And no, it doesn't take a long time to develop circulatory or other issues from de-natured food at all. So sorry to read these comments.
I can't believe it either, schwester. It's absolutely disgusting. None of these places be it an independent senior living, an AL, NH, or rehab are cheap to be in. They get top dollar and then some so food costs going up are not going to bankrupt these places. For what these places charge they could offer a MENU with different meals to choose from and have a Michelin star chef in the kitchen making them and they'd still make money.
I've been a resident at a facility. I have specific dietary needs. I had my orders sent to the facility by my nutritionist. When they were not providing the correct meals I went directly to the facility management and got it corrected.
Those 3 provided meals a day are part of your living expenses at that facility, so I wonder whether they could discount your fees if you stop partaking of those meals and prepare your own. It would be worth checking into; I realize a facility plans its food prep by number of occupants but maybe the 'meal plan' could be an 'a la carte' sort of thing, but not used just randomly to not wreck their budget. And ask your doctor for a 'prescription' for the food plan best for you and your husband, not to dictate to your facility but to show that you have legitimate health concerns that you are trying to follow.
You are entitled to eat a healthy, balanced diet and live your senior years the best you can. Is there a registered dietician on staff that you can converse with? How about the Director or Manager of the facility where you reside? For your medical conditions, you should be able to get a statement from your doctor's office stating the recommended diet and what is prohibited or at least limited.
A healthy diet helps to prevent a premature death. After 80, a death will no longer be premature. Healthy habits will not increase the life expectancy by much. Protecting the coronary arteries, will not prevent death from cancer, arrhythmias, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, kidney failure, liver disease, ALS or accidents,
If your independent living facility is like most of the communities here, COVID has REALLY restricted their supply chain. I found that they rely on one, maybe two, suppliers so that they can trace any potential recalls or product problems. My mom experienced a change from being able to choose from the offerings to a choice of eat or not eat. Some suggestions are to 1) see if you can adjust your meal plan to 1 or 2 meals a day, 2) redirect those funds to purchasing simple, but more to your liking, items you can prepare in your apartment. If you have a refrigerator and a microwave, that opens a lot of possibilities. Please do remember however that frozen prepared meals contain a lot of salt. Hopefully, the dining choices will improve at your residence along with supply issues.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
Not to mention, no matter WHAT the ILF serves, the patrons WILL complain! It's the law. Too many veggies/too few veggies/too many fried foods/not enough fried foods/too spicy/too bland/too crisp/too mushy/too sweet/not sweet enough, etc etc etc. I've listened to those complaints for the entirety of the 7 years my folks were living in Assisted Living, in spite of the fact that they had plenty to choose from AND the food was quite good and plentiful~
Last but not least, I'm sure you have a fridge and a kitchenette in your apartment. Meaning, stock up on what you like and eat in a few meals a week to ensure you're getting meals that are tailored specifically to your tastes. That's your best bet.
But I think that your kids are right too, the ill effects of high blood pressure and high cholesterol are cumulative and take years to develop, at your ages giving up things you enjoy may not really gain you much benefit.
High carb, high starch items are cheap and easy to prepare in large quantities. A lot of fried items are purchased in bulk pre prepared and partially cooked so frying is fast, easy and efficient for kitchen staff.
You can make good choices when it comes to selecting items.
Salad with a squeeze of lemon rather than prepared dressings. Or no dressing use cheese and fruits on top.
No bread, rolls, biscuits.
Baked or broiled rather than fried.
See it's easy..for me sitting in my house not having to make those choices.
would I rather have Beer Battered fish and fries in stead of the baked one that is probably dried out and mealy? You betcha.
Would I go get seconds on ice cream rather than skip dessert? Yup there is always time for ice cream!
Now...back to your choices.
do others feel the same way? If so as a group can you gather people and talk to management? See if there is a way that they can offer more healthy options?
Since this Independent Living I am sure you have the option of preparing your own meals. Are you given a "meal allowance"? If so cook more at home and be more selective when it comes to dining room meals. Maybe even a group of you can form a "dinner party group" and take turns preparing meals.
For what these places charge they could offer a MENU with different meals to choose from and have a Michelin star chef in the kitchen making them and they'd still make money.
a grilled cheese sandwich is so greasy from grilling it’s inedible
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