Questions about Brookdale Citrus
What ongoing training does the staff receive in dementia care?
As is the case with AL training, Brookdale utilizes Health Stream internet classes, assigned monthly to all associates. The classes provide refresher courses and updates of new regulations, practices and policies. The Clare Bridge Program Director holds In-Service training meetings as needed to insure associates are current on information pertinent to resident care.
Describe the overall population of assisted living residents at Brookdale Citrus. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Average Age is 88.4. Favorite activities: (Top five) Exercise (50%), Reading (38%), Socializing (37%), Bingo and Bible Study (Tied at 31%), and Outings to Restaurants and Shopping (29%)
What programs or activities does Brookdale Citrus offer to enrich residents' well-being?
All of the top five activities noted above are provided for on a regular basis. In addition the community offers sing-a-long groups (7th ranked), card games (6th), arts and crafts, community jigsaw puzzles, church services, live entertainment, fishing outings, weekly movies, health forums, and local speakers on local interests (politics, environment, etc.)
What places are near Brookdale Citrus or within walking distance for assisted living residents to enjoy?
There is a Knights of Columbus next door, and a local “famous” hamburger restaurant within supervised walking distance. Bus outing opportunities nearby include (shopping) WalMart, Dollar Tree, Walgreens and several local restaurants, (attractions) gator farm, boat rides, alpaca farm, several parks, YMCA, three historical sites, and seasonal festivals (i.e. Strawberry, Seafood, Crab Jam, Cooter and Arts).
What transportation services does Brookdale Citrus offer to assisted living residents?
At no charge, we offer bus services. We will assist in local travel arrangements by means of public transportation and paid (such as Uber).
What makes the chef or dining program at Brookdale Citrus exceptional? What kind of menu can assisted living residents expect?
We have highly qualified dining services associates, including our DSM, all dedicated to providing pleasant, enjoyable and memorable meals to our residents. We operate under the “We Say Yes” program. Residents are encouraged to request meals of their choosing. We offer 4 menu choices per meal, per day. Should a resident prefer something not on the menu, we ask for a couple of hours of notice to provide a meal of their preference. If stock is available, the request will be granted. If we do not have the item available, we will make every effort to have it available within three days.
What safety features or security measures does Brookdale Citrus offer to assisted living residents?
Individual pendants for residents, locates them within building and around the immediate exterior sidewalk area. Restroom alarms for each resident. Entrance doors locked after 8 pm, access by ringing door bell and associate assistance. Memory care, coded, secured entrance doors and each resident restroom alarms to be utilized for 2 hour checks.
How does Brookdale Citrus keep residents' families informed about their loved ones?
We recognize the importance of quality communication with family members. In matters of change of condition or emergencies, designated family members are informed as immediately as is practicable. We invite family by mail, email or phone to join every event involving our residents. Such events as Holidays, Quarterly Family Night Celebrations, and monthly gatherings are communicated with a minimum of 30 days notice. Ice Cream Socials occur every Sunday at 2:15 PM as an opportunity for family to join our residents and to discuss concerns with management and associates. The Executive Director operates with an “Open Door” philosophy and welcomes frequent visits from all family members.
What is the care staff-to-resident ratio at Brookdale Citrus during daytime and nighttime hours?
Daytime and evening ratio is 1:15. Overnight is 1:23.
If Brookdale Citrus accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
Animals are accepted, with a non-refundable fee, and can be escorted outside the building in the grassy areas only. No indoor areas are designated unless being escorted by the owner or staff and the pet is on a leash. Animals are prohibited in the dining areas.
What ongoing senior care training does the staff receive?
Brookdale utilizes Health Stream internet classes, assigned monthly to all associates. The classes provide refresher courses and updates of new regulations, practices and policies. CPR and Med Tech classes are updated on an annual or bi-annual basis. A monthly all-staff meeting focuses on an educational topic, and department heads hold In-Service training meetings as needed to insure associates are current on information pertinent to resident care.
How many staffers are on duty in the daytime and overnight?
From 6 AM to 10 PM there are 3 associates on duty at all times. The Clare Bridge Program Director is on duty Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. From 10 PM to 6 AM daily there are 2 fulltime associates. Those associates have additional help available if required from the AL associates on duty.
What safety features or security measures does Brookdale Citrus provide to protect residents who wander?
Sign out books are utilized in both AL and MC. AL residents who begin to display habits of wandering are placed in the secured hallway where an evaluation is performed to determine whether or not the resident should become a Clare Bridge resident. Memory Care has secured, coded entrance doors.
What programs or activities does Brookdale Citrus offer to keep residents engaged? How does the staff engage residents' long-term memories?
Associates reminisce with the residents about previous work experiences, favorite vacations, favorite hobbies. BeFit exercise classes are held daily. Music memories, hangman, trivia and travel are used to engage residents. We offer live entertainment, pet therapy, outdoor walks, nature rides and spiritual engagement.
Who assesses residents' health and cognitive functioning? How often is that assessment repeated?
The Health and Wellness Director assesses resident’s health and cognitive functions anytime a concern arises.
What techniques does Brookdale Citrus use to support memory care residents during mealtimes?
Brookdale practices a “Refresh” program prior to meals which involves sensory stimulation by using warm, scented hand towels that both sanitize resident’s hands, as well as enhances appetite. Meals are accompanied by calming music, and the “hand-under-hand” technique of assisting residents to feed themselves is utilized. Prompting and cueing are a part of every meal period.
How does Brookdale Citrus keep residents' families informed about their loved ones' health?
The Health and Wellness Director contacts family regarding any physical or mental change of condition. The Clare Bridge Program Director follow ups with programming to match the resident’s abilities and needs.
Families are invited to attend all social activities.
Describe the neighborhood around Brookdale Citrus. Is it located in a residential neighborhood, a business district, a rural setting, or other type of locale?
Generally speaking, Citrus County is a rural area. More than 60% of the county is designated as state-owned properties that will never be developed. The county is bordered on the west by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the east by fresh-water lakes. Brookdale lies in the central portion of the county in a neighborhood of homes, the majority of which are 1 or more acre parcels. There are a scattering of service businesses within a close proximity: grocery stores, service stations, banks, fast food chains, restaurants, and WalMart. Adjacent to the property is an apartment complex. There are several churches within a one mile radius.
Is Brookdale Citrus affiliated with a hospital if more care is needed?
Brookdale Citrus refers to various local hospitals as needs arise.
