An Introduction To GAYCARE
After more than three years of preparation we are pleased to announce the opening of GAYCARE, a Residential Care Facility specializing in the care of Gay males over sixty, and those under sixty with like needs.
GAYCARE was developed when a close friend living in a residential care facility for the elderly was not receiving the proper care.
Made up stories of having been married and having a family are not necessary here. Our clients are encouraged to talk of their lives with the freedom to reveal all about themselves without having to worry if what they say is politically or socially correct.
GAYCARE is operated on the basis of an extended family. All clients are treated as family members and with the dignity we would want if roles were reversed. Clients are involved in meal planning and deciding what activities they wish to participate. Because GAYCARE offers only three private client rooms the family atmosphere is maintained. We can accommodate Gay couples. We have a large eleven room house with six bedrooms. The house does not look like a facility inside or out. We have a waterfall in our terraced garden. My partner and I have lived in our home, which is also the facility, for thirteen years.
The atmosphere of the house is very relaxed. We do not take much serious here, except the level of care. A better level of care can not be found. We have learned it is better to laugh about lifes problems, instead of worrying about them.
Our concern for the level of care is maintained by being fully staffed. The staff to client ratio is more than double that of most facilities. We have a wireless call system, for each client, that operates anywhere on the grounds. Although we have a licensing capacity of five, we chose only to accept three clients. We are licensed for both ambulatory, non ambulatory clients. We have a Hospice Waiver, so that clients do no have to be transferred to another facility. Both Administrators live in the facility and actively participate in the daily care of clients. We also have additional staff.
Clients are encouraged to maintain their lifestyle. We either furnish or help arrange transportation to and from dinner, parties, theater and worship services, clients would normally attend. We encourage family and friends to participate in planned activities of GAYCARE. We recognize an extended family as a great part of the overall well being of our clients.
Our main entertainment is not bingo. We have a computer setup for clients, and encourage it's use. If the client is interested we teach them how to use the Internet and setup and use a email address. We have a piano, books, jigsaw, crossword puzzles, and two house cats,so that our clients can always find something of interest. We take clients out to the theater and other activities to help promote as active of a life style as possible. Our full size seven passenger van is utilized for outings.
GAYCARE's admission policy is different from other facilities. After prospective clients have met the normal criteria for acceptance into our facility, we offer a 48 hour "in house" evaluation. This is at no charge to the prospective client. This will give the client and staff time to evaluate each other. We want only those who are comfortable in our home.
If after becoming a resident of GAYCARE it is determined that Hospice Care is needed, if clients chose, they may remain in GAYCARE under the specific guidelines of our Hospice waiver from Community Care Licensing.
Community Resources are close by and utilized for the stimulation of the body and mind.
GAYCARE furnishes meals,snacks and all services necessary for day to day living. This includes, but is not limited to, normal laundry, housekeeping, planning, accompanying, and transporting clients to normal Doctor and Dental appointments. We strive to give assistance in a manner that helps clients maintain their diginity, yet still receive help as needed.
GAYCARE is in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are near B.A.R.T. and local bus services.
For questions or to arrange a personal tour contact:
Michael Gibson, O. J. Roundtree, Administrators
GAYCARE
Post Office Box 1035, Daly City, CA 94017-1035
State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing # 415600160
Although GAYCARE is Gay owned and operated, we are an equal opportunity employer and housing provider. We accept applications for care and employment from anyone meeting the criteria under "Title 22" State of California, Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing. Our main concern is that all staff and clients are compatable.
Michael Gibson is President of San Francisco Association of Residential Care Homes, a non profit association established in 1981 that promotes education and cooperation between Bay Area Care Home Owners / Administrators.
GAYCARE is a member of The American Society on Ageing and Coalition of Agencies Serving the Elderly
GAYCARE IS A REGISTERED CALIFORNIA SERVICE MARK, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
