Caring for a loved one with memory care needs can be quite challenging, making it essential to select the right community and team that will support your family when it matters most. Caring for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s varies, starting from assisted living in the early stages, where less personalized care is required, to memory care in the mid-to-late stages.
Older adults experiencing cognitive impairment deserve a place that offers the comforts of home along with dependable, personalized care all in one location. Here are 10 questions to assist you in your search for that important memory care partner:
In most memory care communities, there is typically at least one registered nurse or licensed nurse practitioner available around the clock. It’s a good idea to talk to the nursing team and the medical director before selecting your community to gauge how involved they are with family members. Sharing as much information as you can about your loved one’s current health status with their team beforehand will assist everyone in identifying the most suitable care option for your family.
Typically, a standard caregiver ratio is one caregiver for every five or six residents. Some communities ensure that residents are paired with the same caregiver daily, while others do not. This can differ from place to place. Inquire about how caregivers are trained to handle dementia-related behaviors, particularly those involving distress, anger, and aggression. Understanding their methods is crucial so you can determine if you feel at ease with their approach.
Have a conversation with the executive director and any other team members you can reach out to, discussing how you will be involved as a family member, how problems are addressed, how teams receive training and what certifications they hold, along with different policies and the security of residents. Understanding who is managing and operating the memory care community will provide you and your loved one with comfort and peace of mind.
No size is automatically the wrong size. This question is all about personal preference. Think about the quantity of resident rooms, their dimensions, whether they are private or shared, the number of dining areas, and both indoor and outdoor spaces for activities. The size of a community should reflect you and your loved one’s individual preferences, since there isn’t a universal solution for memory care community experiences.
Are there designated spaces for both higher-functioning and lower-functioning individuals? How do they promote participation in activities? What is the average amount of time residents spend in their rooms, if at all? This inquiry relates to the size of the community, as more introverted residents might prefer smaller communities, whereas more extroverted individuals may lean towards larger communities with greater opportunities to meet new friends.
Having proper regulations in place that are constantly adhered to means a lot when considering your loved one’s happiness, health, and safety. Regulations differ from state to state, rather than by community, and are usually managed by the Department of Health in each state. To find a list of regulated communities, check your state’s Department of Health website.
Your budget plays a large role in deciding what options are available to you and your loved ones. Properly diagnosing your family’s financial situation prior to selecting a community will set you up for success, as you’ll automatically be able to narrow down your potential memory care options.
Some people thrive when they’re consistently around others, and some don’t. Knowing what living situation your loved one thrives in is crucial to starting them off on the right foot. If a private room isn’t available or if you’re worried about costs, a companion room is an excellent choice. The executive director will pair your loved one’s details with another resident and assess their compatibility. Their goal is to ensure your loved one is happy.
Unfortunately, waiting lists are common, especially at the best communities. When they’re at capacity, you must wait for an opening. This is a pivotal reason to start your search when symptoms are first observed. You can get on waiting lists and then pass if you’re not ready. Find out if there are any consequences to passing prior to initially signing up.
Most people love to eat, so what’s on the menu at a memory care community is important to your loved one’s health and happiness. What is the meal setting and cleanliness level? Meet the registered dietician and ask about how they’ll address your loved one’s nutrition needs. Find out if there’s an alternative if your loved one doesn’t like a particular meal. Most communities offer sandwiches or some other palatable option for each hot meal.
A side benefit to selecting the right community is the amount of relief you feel knowing that your loved one is being well cared for and encouraged to engage in a way that’s comfortable for them. They are being supported by professionals who are experienced in dementia behaviors. Most family members feel some level of guilt for not keeping their loved one at home. Knowing that they’re getting better care than you can provide makes that guilt sting less, allowing you to focus on your relationship with your loved one instead.
About Dimensions Living®: Dimensions Living® communities are the premier choice for seniors and their adult children who are looking for an experience that surpasses traditional senior living standards. Driven by a mission to make people’s lives better with quality care and services, Dimensions Living communities provide seniors with the resources to thrive and age gracefully through a variety of enriching experiences. Whether you’re seeking a lively community with exceptional dining, one that offers additional assistance each day, or a place to forge meaningful connections, Dimensions Living delivers Senior Living Above and Beyond.
Discover more at dimensionsliving.com.