Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Memory Care Center
May 29th, 2017 by admin
As the only top 10 cause of death in the U.S. that can't be prevented, slowed, or cured, Alzheimer's Disease impacts countless families across the nation. Dementia diseases require special (and sometimes near-constant) attention, which is why memory care centers are a popular choice for families who want to ensure their loved one is cared for. But before you decide on a memory care facility, there are some key questions you need to ask and answer.
What is your impression of the dementia care staff?
Above all, you want your loved one to receive the finest care available. In memory care centers, you won't be around all the time. Instead, the facility's staff, which includes aides, nurses, and doctors, are the ones who will attend to your family member. Since dementia patients often require a different approach, you need to pay close attention to how you see the staff members interacting with residents. Do they seem caring, knowledgeable, and well-trained? Are they patient and able to diffuse stressful situations? Be sure to inquire into their policy on staff training and make sure that amount meets your personal standards. Talk to other families you may meet and ask for their opinion on the matter. To make certain your loved one will be in good hands, you need to listen to your intuition.
Which medical services are included?
Memory care centers will offer different services than you might find in assisted living. When exploring your dementia care options, you will need to choose a facility that offers 24-hour support and increased security. You should also inquire as to whether the unit has a visiting physician, and whether there's a nurse on duty 24/7. Make sure to ask about the level of care and whether the staff will be able to care for your loved one as their condition progresses.
What kinds of memory care programs are offered?
In addition to medical care and supervision, your memory care facility will likely provide a lot of programs for residents to partake in. Most centers have an activity and social calendar that's chock-full of enjoyable events. Ask to see an events calendar and take note of what is included - are there activities your loved one will enjoy? Are music, art, and physical activity offered on a daily basis? Does the facility host holiday celebrations? Do they offer therapy options? Are the activities customized for each resident? Depending on how far your loved one is in their dementia progression, they may not always be able to take full advantage of every opportunity, but the encouraging them can lead to participation, with may improve the cognitive and physical functioning of your loved one.
What does the facility look like?
For dementia patients in particular, it's important that a community is easy to navigate and is designed to reduce confusion and anxiety. Since Alzheimer's patients can easily become overwhelmed, their living environment needs to take away, rather than add to, these feelings. Does the unit have markers and visual cues to help the residents? Can rooms be customized to help residents find their own? Is there a limit on the number of residents per floor? Is there secure access to outdoor areas? Is there a dining room just for memory care residents? Pay close attention to the look and feel of the interior of the memory care centers you visit and try to put yourself in your loved one's shoes.
Deciding on a memory care community for your family member is never going to be an easy task, but by giving your options careful consideration, you will be sure that the facility you choose will provide the best possible treatment.
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