What To Know About a Memory Care Community

When a loved one moves to memory care, it can be a difficult and emotional transition for the whole family. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there are resources available to help you through this time. Choosing a memory care community is a big decision, but with careful consideration, you can find the perfect place for your loved one.

That’s why Balfour Senior Living has compiled the following list of things to ask about when you take a tour of a memory care community. Asking these questions will help you ensure that your loved one is receiving the best Alzheimer’s care or memory care they can.

The Care Services Provided

When taking a tour of a memory care community, it’s important to ask about the care services provided and know exactly what types of care they will be receiving from the community. While most communities offer basic personal care such as bathing and dressing, it’s essential to know if they can accommodate your loved one’s specific needs. For instance, if your loved one requires assistance with medication management or has special dietary requirements, you should inquire about these services during the tour. Additionally, it’s crucial to ask about the qualifications and experience of the staff members who will be providing care. By asking these questions, you can ensure that your loved one receives the necessary support and attention in their new home.

The Costs

If you are concerned about finances or have limited time, it’s essential to consider the cost of memory care when choosing a community for your loved one. While some communities may offer all-inclusive pricing, others may charge monthly fees based on the level of care needed. It’s important to ask about any yearly increases in costs as well. Generally, memory care is more expensive than assisted living due to the higher staff-to-resident ratio required for specialized care. Being mindful of these costs can help prevent a situation where you have to move your loved one to a different community or nursing home because of financial constraints.

The Number of Staff

Due to the nature of dementia and memory loss, individuals with these conditions require a higher level of individual attention and care. This means that a higher staff-to-resident ratio is necessary to ensure that each resident receives the proper support they need. While each state has its own staffing requirements for assisted living and nursing homes, good Alzheimer’s care or dementia care communities will exceed these standards to provide the best possible care for residents. It’s important to note that even overnight coverage needs to be adequate to address any needs or concerns that may arise during this time. By prioritizing staffing levels, memory care communities can provide the specialized care that individuals with dementia require.

The Level of Skill of The Staff

It’s important to keep in mind that just because a community is labeled as memory care, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all staff members are adequately trained to handle patients with cognitive impairment. When considering a community for Alzheimer’s care, it’s crucial to inquire about the specific training that staff members receive and any ongoing training requirements. This can help ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care.

Additionally, individuals with dementia may experience common symptoms such as wandering, agitation, and confusion. These symptoms require specialized management techniques, which should be addressed by the staff. It’s also important to ask how the staff deals with the transition into memory care since this can be a significant adjustment period for your loved one. By asking these questions and being informed about staff training and management techniques, you can feel confident in selecting a memory care community for your loved one.

Dietary Plans and Preferences

It’s important to consider any special dietary needs that your loved one may have when selecting a memory care community. This includes inquiring about the kitchen’s ability to accommodate specific requests, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets. Additionally, dietary preferences like mechanical soft diets for swallowing problems or diabetic and low salt diets should also be addressed.

By communicating these needs with the community, you can ensure that your loved one’s dietary requirements are met and that they receive the proper nutrition they need. It’s crucial to prioritize this aspect of care since diet plays a significant role in overall health and well-being. Taking the time to address dietary needs can lead to improved quality of life for your loved one in a memory care community.

The Activities and Programs

Participating in activities is crucial for the well-being of individuals in Alzheimer’s care communities. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all activities will work well for everyone, especially considering the wide-ranging cognitive levels of residents. Some communities attempt to address this by dividing residents into activity groups based on their specific impairments.

If a community doesn’t have this approach, it’s important to inquire about the availability of memory care activities and one-on-one time with staff members if your loved one requires it. This can help ensure that they receive personalized attention and support while engaging in activities that are appropriate for their cognitive abilities.

By taking the time to ask these questions and understand how the community approaches activities for memory care residents, you can feel confident in selecting a community where your loved one can thrive socially, emotionally, and mentally. Engaging in meaningful activities can lead to improved quality of life and overall well-being.

Visiting Rules

Visiting rules in memory care communities vary, but most senior living communities encourage family members to visit their loved ones. Research shows that increased family involvement promotes better overall well-being for seniors in these communities. When searching for a memory care community, consider asking if they host special events where families are welcome and if they hold support groups for families. Additionally, inquire about the level of family involvement during the care planning process. Help ensure that your loved one receives personalized care and attention while also feeling supported by their family members by putting communication with staff members and family involvement as a priority.

What You Should Ask Yourself

After choosing a memory care community for your loved one, it’s important to remember that your involvement in their care is far from over. As an advocate for your loved one, it’s essential to monitor their care and stay involved in the process. You should ask yourself about the following when you visit your loved one in a memory care community.

Their Mental Health

Depression is a common occurrence among individuals with dementia, and it’s important to recognize the signs and take action. If you notice symptoms of depression in your loved one, there are ways to help. Consulting with an experienced geriatric physician can lead to medication that can alleviate the symptoms.

It can be challenging to differentiate between the symptoms of dementia and depression, so asking staff about any noticeable changes in behavior such as apathy, loss of interest, or isolation is crucial. Additionally, it’s important to inquire about signs of anxiety that may indicate difficulty adjusting to the community. Staff members appreciate any recommendations from family members on how best to make their loved ones feel comfortable since they know them best.

Their Vitals

Assessing an individual’s weight, blood pressure, and oxygen levels can provide valuable information about their overall health. If your loved one is experiencing weight loss, it could be due to a dislike of the food or anxiety surrounding communal mealtimes. Irregular blood pressure levels may also indicate an underlying issue. When you know about your loved one’s vital signs, you can speak with the staff to help them address any issues.

How You Can Help

When a loved one moves to memory care, it can be challenging for both the individual and their family. Asking staff what they need from you is crucial as they may hesitate to communicate their needs otherwise. Once your loved one has settled in, it’s worth checking with staff if an increase in visitation would be helpful. Additionally, they may request specific care or personal items that would enhance their comfort level.

Ask Us About Alzheimer’s Care

Balfour Senior Living understands that the decision to move a loved one to memory care is never easy. However, with the right information and support, you can make this transition as smooth as possible. Remember to ask questions about the type of care available, staff-to-resident ratio, activities and amenities offered, and cost of living in the community. Stay flexible through the process and be sure to communicate regularly with staff to ensure your loved one’s needs are being met. With these tips in mind, you can help ensure a successful transition for both you and your loved one. If you have any further questions or concerns about Alzheimer’s care or memory care communities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information.