Memory care is a form of skilled nursing care that helps people with memory problems. A memory care facility provides round-the-clock care and treatment to help your loved ones handle daily routines and improve their quality of life. The decision to leave your loved one at a memory care facility is not easy. Add to that the pressure of finding a reliable facility. While several facilities may promise many amenities and services, you must choose one that offers services that your loved ones need. Below are tips for finding a reliable and suitable memory care facility:
Understand Your Loved One’s Needs
The first step in finding a good memory care facility for your loved ones is understanding their requirements and priorities. For instance, do they need help with everyday activities like eating, bathing, and dressing? Do they have any pre-existing health conditions that the staff members need to know about? Do they show aggression or wander off? If your loved one has severe health issues, they may need 24-hour supervision. If they wander off, then you will need a facility that is experienced in handling individuals with such issues.
Ask about Amenities and Services
Most memory care facilities offer a wide range of amenities like meals catering to diet specifications, concierge services, and care coordination. See if the amenities provided by the potential facility align with your loved one’s needs. Find out the type of accommodations available. Ask if they provide cottages or shared apartments. Check how many meals and snacks are given each day. Find out if escort meals are provided in case your loved one needs help eating. Memory care facilities like Bridgeway Senior Healthcare offer a wide range of services and amenities to ensure your loved ones are comfortable and well-cared for. They offer therapies, medical services, long-term care, and other clinical services.
Consider Safety
When choosing a memory care facility for your loved ones, you should pick a facility that prioritizes safety. Memory care facilities typically have various safety features, including motion-sensor technologies and secured doors and windows with keypads. Strong safety measures will prevent accidents and avoid instances where residents wander off or get lost. Important safety features to consider include:
- Emergency alarm systems
- 24/7 supervised care
- Keypad entry
- Interior courtyards for secured wandering
- Alarms at emergency exits
- Color-coded hallways to help residents navigate with ease
- Visiting physician for health issues
- Basic medical services for medical emergencies
- Automatic lights in the bathrooms
- Emergency call buttons
- Low grab handrails and bars for easy mobility
Find Out About Memory Enhancing Therapies
Customized therapies can help delay the cognitive decline in dementia patients and improve their quality of life. For instance, light therapy can help treat depression. When shortlisting memory care facilities, find out what memory-enhancing therapies and treatments the facilities offer. Common therapies include:
- Art therapy stimulates the brain, boosts self-expression, and improves communication
- Aromatherapy to relieve anxiety and promote better sleep and activity
- Music therapy to improve mood and overall wellness and generate memory revival.
Nutrition and Meals
Find out what kind of meal plans are offered at the memory care facility. Do they provide fresh meals to your loved ones every day? Do they consider your loved ones’ health specifications while creating the meal plans? Do they offer support to those needing help with eating? Does the facility have a nutritionist on staff? Some facilities also have common dining areas where family and friends can visit and share meals with their loved ones.
Ask about Staff Experience and Education
Find out how much experience the staff has in handling people with memory issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Memory care can be complicated. You need someone with knowledge and experience to look after your loved ones. Ask how the staff handles difficult behaviors. Also, ask how often the staff is trained in dealing with people with memory issues. You will be able to live peacefully only when you know that your loved ones are cared for properly at the facility.
Consider your Budget
Cost should be a major consideration when shortlisting a facility. You must find a memory care facility that fits your budget. Several factors may affect the cost of the facility like location, level of care provided, and amenities. Find out what is included in the monthly fees and what will cost you extra. Check how monthly fees are determined, ask about the cost structure and breakup, find out if there is a deposit or entry fee, and ask if the prices will increase annually.
Finding a reliable memory care facility doesn’t always have to be overwhelming. While there may be no substitute for touring a facility and finding details about them, this list can guide you in shortlisting a few facilities that you think can help your loved ones.
