Author: Kaia Koglin
Reviewed By: Catherine Braxton
Finding the right memory care facility for your loved one requires research and asking the right questions. Google searches or online listings are good places to discover your options. It can also be helpful to speak to your local Area Agency on Aging to find out about facilities in your region.
Finally, get recommendations from people who have a loved one in memory care. If you’re part of an Alzheimer’s disease or dementia support group, it’s likely you have friends who have already gone through this experience and can share their wisdom. Once you have a list of possibilities, you can dig deeper to find the right option.
You can start narrowing down your search by identifying the unique needs of your loved one. This can include assistance they need with daily activities and the symptoms they’re experiencing. Remember to consider any other health conditions. A senior with an additional chronic disease, such as diabetes, needs a facility that can offer extra medical monitoring and assistance. This information should give you an idea of what level of care your loved one requires at the moment. However, you need to remember that their needs will likely increase.
When looking at communities, consider whether the facility can look after them today and in the future as their needs change. Finally, consider your own needs. If it’s your spouse who needs memory care, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) may be an option that allows you to live on the same campus and visit easily. If that’s not possible or if it’s your parent moving to a facility, look for communities that are welcoming to visitors and are easy for you to get to.
Your loved one’s individual preferences and personality should have a big impact on your final choice. But there are some items to look for when visiting potential homes that can help ensure they receive the best possible care. First, ask about staffing. What specialized training do the caregivers receive, and how many are on-site? You should also look to see if the staff treats residents with care and respect. Ask if they can change their approach based on your loved one’s needs and if there are a range of activities to capture the different interests of residents.
Next, look at the environment. A comfortable, homelike environment is generally considered better for people with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Many communities have spaces specially designed for those with cognitive issues. These use colors and memory boxes to make the space easy to navigate. Finally, ask about security measures that prevent wandering and if there’s a safe outdoor space for residents to enjoy.
