The goal of today’s memory care communities is to improve the lives of people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. When assessing memory care communities, you must make sure that the requirements of your loved ones are satisfied, that their care is compassionate, and that the new caregivers have experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Giving up your caregiving responsibilities may not be simple, but it will be beneficial for both you and your loved one.

Even though your neighborhood has a lot of communities, they are really different from one another. You’ll wonder what questions to ask memory care facilities to make sure they match your criteria when you start to weigh your options and do your research. We’ve put together a thorough list of questions broken down by category to use in your initial phone conversations and facility tours to help you in your search for a memory care community.

Memory Care Services Questions

Selecting a memory care center that can offer your loved one expert, compassionate attention is important. Memory care communities offer therapeutic programs aimed at addressing behavioral disorders such as wandering, memory impairment, and other related issues. In order to meet residents’ cognitive needs and make sure their medical and ADL (activities of daily living) needs are met, the community should provide them with high-quality care.

• What is your memory care staffing ratio?
• Your memory care facility: is it safe?
• What is the population of this place?
• What kind of dementia-specific training is provided to your employees?
• Are any of your employees certified or have a degree?
• Is there staff on hand around the clock?
• Do you mandate that employees get a background check?
• To what extent is the closest hospital to you?
• Can I keep seeing the same medical professionals?
• Is it possible for personnel to administer medication?
• Do you employ a doctor on staff?
• Has an inspection and license for your community?
• Is the same caregiver allocated time and time again?
• Do you permit end-of-life or hospice care?
• Must we make use of your pharmacy?
• Do you provide medical appointment transportation?

Social Questions

For those in memory care facilities, social contacts are vital to their overall quality of life. The majority of people will place a higher priority on community care, food, and expenses, but keeping your loved one socially engaged through events and activities is crucial to their well-being wellbeing. Benefits from social activities include comfort, relaxation, and the chance to connect with people. They also stimulate the brain.

• Does your social department have a head?
• Does your schedule of events include a variety of programs?
• Do you arrange travel outside of your neighborhood?
• How can activities be arranged to involve the residents?
• How many people show up for events?
• How is your timetable of activities set up? (Request a copy.)
• Which events draw the largest attendance?
• Do you get visits from other age groups? (Youth programs, adolescent volunteers)
• Do you tailor your activities to each resident’s unique needs?

Questions about Wellbeing

Seniors’ lives are significantly impacted by wellness, which motivates them to stay active. Maintaining an active lifestyle benefits the heart, muscles, and joints. Including wellness encourages regular toileting, improved sleep, and appetite stimulation.

• Does your wellness department have a head?
• How can you involve residents who haven’t worked out?
• Does your wellness schedule provide variety?
• Does anyone on your team hold a degree or certification?
• Do you own a swimming pool?
• Do you have a training room or wellness center?
• Who is the class instructor?
• How can one register for classes?
• How do you adapt the exercises to each resident’s needs?
• Do you take part in wellness activities off-site?

Bottom Line

When selecting a memory care center for your loved one, there are many factors to take into account. To help you make the right decisions and choose a home that satisfies all of your demands, utilize this checklist. Make several community visits, speak with present inhabitants and their families, and have faith in your gut. We at Lean on Me Senior Assistance Agency will support you at every turn, making sure your loved one lives in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.