What to Look for in a Good Memory Care Community
People who think that the only options for senior care involve impersonal large nursing homes need to do their research. A lot has changed in the world of senior care, and smaller more intimate housing options are readily available.
Senior care has become a lot more specialized. Now there are certain homes and communities that can cater to your loved ones. A memory care community could be the ideal place for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They’re designed to provide excellent care for people with memory issues.
Does that sound like the best place for your loved one? If you want to find the best memory care centers for your loved one, you’re going to want to pay attention to what’s in this post!
Our Essential Tips on Finding the Right Memory Care Community
Memory care communities are very different from traditional nursing homes. Aside from different care options, some are physically set up differently. Our facilities aren’t large buildings. They’re individual homes where your loved one can live with a small group of people and receive personalized attention from aides. Although our more specialized homes create a cozy and safe living environment, that doesn’t mean that’s the norm for all memory care centers.
When you’re researching memory care facilities, make sure you find ones with these important qualities.
Different Levels of Care
Alzheimer’s and dementia care facilities shouldn’t have a one size fits all approach to caring for their residents. Each patient in their care is unique, and there should be different levels of care available depending on the needs of your loved one.
Your loved one may be able to retain a high level of independence and could just need someone to occasionally check in on them. They wouldn’t be happy living in a place that limits independence for residents.
The opposite situation could also be true. Your loved one could need a lot of help and should be closely monitored at all times.
This is why finding facilities that can adjust care plans for each resident is important. You’ll want to make sure that your loved one is getting the help they need.
Opportunities for Socialization
It can be easy to take socialization for granted when you’re presented with countless opportunities to talk to other people through work and daily activities. But isolation among the elderly is becoming a significant problem. Being lonely can make people more prone to problems with depression and anxiety. It could also cause some of their symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s to become more prominent.
Humans are social creatures, and the right memory care community for your loved one should reflect that. Communities should provide ample opportunities for their residents to be able to socialize. Aside from having friendly staff members ready to lend a helping hand, residents should have opportunities to get to know one another. This is even true for people living in small homes. There should be plenty of opportunities to bond over meals and activities.
Trustworthy and Trained Staff
A care facility with a good reputation is important, but the staff should have positive reviews as well. Remember, your loved one will be staying at the facility, but the actual staff members will be responsible for their care.
You’re going to want to have staff members that aren’t just trained in proper senior care. You’ll want to go with a home that understands what it takes to execute proper memory care.
You should only choose facilities that specially train their staff members to handle people with memory and cognitive problems. If not, your loved one could suffer from improper care or worse. A facility that lacks trained individuals could cause problems for you and your loved one.
A Focus on Behavioral Issues
A truly good memory care community won’t just focus on watching over residents. If you want to find a community for your loved one that truly cares for them and suits their needs, you’ll want to find one that can also address behavioral issues.
Find a memory care facility that has therapeutic programs that can address Impairment issues, improper wandering, and other common issues that affect people with memory problems. The right kind of program will provide personalized therapy for each unique patient.
These programs also increase the quality of life for the people involved. Your loved one could find themselves feeling more relaxed and less confused during the day.
Care for Families
When a loved one goes into memory care, they aren’t the only ones going through an important change. Their loved ones that were responsible for their care also should be taken into account.
Families should have ample opportunities to be able to reach out to and spend time with their loved ones. A good memory care facility will find ways to get families involved in the day to day activities from residents. Whether that’s coming to special events or being supportive and caring during physical therapy, families should be involved.
A helpful care facility can also offer resources to families that are concerned about the wellbeing of their loved ones. They can learn about the best ways to interact with their loved ones and think of ways to help their progress when they’re visiting.
Find Your Home Today
Finding a memory care community for your loved one doesn’t have to be difficult. When you know what to look for, you’ll be able to find care both you and your loved one can be happy with.
Do you still have questions about memory care communities? Are you unsure if a specialty memory care facility would be best for your loved one? Do you have questions about elder care in general?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Be sure to contact us with any questions about senior care you may have.