Asking questions about the memory care communities you're considering can help you feel more comfortable with it and ensure you find the ideal match for your loved one. The following questions can help you learn more.
Safety for your loved one is a top priority. Many people move to memory care communities when it's no longer safe for them to live alone at home. Expecting strict safety protocols in the community you choose can give you peace of mind. Ask about the security of the unit and what types of procedures the staff uses to keep residents safe. You might request to see those security features in action so you can judge them for yourself.
Many communities also have secured garden or outdoor spaces, so ask about those areas as well. Ideally, the community should be secure enough to keep your loved one safe from injury while also allowing them to explore and move about freely.
Beyond basic safety, a stimulating environment with activities developed with memory loss in mind can support your loved one better. Tailoring the routines and activities to individuals with memory loss can help residents feel more relaxed and improve their behaviors.
Ask what kinds of programs and activities the community incorporates into the day to support residents. Bethesda Gardens Loveland offers several options, including pet therapy, scents for calming anxiety or stimulating appetite, life skills stations and the calming, relaxing, multi-sensory Snoezelen Lounge.
Tailoring care to the individualized needs of each resident is also important. Every memory care resident has different degrees of memory loss, previous experiences and additional needs to keep them as healthy and happy as possible. The Health Services Director at Bethesda Gardens Loveland works with residents and their families to create a personal care plan that addresses all needs.
You want your loved one to have a safe, comfortable, homelike environment wherever they live. Finding out the living options helps you decide if the community provides that. Many memory care communities offer private and companion suites. Choosing a companion suite can give your loved one built-in socialization opportunities. Also, look at the size of the rooms and what's included in them, as some communities have multiple floor plans of varying sizes and with different amenities.
Memory care communities should provide around-the-clock care for residents to ensure their safety and meet their basic needs. Beyond that, find out what types of staff members are available, such as licensed nurses to provide specialized care and supervision. This gives you an idea of how qualified the team is that will be caring for your loved one. Asking about staffing ratios can also help you gauge the care your loved one might receive.
Another good staffing question to ask is about the specialty training the team members have related to memory loss. Your loved one gets the best care when everyone understands the unique needs of people with cognitive disorders. You might also ask about the qualifications they expect from staff and the screening they do before hiring team members.
Dementia can interfere with eating, drinking and nutrition in general. Finding out about the dining program at the community can help you decide if it will meet your loved one's nutritional needs. A staff that's trained in dementia is a good first step. They should have strategies that help ensure residents eat well. You might also look for strategies the caregivers utilize to stimulate appetite or provide assistance with eating.
It's important to know what your loved one will receive as part of the fees for memory care. Inquire about the services that are included for residents, such as scheduled transportation, medication management and pharmacy services. Some communities might have partnerships with medical specialists to offer on-site care. Consider the services your loved one needs to ensure the community can adequately meet those needs.
Find out what qualifications your loved one needs to meet to live in the memory care community. Some communities have a wait list, so you should check on availability if your loved one qualifies. You might ask how to apply, how much you need to pay to hold a spot and what the move-in process is like. This helps you plan in case you want to go forward with that community. Finding out about the ongoing monthly costs also helps you determine if the community is a good fit for your budget.
