Making the decision to move your loved one into a memory care community may be one of the most challenging choices you’ll make, but finding one that’s the right fit will make the transition smoother — not just for your loved one but for the rest of your family, too.
So how do you go about finding a memory care community that you’ll feel assured is providing the kind of care you want for your parent (or spouse)? Equally important, how do you find one where your loved one will have the best possible quality of life?
Ultimately, you’ll want to make a list of memory care facilities to consider in the area where your family member will reside. As you research them, you can narrow the list to just those you want to visit. It’s also a good idea to develop a memory care checklist you can take with you. To get you started, there’s a basic checklist later in this blog post.
First, though, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of what memory care is and what it can do for your family, including your parent or partner.
What Is a Memory Care Neighborhood?
As you begin looking into memory and dementia care communities, you’ll notice that some are stand-alone communities while others are part of senior living communities — like The Vered —that also offer assisted living. Some communities offer independent living and skilled nursing as well.
A memory care community provides specialized care for adults who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. This can range from help with activities of daily living (such as bathing, getting dressed and safely navigating one’s living space) for those in the early stages to therapeutic activities designed to help with memory recall and self-esteem for those with more advanced diagnoses.
Memory care neighborhoods offer a secure environment where adults with dementia can benefit from interacting with other residents who can relate to what they’re experiencing, and with staff members who are specifically trained for the diverse situations that can arise on a moment’s notice.
While residents are monitored day and night, and extra measures are in place to ensure their safety, most memory care communities are designed to feel like home. The goal is to help them live as independently as they can without feeling confined or restricted.
If Your Loved One Is in the Early Stages, Consider This
Many families, as well as the individuals themselves, put off the move to a memory care community as long as possible. It’s understandable that they want their loved one to stay in a familiar environment, surrounded by those who love them most.
Yet there’s a strong case to be made for moving before it becomes necessary — particularly if the move is to a community that offers both assisted living and memory care.
Does your parent or spouse need some help with their daily routine?
If so, then moving to assisted living in a community that also offers memory care can:
- Help prevent physical injuries, especially as a result of falling
- Allow trained staff members to monitor your loved one’s progress
- Safeguard your relationships because you can focus on being a family instead of you being the primary caregiver
- Ease the eventual transition to memory care, as your loved one is already familiar with the community
Do your parents need different levels of care?
One partner in a couple may benefit from assisted living but shows no signs of cognitive decline, whereas the other partner may be experiencing memory issues. By moving to a community like The Vered that offers both assisted living and memory care, they may be able to stay together in the same living space, at least initially, while receiving the support each one needs to be safe and happy.
When the time comes for the partner with dementia to move to memory care, the couple will still be close enough to spend much of their time together without having to travel. Both partners will continue receiving the level of support they need to live their best life.
How do you know if your loved one should move directly into memory care?
In some cases, an experienced staff member may be able to offer guidance when you visit the communities on your list, especially if your loved one is with you. Tip: You may want to visit each of the communities on your own first and then go back to those that make your short list, taking your loved one with you.
Or, a trusted medical professional who’s familiar with your loved one’s health status may be able to advise you.
Once you’ve selected a community, a qualified staff member (often a medical director) will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of medical records, to determine the most appropriate care level for your loved one. You’ll be asked to provide information about their health history and current status, too.
From this assessment, the staff will also be able to put together a personalized care plan based on your loved one’s interests, needs and preferences.
Does your loved one need 24-hour medical care or monitoring by a medical professional?
Memory care units are not designed to provide round-the-clock medical monitoring or care such as feeding tube. If your parent or spouse requires this level of medical attention in addition to memory support, then a community offering skilled nursing may be a better option.
Waitlists Are Common
Another reason to begin your search for an Alzheimer’s and dementia memory care community now is that many memory care communities have a waitlist. It can take several months for an opening to become available, particularly among the most sought-after communities. Because change often progresses more rapidly in the later stages of dementia, a few months can make a significant difference.
If you find a memory care community you like, ask if they have a waitlist. You don’t have to accept an opening if one becomes available before you’re ready, though you should ask what the consequences are if you decline.
Important Questions To Ask a Memory Care Facility
Although you’ll want to include questions on your list that are relevant to your loved one’s unique wants and needs, the list below is a good starting point.
- How many residents can the community accommodate? Are the residences private or shared?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Tip: Most memory care communities aim for a 6:1 or 5:1 ratio. The fewer residents per caregiver, the more attention each resident can be given. In most communities, the ratio differs from day to night.
- What is the fee structure? Is there an entrance fee, or does the community provide rental options? Is there a minimum lease duration? What’s included in the monthly fee, and what is a la carte?
- What certifications do the community and memory care staff have? What type of specialized training is required, and by which staff members? Are there continuing education requirements to ensure staff stays current on advances in dementia care?
- How do staff members respond to residents who demonstrate aggressive or undesirable behaviors? Even if your loved one does not behave in this way, other residents might — and that can affect everyone who is present. Tip: Observe how the staff interacts with residents during your visit. Are they patient and respectful? Do they seem to genuinely care about the residents, or are they just doing their job?
- What kind of programming and activities does the community offer residents? Are there ample opportunities for your loved one to engage with staff and other residents? Activities such as pet therapy visits, music therapy sessions and activities that stimulate the senses, like supervised baking, are more than pleasant diversions. Research suggests they can help with memory recall. What about physical and mental exercise opportunities? The best communities offer activities that address all aspects of residents’ health.
- What type of security does the community provide? Are there keypad locks on exit doors and elevators to prevent residents from wandering and getting lost? Is there a secure outdoor area, preferably with gardens and greenery, where residents can enjoy supervised time outside? Some of the latest technology can even sense if a fall is likely to occur, based on a resident’s movements, and alert staff.
- Who would be involved in developing your loved one’s care plan? Will you be able to provide input? Will your loved one? Tip: Most adults with dementia want to have as much say as possible when it comes to their care.
- How many meals are served each day, and when? Can the community accommodate special dietary requirements? Are there menu options, in case your loved one wants something else to eat?
The Latest in Memory Care, California Style
As we welcome the first residents to The Vered, we’re excited to let our surrounding community in Los Angeles County know we offer clinically excellent, modern memory care that takes a holistic approach to well-being.
To learn more, contact us to set up a one-on-one visit with a member of our team at our community in Encino.
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