Are you caring for a loved one with memory concerns? Are you beginning to look for a facility that offers memory care services?
Many assisted living facilities offer special units devoted to treating patients with memory care concerns. There are also memory care-facilities where patients can get treated during the day.
If you’re looking for elder care with a memory component, you’ll need to look for some special qualities.
Here’s how you can begin.
1. Tailored For Memory Care
You’ll want to find an assisted living facility that is customized to meet the unique needs of memory care patients.
In a regular assisted living community, residents are given information about their schedules, such as meal times and activities. Members are, however, required to schedule their own time and the staff won’t be taking attendance.
In a memory care facility, however, staff may assist residents to their dining rooms and activities.
Other accommodations may include smaller staff-to-resident ratios, cognitive therapies, and trained nursing staff. There may also be available emergency call systems and supervised care that’s available twenty-four hours a day.
An assisted care facility may have a nurse available overnight.
Those who need special care may require help eating, dressing, or bathing. Staff with be available to help whenever needed.
Your care facility should let you know that they have trained staff available to help your loved one at all times. They should be prepared to meet the unique needs and requirements of those with memory concerns.
2. A Helpful Layout
A memory care facility may have pleasant surroundings designed for easy navigation. Rooms will be clearly marked with words or pictures. Elevators may require a code, and facilities can have alarmed doors.
Often, there will also be enclosed outdoor spaces where folks can get some exercise and socialize.
Meals are well-planned to nourish residents’ bodies and souls. If possible, have a meal when you visit a facility. Ask about how the staff encourages reluctant eaters.
3. Behavior Treatments
Assisted care facilities provide those with memory issues a wide range of therapeutic opportunities that can help them stay strong.
Treatments may be creative, such as art or music therapies. There may also be pets, sensory stimulation, or storytelling.
Many of today’s innovative treatments involve sensory activities that enable residents to stimulate their minds and emotions.
Ask a prospective care facility for a sample schedule for someone with memory issues before you commit your loved one to their care. It may include cooking classes, group activities like walking, card games, meditation, or massages.
The memory care wing of your facility should have creative and fun ways of helping your residents to stay strong.
4. A Trained Staff
Find out if there is a nurse in the building, and make sure they’re to work with those who have memory concerns.
Ask what dementia-specific training the staff receives. Find out how the staff handles patients who become argumentative or aggressive.
While you visit, take a look at how the staff treats residents.
Are there needs getting met quickly? Do the residents seem happy in general?
Ask what the ratio is of staff to residents. You’ll want to know that your loved one will get escorted if they need help getting somewhere, or helped to their feet if they have trouble standing up.
You’ll want to look for a staff that’s caring and tuned-in to the needs of those in their facility. You’re investing in long-term care, so it’s worth it to do your homework to find the right place.
How Do I Know My Loved One Is Ready for Memory Care?
If your loved one has gotten diagnosed with dementia, or they are losing their ability to manage daily activities, it may be time to invest in memory care for your loved one.
Your mom or dad may have gotten lost on a walk or wandered from home. Or they may no longer be recognizing those close to them.
You may be worried about sleeping deeply because you’re afraid someone in your care will wander away. Or you may be missing work or time with your children because you’re too occupied with caring for a parent. Your own health may be starting to decline as well.
If you feel that your loved one is ready for long-term memory care, it may be time to start looking around. The right facility can provide the medical care your loved one needs so you can provide the right amount of care to those around you.
How Can I Afford Memory Care?
Medicare may provide limited assistance for those who require dementia care. You can also look at Veteran’s programs, state programs, and tax credits for assistance.
Others pay for assisted living through bridge loans or reverse mortgages, which tap into your home equity.
Your living-care facility may also offer special discounts, such as move-in incentives or other specials. You can also find out if your loved one is eligible for a roommate. This could lower living costs and prevent loneliness at the same time.
If you’re loved one is suffering and your family is overburdened, investing in memory care could be the right move for you. Your loved one’s health and your own peace of mind will be the reward.
The Right Memory Care Services
If your loved one is in need of memory care services, be sure to look for an assisted living facility customized to meet their needs. The right staff, building layout, and schedule can keep them active and happy for years to come.
For more information on local memory care, contact us today.
