Essential Checklist for Choosing a Memory Care Community
Every year, the number of people with dementia climbs by ten million. It's an awful experience that shows up in a wide variety of ways and levels. Often, it comes to a point where the symptoms make it too hard to stay at home.
This is when moving to a memory care community can be the best solution. Seniors can get all the care they need to continue living happy lives. And their caregivers can have peace knowing they're safe.
The first step toward relief is finding the best memory care communities in your area. Check out this senior living checklist to know what to look for during the search!
High Priority on Safety Measures
The first thing you want to pay attention to when choosing memory care is if safety is on their priority list. One of the biggest hurdles caregivers have with dementia is wandering off. It can be extremely problematic if they happen to leave their safe space.
Be sure to look for a community that has many precautions in place already. Those should include:
- door locks
- alarm systems
- bright lighting
- fenced-in outdoor areas
- emergency response systems
- monitoring options
The staff should also be able to go over their safety protocols with you as well. This will help everyone feel as confident as possible when making this decision.
Specialized Training for the Staff
Memory care is something different than a typical senior living community. There is a specialized focus on caring for those who have any form of dementia. It's important to choose somewhere that has given their staff extra training.
The needs of a senior can be complex enough, without any of the added memory issues. Trained staff will be able to work with the resident to overcome these hurdles as much as possible. They'll know the best ways to redirect, help guide, and make everyone feel comfortable.
It may also be helpful to check if any specialists team up with the community to provide care as well.
Clean, Accessible Apartment
Living with dementia is so hard because of the major confusion that comes. The person can't remember simple details of life but also doesn't know that they don't remember. This confusion can cause a lot of anxiety or anger.
A great memory care community will use dementia-friendly design in its spaces.
That means they choose furniture, paint colors, and layout that will give visual cues to the residents. This can help them feel safer and more comfortable, avoiding negative reactions.
Medication Management Assistance
Some people with dementia will be given medication to help with symptoms. They must stay on track with the prescribed dose and timing so they can see the best results.
This can be an overwhelming task for a caregiver, especially when they see resistance. A great memory care community will handle medication management for you. The trained staff will follow the doctor's orders to help keep patients as healthy as possible.
While this seems like a minor task, it can be a huge relief to know your loved one is getting what they need.
Personalized Care Plans
One of the hardest parts about dementia is how varied it is. Every person has different symptoms that also vary in severity. No two cases are the same, which means no treatment can be the same either.
The most important memory care tip is to find a community that will give your loved one personalized care.
This means they'll work with you and their care providers to figure out the main symptoms. Then develop a care plan to help work through those issues. You'll know things are good when there is a sense of teamwork during these discussions.
Opportunities for Social Interactions
Socializing is a key part of any happy and healthy life. That need to be with other people doesn't go away when you start to age. And it certainly doesn't go away when someone starts experiencing dementia.
In fact, having a social life becomes even more important in those cases. That's why it's key to make sure a memory care community focuses on creating social opportunities.
As you're taking a tour, look for communities where residents can gather together. Then, ask about how regularly activities are planned. It may even be a good idea to check the activity calendar to see a typical week there.
Variety of Activity Options
Any kind of social interaction is good for the mind and spirit. However, the positive benefits can be even stronger with a wide variety of options. Different activities can give the brain more of a workout, which can help with symptoms.
Check to see if the community has things like walking groups that will help get residents moving. And then see if they have a more creative option, like an art club. Ask if they have a game night or regular entertainment.
Having a wide variety of options also means there is something for everyone, so no resident is left out.
Positive Culture in the Community
All the practical aspects of a memory care community are important. But the feeling you get while you're there has just as big of an impact. You want to be sure you choose a community with a positive culture.
There are many hard days when someone you love has dementia. Having a strong, compassionate, caring environment will make all the difference. As you do your research, pay attention to how the staff makes you feel to get a good sense of what this will be like.
Finding the Right Memory Care Community
Once you find the right memory care community, it's a huge step forward. Everyone involved will have a brighter outlook on the future. These communities are incredible in these situations.
As long as the community checks all of these boxes, you know your whole family is going to have a great experience!
At Addington Place of Clinton, we strive to go above and beyond those things. Our team prides itself on the range of amenities we offer to meet every resident's needs. Contact us today to schedule a tour!