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Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia is an emotional and overwhelming experience.
For many families, providing the physical and emotional care your loved one needs and deserves can be challenging as these diseases progress.
Memory care communities are an alternative to caring for a family member yourself. They’re designed to provide a compassionate and supportive environment for people with varying degrees of cognitive decline or dementia. They include safety features intended to keep your loved one as safe as possible.
Many assisted living communities offer high-quality memory care support for seniors and their families. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, 18% of assisted living communities provide care programs for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Choosing a memory care community is a significant decision that takes time, knowledge, and patience, and finding the best one for your loved one’s unique needs is crucial. Memory care communities can vary in amenities, services, cost, philosophy of care, and overall culture, making it crucial to visit and evaluate several in your city.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask to find the best memory care community for your loved one.
Questions to ask to find the best memory care community for your loved one
What training is required for staff?
The memory care community you select should have staff educated and trained in memory care. Are they experienced in dementia care? Do they receive ongoing training? How often?
In addition, Ensure the staff receives background checks and ask about the staff-to-resident ratio for each shift.
What care does your memory care community provide?
People with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia need different care depending on whether they’re in an early or advanced stage of the disease.
Does the community help with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and toileting? Help with medication management? What health care professionals are on staff and on call? Do they have occupational or physical therapy services?
Download our Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing!
What is the daily routine like?
Creating and establishing a structured routine is crucial for people living with dementia. Memory care communities like Allegro’s Ensemble Memory Care program are designed around recent memory care research and focus on creating stimulating and meaningful life experiences for residents.
You want to ensure the community you choose has a structured program that keeps your loved one focused and busy. Check out a typical day for an Allegro memory care resident.
What safety measures are in place?
Wandering is a serious concern for people living with a memory impairment, making their security a top priority.
Are there secure and monitored entrances and exits? Are there indoor and outdoor common areas designated just for the memory care residents? What plans are in place in the event of every type of emergency?
What activities are available for residents?
The memory care community you choose should include an activity-rich environment for residents. Residents should have access to health and fitness classes, supervised outings, and activities designed for people with cognitive decline.
What activities are available to residents? Are they designed specifically for residents in memory care? Ask to see an activity calendar.
How much does your community cost?
Understanding the cost of memory care is crucial for choosing a community that fits your loved one’s budget. Ask about the community’s pricing structure and billing policies. Are any services and amenities extra? Are there additional fees for specialized care? Is there a deposit or a community fee?
Wrap-up
Choosing the best memory care community for your loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Supporting a loved one living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging for you, your loved one and other family members.
You want to ensure the community you choose provides your loved one and family with the highest quality of care and support needed. Visiting and asking essential questions of several memory care communities enables you to make an informed choice.
Remember, your loved ones' needs are unique, so take the time to find the best community for their needs and preferences.
Download our Guide to Funding Senior Care and Housing to learn more about the potential sources of funds to help you pay for senior living expenses. Contact the friendly advisors of Allegro Senior Living for more information about senior living and to schedule your tour.
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