We always encourage families to begin evaluating care options soon after a loved one has been diagnosed with a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The reason for this is because it is hard to predict how quickly the disease will progress. And a decision made hastily is not always the best one.
Finding the best fit for your loved one is something that requires some time and effort to get right. There are many questions to be asked and boxes to be checked.
Here are 5 key questions that should be on top of your list:
Question #1: Are they dedicated to providing memory care?
Why this is important: New therapies and innovations to treat individuals with dementia are always being discovered. Communities dedicated to memory care are comprised of individuals who are expert in dementia and highly trained in all areas of memory care. Their focus is 100% on memory care without the distraction of covering other types of care.
Question #2: What safety measures are in place?
Why this is important: Regular check-ins, clinicians on staff 24/7, using advanced safety technologies and sensors and buildings engineered specifically to enable freedom of movement with safety measures built in; all are essential to maintain safety, especially as your loved one’s dementia progresses.
Question #3: What activities do they provide?
Why this is important: Engaging in purposeful activities is essential to stimulate the brain for individuals with dementia. Gardening, visits with school children, outings to local museums, parks and other meaningful activities should be on the agenda. Yoga and exercise classes should also be included. Speak with the engagement team and ask them to share an activities schedule.
Question #4: Do they encourage drop in visits from family?
Why this is important: There should be nothing to hide. Drop in unannounced. Ask to take an impromptu tour. The staff should be welcoming and proud to show off the community.
Question #5: Do doctors and dentists visit regularly?
Why this is important: While your loved one will have their own physician, there may be occasions when transporting them to the doctor may be uncomfortable or inconvenient. Knowing there is a doctor and dentist on call is important.
Also be sure to check out the dining area and the menus. Ask to talk with the chef and sample some of the food. It should be delicious as well as nutritious. And be sure to check the qualifications of all the individuals who are caring for your loved one. Do they have the proper credentials? How are they trained?
If you aren’t satisfied with the provider’s answer to any of these questions press for more information. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it probably isn’t.
The decision to transition a loved one into memory care is never an easy one. However, taking the time to get it right will make a big difference, not only in the quality of your loved one’s care but in your peace of mind as well.