A memory care facility can offer you or your loved one the around-the-clock care necessary for a full and active life. Memory care is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Learning how to choose the right memory care facility may be easier than you think, especially if you know what to look for when visiting a memory care community.
Checklist for High-Quality Memory Care Communities
Personalized care plans
Every person living with a memory issue is an individual, with his or her own personal needs and goals. Personalized care plans recognize the unique nature of every resident, and provide the personalized attention and care that an individual deserves.
Commitment to independence
The goal of every memory care community is to help each resident live as independently as possible. Look for communities that offer enrichment programs and activities that promote independence in a safe manner.
Well staffed with highly trained memory professionals
Find out the staff members’ level of training – the staff should have undergone advanced training in memory care, along with in-service programs to keep their skills sharp. Evaluate the resident-to-staff ratio to determine if there are enough trained staff members to properly care for all of the residents.
Staff members should also be personable, friendly, and compassionate.
Commitment to safety and security
Look for security features, such as alarmed doors to prevent accidental wandering and enclosed outdoor spaces that give residents the freedom to go for a walk or enjoy nature without getting lost. Find out if the memory care community offers 24-hour hands-on care, visiting physicians on call 24/7, and trained staff who can handle emergency situations.
Comfortable surroundings
Clean and safe surroundings are essential. Find out if rooms seem comfortable, for example, and if they offer individually controlled thermostats. Dining areas should be clean and spacious, and offer family-style dining with varied menus served hot and fresh at the table. Beautiful surroundings and landscaped grounds indicate a well-maintained community. Look for spacious and bright gathering areas for recreation and entertainment. Small details, such as welcoming family members to attend dinner and making gas grills available for family gatherings, are an added convenience.
A wide variety of services and amenities
Look for a community that offers 24-hour hands-on care, visiting physicians on call 24/7, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Daily housekeeping services are essential in a memory care community, as are laundry services. Look for beauty and barbershop services, individual laundry and flat linen service, daily scheduled activities, family support services, and friendly counseling. Ask if religious services are available and if scheduled transportation for appointments, shopping, and excursions is available.
For more information about what you should look for when visiting a memory care facility, contact Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care in Live Oak, TX.
