If you have a family member who is living with cognitive impairment and needs memory care, you may feel scared and overwhelmed. Many people are reluctant to consider moving someone they love into a facility but realize that they can no longer care for them at home. Visiting a memory care community is an excellent way to evaluate the options available to you and gives you the opportunity to ask the memory care questions – and get the answers – you need to make a decision you are comfortable with.
Ask These Memory Care Questions
Here are some care questions regarding amenities that will help you to get started.
1. What is the cost? Very few families can make this type of decision without establishing the cost involved. It is true that memory care is typically more expensive than assisted living due to the higher staff-to-resident ratio. However, it is generally also less expensive than a home health aide. Some facilities are all-inclusive, and others provide a monthly cost schedule based on the amount of care your senior loved one needs. When looking into memory care options, be sure that you establish what the monthly fee actually covers and includes.
2. How trained are the staff? Wandering, confusion, and aggression are common in dementia patients, and these behaviors require special methods to address them. While there are state requirements for staff certification in certain positions, you can ask the facility what types of specialized training all personnel is given. Quality memory care facilities will exceed the state’s requirements.
3. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Dementia patients require more individualized attention than those in assisted living – meaning that a higher staff-to-resident ratio is needed to manage residents who might need extra comfort and care. Overnight coverage also needs to be adequate to address residents’ special needs.
4. What is included in the activities calendar? Social and physical activities are crucial to the overall well-being of memory care residents. However, not all activities will be suitable for everyone. Ask any potential memory care center what activities are available and how they work to ensure every resident stays engaged.
5. How are meal and dietary preferences handled? If your senior family member requires a special diet, you will want to establish that the kitchen can accommodate these requests. (i.e. a vegan or low-salt diet.) If there are any other requirements related to food and eating – such as a soft diet to address swallowing problems – be sure to confirm these with the kitchen staff.
6. What nursing services are offered? Assistance with personal care and ADLs such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and hygiene are standard in every memory care facility. But if your loved one has more advanced medical needs, check to see if the nursing staff can handle these items. If not, you may need to look into additional care services.
7. What is the discharge policy? Because of the potential volatility of dementia patients, facilities may deem it necessary to discharge the individual. Each community is approaches these issues differently, so you should confirm what the discharge policy is so you are aware. For instance, a resident may be required to leave if they pose a danger to other residents or requires a level of care the facility cannot provide.
Are You Ready to Learn More?
A Banyan Residence is a professional memory care residence located in Venice. If you need information or have questions, call today to schedule a tour and consultation. We are happy to help you to make the right decision for your loved one.
