In our last blog, we discussed questions family members can ask regarding the amenities at a potential memory care or assisted living facility. Once you have made your decision and moved your loved one in, there are some questions you should ask the staff when you visit. Even though your senior loved one is receiving care, you are still their advocate – and they are counting on you to monitor and protect the care they are experiencing. These questions will help you to evaluate how your loved one is doing and adjust any care necessary.
- Is my senior family member participating in activities and being social? Understanding the level of involvement and participation in activities will provide a sense of your loved one’s comfort level in their new home. Loneliness and isolation are unhealthy for anyone, but especially so for elderly adults. It is important for the family to understand if they are attending activities, interacting with other residents, and receiving the mental stimulation they need. If not, you may want to work with the staff to determine how the situation can be rectified. One great way to get them involved is to participate in activities with them, either one-on-one or with the other residents. You can bring games or crafts that you know they enjoy or ask the staff about other options available for engagement.
- How is my family member’s mental health? Depression is prevalent among dementia patients. It is essential to understand that if your senior loved one is showing symptoms of depression, you need to be there to help. An experienced mental health professional or physician can prescribe appropriate medication to help relieve evidence of depression. Ask the staff if they have seen signs of apathy, loss of interest, and a desire to isolate. It can be challenging to make a distinction between dementia and depression. Also, ask the staff about any anxiety that might contribute to problems interacting and engaging with others. The staff will welcome any recommendations you can offer for assisting your loved one to feel more at home.
- What are their vital signs? Assessing someone’s weight and blood pressure provides necessary insight into their overall health. If your senior family member is losing weight, for instance, you may wish to see if they don’t like the food at the facility or if they have been skipping meals. Changes in blood pressure and oxygen levels can also point to an undiagnosed health problem. Low blood pressure, especially, may indicate dehydration, which is a serious issue for elderly residents. The memory care staff might need to watch your loved one to ensure they are drinking more fluids.
One Question to Always Ask Staff
What can I do to help? This is one of the most impactful questions a family member can ask. The staff will appreciate your interest and willingness to stay involved in your loved one’s overall well-being. You may be surprised at their answer. Perhaps they need you to visit more often – or even visit less often if your loved one needs to engage more with others. They may ask you to provide snacks, set up scheduled video calls, or provide a good pair of walking shoes.
Once your senior family member has gotten accustomed to their new home, needs may change. Be sure to speak often with memory care staff to understand the ongoing needs of your loved one.
A Banyan Residence provides quality assisted living and memory care to Venice area residents.
