Finding the right memory care facility is important so that you or your loved one gets the personalized support that you need. Whether it is differences in their staffing preferences, activities involved, medical capabilities, or even just the amenities within the community, there are many reasons why some memory care communities would better suit your loved one’s lifestyle than others.
Here at Hidden Meadows On The Ridge, our experts are constantly looking for the best ways to meet the needs of our residents and this has allowed them to have an in-depth understanding of what truly matters to residents when they commit to a memory care community. To help future residents and others who are contemplating the move, we have compiled a guide to make sure that your loved one will have the comprehensive support you need and a happy time moving in.
What Are You and Your Loved Ones’ Needs and Priorities?
The first thing that should be on your mind when considering any senior living option is to evaluate what are your and your loved one’s non-negotiables, needs, and priorities. Here is a list of questions that you will need to think about:
- Does my loved one have any medical condition that requires specialized care with regards to treatment and medication?
- Are they able to carry out their day-to-day activities with minimal assistance? Will they require help with continence issues or bathroom activities?
- Is mobility a pressing concern? Will they require the aid of a wheelchair or walker?
- Do your loved ones display difficult behaviors that might require professional support, like aggression, agitation, and anger?
- Is your loved one prone to wandering frequently?
Unlike other concerns and preferences, this first list of considerations is necessary to keeping your loved one safe and healthy. In other words, it is compulsory for any memory care community that you eventually choose to have staff members that have been trained and equipped with the appropriate skills to best monitor and assist with these factors.
Compiling this list will not just be essential for when you are evaluating different memory care communities, this list will also be handy when it comes to communicating your loved one’s needs to the staff of your chosen option. If you are overwhelmed and unsure of where you should start, the best way to start is by noting down the different areas that your loved one needs help in their day-to-day life.
What Features and Amenities Are Available to Residents in the Memory Care Community?
Moving on from your loved one’s necessities, this question will consider what their interests and preferences are. Examples of questions that you can consider are:
- Does my loved one have dietary preferences? Are meals or groceries provided in the community?
- How many meals or snacks are served during the day, and are they available on an ad-hoc basis?
- How and where are the meals served? Can escorts be requested during meals if your loved one requires help with eating?
- What variations of accommodations are there? This is important, especially if both your elderly parents are moving in together and will require a bigger living space.
- Are there wellness and fitness programs matching your loved ones’ interests offered?
- What are their memory-enhancing programs and how do they aim to enrich the life of your loved one?
While they are not compulsory, these are the considerations that will significantly enhance your loved one’s quality of life as well as their ability to access mentally and physically stimulating activities while they live in the memory care facility.
If possible, request to schedule a tour or other types of an on-site visit to get a view of what their accommodations and grounds look like. Being able to witness what they offer in person will allow you and your loved one to assess if this is the right fit for them.
What Are the Total Costs of Living?
This is one of the major factors to consider when committing to a memory care community. When evaluating your options, it is important that you consider what is offered – the level of care, amenities, programs, medical support, and even the location. Make sure that you have a clear idea of the cost structure, additional fees, incentives, and even pre-admission assessments that will be required.
These factors are just some of the things you need to consider when it comes to choosing a memory care community. The best way to decide and find out more information is to contact us today! Our friendly senior lifestyle coordinators will be able to answer any further questions you have regarding your individualized needs.
