Dementia is a cognitive impairment that disrupts a person’s ability to remember, think, and make proper decisions. It’s a mental condition that has affected millions of individuals and their family members.
This type of illness isn’t necessarily a part of aging. However, the risk increases after the age of 65. So as our beloved elderlies get older, they become more prone to develop this condition.
When they start to show symptoms or get diagnosed, it’s best to seek the help of a memory care facility. However, selecting the right one needs meticulous decision-making. Factors such as amenities, security, and activities are vital when choosing so your family gets the care they deserve.
To help get you started, this guide below will provide insight into memory care and the essential checklist for choosing a suitable facility.
Understanding a Memory Care Facility
Memory care is a specialized assisted-living service that focuses on people experiencing all forms of dementia. They provide secure environments and communities monitored by trained professionals and caregivers.
In addition, they give residents a comfortable living arrangement with various amenities. Complete with programs that act as therapy for people with such conditions.
Tips for Choosing the Right Memory Care Facility
Below are some of the essential tips on choosing the perfect memory care facility for your family:
Staff’s Handling of Dementia
Individuals with dementia often require special care. Often, they become resistant and aggressive, making it harder to care for them at home. That’s why it’s wise to seek the help of professionals to take care of them for you.
When choosing a facility, check its reputation in handling people with dementia and its other forms, like Alzheimer’s. You can also reach out to other family members of current residents or read public reviews about the facility.
Safety Provided in Facilities
Leaving a family member in the care of a stranger is difficult. You must ensure that the facility always puts safety first. This means verifying safety protocols and guidelines and checking if staff members are alert against unauthorized visitors in the community.
The facility should also have heightened security to prevent residents from wandering out. It should have enclosed courtyards, alarms, safety locks, and CCTVs, among others.
Amenities Offered
While you want the facility to have tight security measures, it shouldn’t feel like a prison. Living arrangements should be comfortable for residents. Check if the facility has amenities such as a concierge, 24-hour care, and customized diet plans.
Avoid those that isolate the elderly. A memory care facility must be focused on improving your family’s memory and well-being, not debilitating them further.
Customized Therapies and Activities for Residents
Find out how your desired facility engages with its residents. Know the different memory-boosting activities and therapies offered. They must cater to your loved one’s interests to keep them engaged.
Some of the most common therapeutic pastimes include:
- Puzzle and board games
- Music-related activities
- Arts and crafts
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Pet visits
Meanwhile, a quality facility should understand that each resident may require special care, depending on their conditions. For instance, you can find memory care in Westlake, California, that provides customizable programs for each resident to address their problems and needs.
Tailored activities and therapies can prevent the progression of memory loss. Plus, it helps improve their overall quality of life.
Choose What’s Best for Your Loved Ones
Taking time to select the perfect memory care facility is understandable. You’re leaving your elderly loved ones in the care of other people. It pays to be thorough to ensure that you can trust them.
They must put your family’s comfort and safety first. But most importantly, they must help them go through their conditions like family.
