What to Look for in a Memory Care Facility?

Caring for a spouse, parent or a loved one with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease or any other types of dementia requires a commitment to cope each day with patience, compassion and flexibility. If any of these factors is missing, then you are not capable of handling the memory care required by these disorders. Such are the reasons why seniors diagnosed with different forms of memory impairments should be placed in a memory care facility where skilled personnel can give the maximum quality of care patients need.

What to look for in facilities that specialize in memory care?

Compassionate staff

More than just skills, it calls for a compassionate caregiver. Seniors who are struck with memory impairment such as Alzheimer's disease need specialized care, especially in the advanced and late stages of the disease. The workforce at the facility should not only concern themselves from assisting residents with their ADL (Activities of Daily Living), but as much as possible, go extra mile in getting to know each person so that they could provide them personalized care.

Compassionate caregivers provide a patient with a security blanket, someone he or she could rely on and cling to for survival. Needless to say, this quality of a memory care facility is very hard to determine. Many claim such existence in their facility but you need to validate it through testimonials and personal assessment.

Programs

It facilities should be equipped with programs from mild memory problems to advanced stage of dementia, offering fresh and effective approach to create a friendly and pleasant environment for the residents. Programs should include ways of maintaining the dignity and individuality of each resident. The facility should also have plans for multi-sensory experiences, daily exercise, group activities, organized outings and other activities which they deem would benefit each senior. The physical health and well-being of every individual should be monitored with nutritious meals and snacks served daily. There should also be hydration program that ensures seniors drink enough water and juice daily. A good memory care facility should encourage seniors to participate in activities like gardening, sewing, household chores and other undertakings that promote multi-sensory knowledge.

Programs for early signs

Facilities offering this kind of assistance should also have programs for seniors diagnosed with the early stage of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Elders experiencing the early onset of memory impairment should seek memory care immediately to take advantage of the treatment and activities that help delay the advancement of the disease.

Amenities

Apart from staff and programs of memory care facilities, they should also offer amenities essential for residents' comfortable and safe life.

• Living spaces designed to help memory impaired residents function as independently as possible


• Comfortable community areas such as dining room, media room, guest room for family visits


• Emergency call response and fire safety systems


• Secured walking paths


• Regular wellness visits by registered nurse


• Regular housekeeping and laundry


• Concierge

Memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and other dementia are wrenching occurrences a senior can possibly experience. Choosing a memory care facility that's best for your loved one is a great challenge. Offer your loved ones the advantage of memory care in a facility that could provide them professional and emphatic attention.