How to Evaluate Assisted Living Facilities for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

One of the most difficult decisions you will ever face is whether it is time for someone you love to enter an assisted living facility. Perhaps at first an adult day care center will suffice. Supervision and activities are available while you are at work. However, at some point, it is likely full-time care will become necessary.

Alzheimer's and dementia patients have very special needs that not every assisted living facility can deliver. There are state certified facilities that only provide care for Alzheimer's and related dementia patients

These facilities will have an additional state certification and typically have increased criteria for both staff and management. Make certain the facility has both a provider or license number and a certification number issued by the state to provide specialized Alzheimer's care. In fact, advertising as a specialized Alzheimer's facility is prohibited unless compliance with these requirements can be demonstrated.

Once you are ready to begin the process of evaluating a facility for assisted living or long-term care start by asking these questions:

1. Is the facility is licensed and accredited to provide special care to Alzheimer's patients?

2. Are the qualifications and training of the staff and management focused on providing this type of care? In addition, ask about the ratio of staff to residents. Typically if there is one staff member per six residents quality care should result.

3. Are the buildings and premises secure? This is vital as short-term memory loss is typical with Alzheimer's and dementia patients.

4. Are the rooms spacious? While the public areas may be elaborate the room space should be adequate to decorate with photos of loved ones and mementos from home.

5. Is the facility clean and well equipped? Your loved one needs to feel at home simply because this will be their home.

6. Are there a wide variety of special programs offered? It is essential that Alzheimer's patients receive constant stimulation.

7. What about medical care? Do doctors make regular visits? Is the facility associated with a hospital? Is there a doctor on call?

8. Are the current residents actively participating in activities? Do they appear comfortable and content? Try to visit with relatives of current residents. They can be an invaluable resource in making your decision.

9. How much access will family members have to the facility? Can we spend private time with our loved one? Can we take our relative on day trips?

10. How much will this cost? What is covered and what is extra? What about long-term care and Medicaid? Make sure you get the information in writing and, if it looks confusing, have the contract reviewed by an attorney.

This is not going to be an easy decision. After all, the patient s being displaced and moved to a new "home". Just remember you have their best interest at heart and are trying to find the best solution to a very difficult situation. The Assisted Living Facility you choose will be "home" for a number of years and will need to provide the special care that an Alzheimer's patient requires.