As a caregiver for your aging parent, you know that memory care can be a very different experience than what you’re used to. So, when it comes time to move your loved one into their new home, you want to ensure they’re going somewhere where they will receive the proper care and attention they need to live comfortably. There are many things to consider when choosing a memory care community, but here are some questions we recommend asking:
Does the Community Use Person-Centered Care Practices?
Person-centered care practices are designed to meet the needs of you and your loved one. They focus on what’s important to you, like maintaining interests, hobbies, and relationships.
Person-centered care differs from other types of care because it focuses on what the patient wants. It can take a few forms:
- Self-determination: The patient decides how they want to eat their meals or dress for bedtime. The caregiver helps them put these plans into action by providing guidance and support as needed
- Person-directed: The caregiver consults with family members about what tasks would be best suited for each patient at any given time (for instance, if one person doesn’t need help bathing but another does). This allows caregivers to customize their daily routines based on the needs of those they’re caring for without feeling pressured by outside factors such as staffing levels or timelines.
What Are Memory Care Services Offered?
For example, if you want your parent to receive two hours of therapy a day, then it’s important to know how many team members are available and if they are trained in the type of therapy that is most beneficial for them. Is there an occupational therapist on staff who can help them with their fine motor skills, or do they need socialization more? Do they have a therapist who visits once a week, or is it more frequent?
One important thing to remember is that quality care comes at a price. The cost of memory care services varies greatly depending on where you live and what type of services you choose for your loved one. If you’re looking for high-end communities with top-notch amenities like exercise classes or spa treatments, then expect these places to be more expensive than basic ones that provide basic care only.
What Activities Are Offered?
When it comes to activities, you want them to be varied, exciting, and interesting. Asking residents to do the same thing repeatedly can be frustrating for anyone—especially those with dementia. Activities should improve cognitive functioning and keep residents engaged in their surroundings.
Activities should also promote social interaction between residents as well as between caregivers and residents. This helps build confidence levels in your loved one, which contributes to their overall happiness while living in the community.
It’s essential that the activities are geared toward those who have dementia or other mental health conditions; otherwise, they may not find enjoyment from them at all!
How Secure Is the Community?
You’re undoubtedly concerned with how safe your loved one is. This is a valid concern, and you have every right to be asked questions about it.
To begin with, ask about the physical security of the community: Is there a fence or gate around the property? Are there cameras throughout the community? Are there guards on site 24/7? How are residents monitored when they are outside? If these questions still need to be answered to your satisfaction, move on.
Conclusion
These questions will help you better understand what memory care is and how it can benefit your loved one. It’s important to ask these questions so that you know what to look for when visiting a community. If you want more information about this process, contact us today!
