5 Questions to Ask a Memory Care Community

Are you looking into options for memory care for your loved one? You are already on the right track by researching the benefits of a memory care community, including…

• Safety: Memory care communities provide a secure environment for individuals with memory-related conditions, reducing the risk of wandering and accidents.
• Specialized care: They offer staff  trained to care for individuals with memory-related conditions, who understand the unique needs of these individuals.
• Engaging activities: Memory care communities offer a variety of activities, events, outings, and programs that are specifically designed to help individuals with memory-related conditions, maintain their abilities, engage with others, and lead a fulfilling life.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that your loved one is receiving care in a safe and supportive environment can provide peace of mind and help you feel more confident in their care.

Now the next step in your research process is asking the right questions for the right memory care community. This is a way to ensure that they receive the specialized care and support they need to lead a fulfilling life. Here is a list of questions to ask on your search for memory care communities.

When you choose a senior living community to tour, this should be the first important question. You are looking for a memory care facility that helps older adults experiencing memory loss and cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, feel fulfilled. Families can rest assured knowing knowledgeable, caring team members help residents feel at ease, understood, and valued throughout the day and night at any memory care option.

Another long-term care option for individuals living with memory loss is moving to an assisted living community dedicated to helping seniors of varied levels of independence, but all of whom require some assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, managing medications, and moving about.

When researching the cost of memory care, there are many factors to consider, including medical care, emphasis on life-enriching activities, religious or spiritual care, location, and more. Additionally, a dementia care community may have a variety of floor plans, clinically trained caregivers, excellent activities, and services like housekeeping, laundry, and meals.

If budgeting is essential to your memory care decision, it’s best to work with the community to find a solution. Some accept financial assistance like Medicaid and Veterans’ Benefits.

In a memory care community, care is typically provided by a dedicated team of on-site clinical staff specially trained for helping individuals with dementia. Under the supervision of the organization’s health services director, everyone works together so that your family member thrives.

For many memory care residents, their primary physician makes a diagnosis that informs care plans for the next phase in the journey. For example, St. Andrew’s works closely with the residents and his or her primary physician to make a safe transition and to ensure that ongoing healthcare needs are met with care and compassion.

Most memory care communities are designed with residents in mind. When touring a community, look for spaces that are carefully laid out to promote well-being and inclusion, with added security to protect residents. Resident safety is often a primary concern as wandering is a common behavior for memory care residents. Thoughtful design elements include enclosed courtyards, patios, and gardens to safely enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.

Aside from taking a look at the community design, safety features for mobility and fall prevention should be in place, such as handrails and grab bars. Medication management is another aspect of safety that should be appropriately accounted for with each and every resident.

Memory loss can either be acute or chronic. For people with dementia, however, physical changes in the brain mean that it is often a chronic or progressive condition. Symptoms and severity can change over the course of the patient’s life.

The staff at St. Andrew’s is sensitive to all types of memory loss and collaborates with the residents’ primary physician regarding best treatment and therapy options. Memory loss can affect people in many different ways making different types of care necessary.

Residents living in assisted living communities might find themselves needing a safe environment when cognitive level decline warrants it. A proactive approach means that our team of care specialists are attuned to changes in everyday behavior and health. They can address their needs and facilitate a move to a higher level of care.

An emphasis on quality of life and the right type of care at the right time—that is our approach to dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Family members can rest assured that their loved one’s personal care needs will be met by a team of compassionate staff members whose priority is always the memory care resident’s well-being. Our approach to memory and senior care is simple: a focus on personalized care.

Contact us to schedule a tour. We'd love to answer your memory care community questions in person!