Collaborative Post¦ The senior care industry has come a long way over the past few years. Furthermore, with an increasing number of people living with conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, the demand for memory care facilities has soared.
Put simply, memory care facilities are a popular choice for senior citizens who need specialized care from qualified and experienced caregivers. Memory care can look very different depending on the person involved, but residential facilities are often included as part of a tailored care package.
However, because there are so many fantastic memory care facilities out there, choosing the right one for a relative can be overwhelming. You need to know that your loved one will be well looked after and treated with the care and dignity that they deserve.
So, let us discuss some of the most important factors to consider when making a decision about which particular memory care facility will be best for an elderly relative.
Finding the Right Fit
It might seem intuitive, but your first step when choosing memory care facilities should be to establish a clear idea of the most important features that each potential facility on your shortlist must offer.
Start by investing as much time as you can into researching a few different local memory care facilities in your area to learn about what they can offer your loved one.
For example, if you are living in the Midwest, researching Memory Care In Minnesota online can help you to discover a few different local facilities so that you can read reviews and even book a tour.
Book a Tour
Touring a memory care facility is the best way to see staff and residents in their natural environment.
Keep a close eye on any employees to ensure that they are caring, respectful and knowledgeable, and be prepared to ask them some questions about their experience and training.
Ratios of staff to residents should also be noted and remember to enquire about how medical visits from doctors and other medical professionals or healthcare providers tend to take place.
Maintenance
Residential memory care facilities typically provide community areas for residents to gather and spend time.
While on your tour, check out any facilities to ensure that they are clean and that nowhere looks in need of any serious maintenance.
Although some minor wear and tear is unavoidable, safety measures should be in place to protect vulnerable residents from getting into difficulties.
The community itself should also be easy to navigate.
Moreover, people living with memory disorders need areas to be clearly marked and each room should be individually labelled so that residents do not become disoriented.
Activities and Therapies
Last but certainly not least, the best memory care facility for your senior relative should provide an exciting range of stimulating assisted living activities and therapies for them to enjoy. These could range from fitness classes, to music, to board games, and even outdoor pursuits like walking or gardening.
Activities and therapies provide vital benefits such as cognitive stimulation, opportunities to connect with other residents, and chances to keep fit and partake in gentle exercise.
If you have cared for a loved one with a memory disorder in the past, then you will already have an understanding of their capabilities and the best ways to provide appropriate stimulation without causing unnecessary stress or confusion.
Reviewing activity and therapy provisions can therefore help make sure that your chosen facility is a clear match for the abilities and personality of your relative.
Ultimately, each individual memory care facility is different and therefore it is important to compare your options. Always try to learn as much as you can about each facility and the memory care provisions that they can offer your relative before committing to a decision. Above all, do not be afraid to speak to family members, friends, and memory care professionals in your area if you would like further advice or support.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.