For individuals with memory-related conditions, familiar surroundings, and consistent care help prevent them from suffering stress or anxiety due to unexpected changes. The initial move to assisted living can be hard to adjust to, so if your senior must change facilities and go through this process again at some point, it can be detrimental. Moving frequently can cause disorientation, meaning that your first choice of facility should be one that can meet your loved one’s needs in the long term.

If no one in your family has ever entered memory care and you don’t know where to start looking, we have prepared some questions to consider when touring facilities and choosing the perfect option for your loved one.

6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Memory Care Facility

What Levels of Care Are Provided? Memory-related conditions can evolve over time, and the facility you choose should offer a continuum of care services to address this concern. Ask facility staff how they can provide increasing levels of support as your loved one’s needs change. Knowing that your family member can stay in the same place, even as their condition progresses, is one of the first hurdles to overcome when selecting a facility.
What are the Staff-to-Patient Ratio and Staff Qualifications? A facility’s staff-to-patient ratio is a great way to gauge the level of personalized care your loved one will receive. Staff should have relevant qualifications and training to handle the specific needs of memory care residents. A higher ratio of staff and strict training requirements equate to an enhanced quality of care.
What Security Measures Are in Place? A memory care facility should be designed to allow residents to remain independent while still providing a safe and secure environment. Many seniors with memory issues are at risk of wandering off if they live somewhere that is not explicitly built to contain them within a safety-first facility.
What Health Services and Support Are Available? Memory care facilities should have ample resources to provide on-site medical assistance, routine health checks, and daily help with medication management. In addition, the facility should have the resources to provide transportation for medical appointments, as most, if not all, seniors with memory issues are a risk to themselves and others on the road. With staff providing robust health support, you can know that your healthcare professionals can promptly and effectively address your loved one’s medical needs.
What Social Amenities Are Available? Health concerns cannot be addressed solely through medication, diet, and exercise. One of the most effective ways to combat loneliness, depression, and anxiety among seniors is to engage them with their community and connect them with their neighbors. On your tour, ask facility staff what options are available, and keep an eye out for seniors who are out and about in their community.
What is the Cost and Fee Structure? Knowing how you plan to budget assisted living with existing expenses is the only way for you to feel confident that your choice is effective in the long term. When looking at potential facilities, ask for a detailed breakdown of the fee structure, including what is covered in the base rate and what services are considered additional. Some seniors need additional help, but others with greater levels of independence will not need as much dedicated assistance and staff care.

If you are ready to find a permanent housing option for the senior in your life with memory issues, contact A Banyan Residence today to schedule a tour of our facility. We can answer any questions you have and showcase how our memory care facility excels at providing high-quality care to our long-term residents.