If you have a loved one experiencing memory issues and cognitive impairment, you may feel overwhelmed by the options that are available to you. Many family members don’t want to consider moving someone they love into a memory care facility – but it becomes apparent that they can no longer effectively handle their loved one’s care. Touring a memory care facility is an excellent way to assess the options available to you and provides the opportunity to ask any relevant questions and get the answers you need.
Memory Care Questions to Ask
Here are some questions regarding services and amenities that will help your family choose the right memory care facility for your needs.
1. What are the fees? Very few families can decide on memory care without considering the cost involved. Memory care is generally less affordable than assisted living due to the need for an increased staff-to-resident ratio. However, a memory care facility is also comparable in cost to hiring a full-time home health aide. Most residences are all-inclusive, although some do offer a monthly cost schedule based on the level of care your loved one requires. When researching memory care options, be sure that you confirm those services and amenities that the monthly fee includes – and which are a la carte.
2. What certifications do the staff have? Wandering behaviors, aggression and anger, and confusion are common characteristics of dementia patients. These traits require special strategies to properly and positively deal with them. While Florida has established state requirements for staff certification in specific positions, be sure to inquire about what specialized training all personnel have undergone. Quality and professional memory care facilities will exceed the state’s requirements.
3. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Dementia patients need extra individualized attention more than residents in assisted living. In other words, a higher staff-to-resident ratio is required to care for residents who might need additional comfort and care. Overnight and round-the-clock coverage also needs to be appropriate to address residents’ special needs.
4. What activities are included on a daily basis? Social and physical activities are vital to the overall well-being of memory care patients. However, not all events and activities will be appropriate for every resident. Ask any potential memory care facility what is on the calendar and how they ensure every resident stays involved and engaged.
5. Do they honor meal and dietary preferences? If your senior loved one requires a special diet, it will be necessary that the kitchen staff can accommodate these requests. (i.e. a vegan or low-salt diet.) If there are any other requirements related to meals and meal plans – such as a required soft diet – be sure to confirm these needs with the kitchen staff.
6. What levels of nursing care are offered? Assistance with daily personal care and ADLs (such as dressing, medication management, and personal hygiene) are standard in every memory care community. But if your family member has more advanced medical requirements, confirm if the nursing staff onsite can handle their specific needs. If not, you may need to look into additional care services either onsite or offsite.
7. What is the facility’s discharge policy? Because of the potential aggression of dementia patients, facilities may consider it necessary to discharge the individual. Each community approaches these situations differently, so you should understand the specifics of the discharge policy. For instance, the facility may ask a family to remove a resident if they pose a danger to other residents or require a level of care the residence and staff cannot adequately provide.
Ready to Learn More?
A Banyan Residence is a professional memory care residence located in the Villages. If you need information on memory care or have questions that need answers, call today to schedule a tour and consultation. We are happy to help you to make the right decision for your loved one.
