Placing a senior family member in a memory care facility can be a difficult choice. We all have special memories that form who we are and what is important to us – and the prospect of needing memory care can be difficult to accept. But when a loved one begins to wander, get lost or confused, or lose their ability to successfully perform everyday tasks, opting for memory care may be the best option. When making such an impactful care decision, you’ll want to make sure that you learn as much about your chosen facility as possible.

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Memory Care Guide

If you are considering multiple potential memory care residences, begin by preparing a list of questions to assist with rationally choosing between the options. Asking each community the same questions will develop a functional baseline to make a good decision. You should always arrange a tour and bring your loved one along if possible. During this tour, be sure to document each facility with video or photographs, as multiple facilities can begin to “blend together.” When choosing the best memory care center for your family, you’ll find most are professional and compassionate – but they each provide unique amenities and features. to make the best care decision, consider asking these questions.

8 Questions to Ask Regarding Your Care Decision

  1. Is a continuum of care option in place? Memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease are usually progressive medical conditions, and it is important to understand if your loved one can stay in their residence should they need additional care.
  2. What is the staff-to-patient ratio? Each individual in a memory care residence needs a specific level of care. While every Florida memory care center must meet licensing requirements for staffing, some go above and beyond these regulations to provide superior care.
  3. Are physical therapy and fitness amenities available for residents? Memory care residents require both cognitive and emotional support but also need to maintain physical health as well. The fitness and physical rehabilitation equipment and services offered may make your decision easier.
  4. Are trained staff onsite at all times – even overnight? Knowing the caregiver’s skill level is vital, but understanding who will be available to each individual during the most vulnerable times, such as during the night, is equally critical.
  5. What security measures are in place? you’ll need to determine two aspects of security. First, your loved one must be protected from unauthorized outside contact. Secondly, they should be monitored and supervised to ensure they will not be able to wander into unsafe areas.
  6. What types of personal amenities are available on campus? Keeping an established routine is critical for memory care residents, and therefore, it is vital to understand what their daily life will look like. Ask about how meals are served or how often housekeeping and laundry are taken care of. Personal self-care options, such as a hair salon,  may also help in keeping your family members content and comfortable.
  7. What social activities are planned for residents? Those with dementia still deserve to live a meaningful and engaging life, and social activities are necessary to achieve that goal. Review the monthly social calendar and meet with the social director to ensure that memory care patients remain interactive and do not become isolated.
  8. What is the fee structure? Clarify which services are included in the monthly base rate and which are considered an add-on or a la carte cost. Identify all of the services your family member requires on a daily basis, and ask about each one.

A Banyan Residence is one of the area’s most respected assisted living and memory care facilities. We invite you to visit our residence in The Villages, and ask any questions you need to feel comfortable. We take pride in our service and reputation – come see why A Banyan Residence is different.