Caring for a loved one whose dementia causes them to act aggressively can cause mental and emotional turmoil. While many caregivers may be unwilling to give their caregiving duties to an outside program because of a sense of duty, there may come a point where being in memory care can be more beneficial for your loved one than being cared for at home. Memory care programs that offer personalized and empathetic care, provided by an experienced and understanding team, can help your loved one in a variety of ways – including managing debilitating and aggressive behaviors. If you are exploring memory care in Saint Johns, FL, here is how to gauge if a program can help manage your loved one’s aggressive behaviors.
Time Your Visits
Before sending your loved one to an assisted living community or memory care program, it is vital that you check that program out beforehand. Pay a visit to the community – and pay more than one visit if you can. Transition times are the best times for a visit if the community is open. These are periods during which behavioral challenges tend to manifest, so you can have a look at how the community’s team deals with aggressive behavior (and how often residents might become aggressive). It is a good sign if only minor incidents occur, and these incidents are dealt with calmly by the team. The occasional major incident might not be too much to worry about as well if resolved safely. If you are also able to visit the team that handles the community at night, it is a definite plus – this is the time when aggressive incidents tend to spike as well.
Understand the Training
A well-trained and well-supported team is key when it comes to creating a healthy and happy experience, as well as a peaceful environment, for your loved one. It is important that the memory care program’s team has had comprehensive training beforehand. It is also important that they keep refreshed with the latest developments in memory care. Check to see if the program has regular refreshment programs – visits from experts, conference attendance, and re-training, if required (for new methods, research, and medication). It is also a good idea to learn how the team has been trained to respond when aggressive incidents do occur. Are there any policies that you should be aware of when it comes to how treatments are carried out, and how does the team feel about these policies? Are residents allowed any flexibility?
On the Books
Requirements for memory care programs vary from state to state. Regardless, checking up on these requirements can help you delve deeper into the labels and certifications that a memory care program might have. Inquire about incident reports and policies that deal with aggression. How often do team members have to file them? What are the policies for resolving aggressive behaviors? Are police reports filed, and how often if so? What exactly does the program consider aggressive? All these questions can help you determine if the level of care and mitigation that the program provides is right for your loved one.
