If you’re considering a memory care community for yourself or a loved one, it is essential that you also take note of the services and activities run by the community for its residents. That’s because there’s more to a community than just its floor plans or well-designed rooms. What truly makes a memory care community into a home are dedicated staff, well-designed programs, and plenty of room and support for your loved ones to live the life that they deserve. In this article, we’ll cover just what we think you should take note of whilst looking for the right memory care in Jacksonville, FL, for you.

Firstly, let’s consider what makes a “good” activity or program. This is because activities are more than just random games you play to pass the time, but they are opportunities for you loved ones to be mentally and physically stimulated. Some features you should take note off are:

Are residents actively encouraged to take part in the activities? It’s one thing to run a program, but its another thing to keep the residents engaged and excited. There’s a world of difference between a dull audience and an active one.
Do the programs offer an opportunity for residents to socialize? Ideally, some programs would have the residents interact with one another. This would be great because it allows for the formation of friendships between residents and vastly improves their quality of life.
Do some of the activities encourage physical movement? If possible, consider how the community promotes physical fitness and wellness in their activities. Keeping fit is a strong protective factor against injuries and illness. This promotes self-sustained mobility and keeps your loved one autonomous for as long as possible.

Secondly, take note of how the community runs its dining program. For many individuals with dementia, it can be sometimes tricky to encourage them to eat on a regular schedule. For this reason, if the community takes some effort to design their program in a way that encourages them to eat healthily, it shows a level of care and concern for its residents that can be very telling.

Consider the structure of the dining room. Is it quiet and calm? Some individuals with dementia find it hard to focus on meals or get overstimulated, so a relaxed environment can reduce any stress whilst eating.
Are the meals nutritious and healthy? Also, consider whether the community is able to take note of and provide for any special needs or requests you may have. This is particularly important if you or your loved one has an existing medical condition (like diabetes).

The best way to observe all of these features is to go down for a tour and see first-hand what the community has to offer. At Discovery Village At Deerwood, our SHINE Memory Care program is a nationally renowned program with prestigious accreditation from the Alzheimer’s Association. Find out more about the layout of our rooms here, or feel free to contact us here to ask us about our program or to tour our facilities.