Families frequently look for a memory care community when a senior’s dementia demands more assistance than close friends and family can offer at home. These programs combine safety with life enrichment in order to help people with dementia live their best lives.
Avoid typical memory care blunders when shopping for the ideal senior facility for your loved one. They require more help than ever after moving into a memory care center, therefore you don’t want them to suffer. This article discusses common errors to avoid. Are you thinking of moving your elderly relative to an assisted living community? Below are some of the most common errors to avoid.
Failing to Visit the Community, even Virtually
You may reduce your options by conducting online research and making calls. You can gather the data you need, including availability and price. However, it’s crucial to visit the neighborhood in person if at all feasible. If not, request a virtual tour from the staff to explore the neighborhood and observe life-enrichment activities in action.
Forgetting to Inquire About Team Member Training
Specialized training is necessary to work with persons who have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. For instance, it’s crucial to know how to speak with someone who has verbal communication issues. Knowing the senior’s warning signals of illness is also important. Ask each community what kind and how often the members of the memory care team get training.
Giving Location First Importance
The convenience of seeing a family member shouldn’t be the sole consideration, albeit it is. There are many equally crucial factors, from safety and high-quality care to meals and life-enriching activities. It’s critical to locate a memory care facility that shares your aspirations and objectives for the elderly person. It goes without saying that you want to be close to your family so you can see them regularly. That shouldn’t, however, prevent you from looking into possibilities elsewhere. Choose a facility that offers high-quality care and activities that enhance your life.
Making All of Your Own Choices
You shouldn’t decide to transfer your elderly relative to an assisted living facility by yourself. Instead, incorporate those who are familiar with the process—family, friends, and coworkers. They can even suggest the ideal institution for a senior relative or friend.
Not Understanding the Care Philosophy
Every provider of memory care has a distinct aim and philosophy of care. Ask about each community as you get to know them. How, for instance, do they get to know the locals? What initiatives exist to support the residents’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being? How do they support maintaining family relationships?
Not Confirming Availability of the Healthcare Services
The location of memory care institutions is typically more important to families than the healthcare support services they provide. The healthcare services your loved one will get are essential to their welfare, even though both are important. So when you visit the facilities, make sure to ask for information about healthcare support.
