Deciding on a memory care community for your loved one can be an extremely difficult and important decision to make. Since there are many options available all around, it’s imperative to prioritize your loved one’s needs and ask the right questions throughout the whole process. Here are some of the best tips to help you find the right memory care community.
Start the Process Early
If you start noticing early symptoms of dementia or any kind of memory condition in your loved one, it could be time to prepare for the transition to a memory care program. It’s essential to consult with your loved one regarding any of their preferences such as the location, the environment type, or the activities that they enjoy engaging in. When their condition deteriorates, these inputs will set the criteria for you to adhere to before making the decisions for them.
Understand the Needs of Your Loved One
It’s crucial to know the level of care needed for your loved one. With most memory impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia, their condition will progress with time and could make providing continued care for them even more challenging. It’s important to find a suitable community that can cater to their needs in the present and in the future as well. Before making any ill-advised hasty decisions, you’re encouraged to discuss with your family members to construct a list and prioritize the level or type of care needed.
Schedule a Tour
Arranging a tour around the community can give you a deeper insight into the atmosphere of the area and can also provide an opportunity for interaction with residents and team members. Do focus your attention on the level of engagement with residents within the community as well as the varying activities offered.
Compare Community’s Programs and Activities
Different communities offer different activities and programs so you’ll want to ensure the right type of community offers everything that your loved one might need or want. Do your research and compare the various programs and activities with that of other communities before coming to a decision.
Ask Questions
Other than just arranging for a community tour, you should also try to speak with the team members within the community. Similarly, you’re highly encouraged to devise a list of important questions to enquire about the community as well as what your loved one’s care needs before the tour begins. Some of the questions can include security and safety measures, communication methods, staff training and certification, transportation, additional fees, and services.
Narrow your Choices Down
Always narrow down your total options to two or three only out of the list that you’ve created to continue reviewing with your aging loved one. Feel free to ask additional questions or schedule another community tour after the first.
If you or your family member has a memory condition, our memory care program at TerraBella Asheboro can help you. We offer personalized assisted living for your loved one together with a wide variety of amenities and services which include a well-planned diet, safe neighborhood layouts, and life enhancement. Reach out to us today to find out more information about our programs!
