Did you know around 55 million people across the globe have dementia? You can look into memory care homes that provide a safe environment for loved ones. You may need help choosing a memory care facility.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to identify in a reputable facility. You should ask about the staff’s memory care knowledge and training. Find out what resources are available.

Want to learn more? Check out the article below.

Your Loved Ones Can Age With Grace

Most memory care facilities will offer services, programs, and care to help their residents stay independent. They should strive to make sure the residents live a dignified life in a secure home.

Reputable memory care communities will offer support, allowing residents to keep living meaningful lives. For example, they could enjoy animal therapy classes or crafting.

Most memory care communities provide recreational activities. Residents can enjoy their time during the day. You should ask the manager about daily activities.

Find out if the facility will charge for external activities like visits to the museum or a luncheon.

Stimulating and Fun Activities

Most memory care communities will try to offer a range of activities for their residents.

The activities will get offered morning, noon, and night. Your parent or loved one will always have access to fun and stimulating activities. The activities will range from several different hobbies and interests.

For example, some facilities will provide art lessons, music sessions, or dances. There are usually card tournaments or game nights. Some residents will enjoy social activities or sports.

What Are Your Loved One’s Needs?

When beginning your search, understand the needs of your loved ones. Will your parents need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or cooking?

Does your parent or loved one have chronic health conditions? Some people need regular injections or medications.

Ask the staff how they will watch your loved one’s health needs. Will they come in at certain times?

Does Your Loved One Need Memory Care?

You should determine if your parent or loved one is suited for memory care.

For example, does your loved one show anger or aggression? Do they wander or get lost? Is home safety an issue?

If mobility’s an issue, your loved one might use a wheelchair or walker.

Also, consider if your parents will need 24-hour supervision. For health concerns needing 24-hour nursing care, memory care might not work. A nursing home might be the more appropriate place.

Ask for a Guide

If you narrow your list down, try scheduling a visit to the memory care facility.

During the guide, you can learn about the available accommodations. Will there be a shared apartment or separate cottage? Will meals or snacks get provided throughout the day?

Having a guided tour of the memory care facility will give you some insight.

You’ll get to see some of the residents participating in daily activities. Do they look happy? Is the staff accommodating?

Is the Staff Educated?

Dementia care isn’t straightforward. Find a memory care center with a successful history of providing this kind of care. Find a caregiver who will see your loved one as a person, not someone with a challenging disease.

When talking to the staff, ask them how they will manage the challenging behaviors. Does the team know how to deal with resisting care or aggression?

Behavioral expressions are a response to dementia symptoms. When you find a center that provides the proper dementia care, you’ll see a reduction in symptoms.

Did staff get training to help those with dementia? The care they provide will look different compared to caring for those in assisted living. Do the aides and nurses receive training throughout the year?

Even the kitchen employees and housekeepers should receive training. Find out if any of the members have certified dementia care management training. Find out how regularly they receive training.

Prioritizing Safety

Memory care centers will use many different safety technologies. You should look for a center that focuses on safety measures.

There’s motion-sensor technology in most apartments to help secure windows and doors. Memory care measures are critical to helping prevent people from wandering away.

Signs of an excellent memory care community include:

• Keypad entry
• Emergency alert technology
• 24-hour supervision
• Alarms on all emergency exits
• Interior courtyards for people to wander safely

You should assess the grounds. Do they seem secure? Is there an emergency alert system?

Are there safety locks on the outdoor fences? Are the hallways color-coded? This will help a resident navigate their way through the facility.

Is it straightforward to find medical help? Is there a nurse on duty 24 hours a day? What about a visiting physician?

Find a Clean and Organized Facility

You should find a residential area that doesn’t have a ton of noise or unnecessary activity. Is there any strange lingering odor or dust-covered furniture?

Find a facility that has well-trained staff and a clean environment.

Choose the Right Memory Care Facility

We hope this guide on memory care was helpful. You should spend your time researching more than a memory care facility. You want to find a center with trained staff members who have lots of experience.

Ask the memory care facility if they provide regular training to the nurses and other staff members.

Would you like to learn more additional information about memory care options? We would love to chat with you today about available accommodations at Parsons House Senior Living.