Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. In the United States, nearly 7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s, a number that is expected to almost double by 2050.
Dementia is a reality of life for many older individuals. The key is to access the best services and care available, to help keep them as safe, comfortable, and happy as possible.
This article covers what features to look for in the top memory care facilities and amenities. Keep reading to find out how to find the best services for your loved one.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care refers to a specialized type of environment and set of services for people experiencing different types of cognitive decline. This can include Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as memory loss or mental incapacity following surgery or injury. Memory care facilities are often within a nursing home or senior living community.
Memory care centers have nurses and caregivers trained to understand and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with memory or other cognitive impairments. They also provide a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for residents.
How to Find Memory Care Facilities and Amenities
Memory care facilities come in varying configurations and services. Here are the main features and qualities to look for when selecting one.
Licensing and Accreditation
One of the first things you should look for when choosing a memory care program is whether they have all the requisite licensing and accreditation. You might assume that doing so for a prominent senior care community is unnecessary, but it does not hurt to check. In fact, a reputable senior living center will be happy to provide you with this documentation.
Specialized Staff
People with dementia or other forms of cognitive decline have unique needs. For this reason, quality memory care facilities will have staff that have specialized training in memory care. This allows them to meet these essential memory care needs.
This often includes meticulous medication management. Staff also should be trained in therapies aimed at preserving or stimulating cognitive function.
They should be able to exercise a great deal of patience and compassion in general, but especially in assisting with activities of daily living (ADL). These include bathing, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene.
Personalized Care
While there are many symptoms common to various forms of dementia and memory loss, every individual is unique. Look for senior living communities that provide a personalized plan for each resident.
This should include specifics about medication and other treatments. It should include personal challenges and goals, so that all staff are always on the same page.
Plans should include daily routines, including social activities. They likely will have details about a prescribed diet that can aid in brain health and overall well-being.
Also, make sure that senior living policies dictate that these plans get reviewed and updated on a regular basis. This will ensure that the person’s (and their family’s) specific needs and preferences are being met, even if they change over time.
A final, particular (yet very important) thing to look for is a memory care center’s willingness to coordinate with outside medical staff. This ensures both a continuity of treatment and that your loved one will be getting the best care, inside the facility and out.
Security Measures
Good memory care facilities will provide a safe and secure environment for residents. They will have secure entrances and exits, to prevent individuals from wandering. It is also common practice to have checkpoints for visitors, which keep residents safe from unwanted guests.
Depending on the size of the unit, they may have monitoring systems. The best memory care amenities will include safe environments (sometimes indoor and outdoor) for memory care residents to enjoy while minimizing risks. Facilities also should have easy-to-navigate hallways and directions.
Programs and Activities
These first few items cover the necessities of living, but look for memory care communities that go above and beyond to ensure the highest quality of life for residents. This includes regular activities and programs.
Common examples are cognitive exercises and games. Music therapy, art programs, and physical activities are other options. These can all make the experience more enjoyable and stimulating for residents.
Family Involvement and Communication
Maintaining personal connections is important for all people, but it is vital for those experiencing cognitive decline. When looking for memory care communities, investigate how well they involve and communicate with family members and caregivers.
Loved ones should be involved in any decisions made about the resident. They also should be updated on a regular basis about how their loved one is doing. This is especially true if they are experiencing any challenges or if changes are made to their personalized plan of care.
Cost
Medical services of any kind are expensive. Senior living memory care can be especially costly, given their specialized nature. Look for communities that provide fair pricing and that will work to leverage all available forms of funding.
For instance, Medicare usually does not cover long-term care but it can cover things like hospice, skilled nursing care following hospitalization, and other forms of short-term care. Look for senior living centers that will work with Medicare or private insurance plans to limit out-of-pocket costs.
Finally, when searching for programs, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Do not merely go with the cheapest available, but look at how all their facilities and amenities stack up against others, relative to cost.
Find Quality Memory Care Services Near You
Now that you understand what to look for in the top memory care facilities and amenities, you can have the confidence that you are choosing the best for your loved one. Doing so will ensure that they get them the care and attention they need.
Preston Greens is a premier senior living community in Lexington, Kentucky. We offer person-centered care and an exceptional list of memory support services and amenities. Reach out to us today to learn more or to discuss memory care options for your loved one.
