In 2024, Caring.com conducted a study indicating that around 16% of caretakers of relatives with dementia utilized a facility dedicated to memory care. If you’re searching for a memory care facility for your loved one, finding the ideal location can be challenging. Here are a few important things to keep in mind when choosing a memory care facility.
1. Opportunities for Socialization
The activities offered by the memory care facility can help your relative maintain and acquire socialization skills. Some facilities work with community theater and music groups to organize performances for residents. Memory care locations may also host holiday parties or birthday celebrations for residents as an opportunity for them to socialize with other residents.
2. A Place That Feels Like Home
Research indicates that the way a person’s living space is designed can contribute to their mental health. Check to see that the memory care facility has adequate lighting and floor plans that allow your loved one to move around their unit freely. Living spaces that are decorated with bright colors and large signs can make your relative feel more comfortable in the space while allowing them to maintain a sense of independence.
3. A Facility With Additional Activities
Many memory care facilities offer a full calendar of enjoyable activities for your relative to take advantage of. In addition to social events and special activities, a quality facility will also schedule times for residents to work out and receive physical exams. Therapeutic activities, such as bringing animals to the facility for residents to bond with, or art classes that include pottery or painting, can be beneficial for your parent or grandparent.
4. Amenities That Encourage Personal Care
Some memory care facilities have hair salons, barber shops, and laundry facilities on-site so your relative can maintain their appearance and keep up with household chores. Personal care may also include taking daily medications whether residents take the medicine themselves or need a staff member to assist them. Ask the memory care staff how often they check to ensure residents are taking their medications and if emergency medical staff are on-site in case your family member needs urgent care.
5. Safety Amenities
Of course, one of your biggest concerns will be making sure your parent or grandparent is safe at the memory care facility you’ve selected. Quality facilities will have several safety features in place, such as surveillance in each residential unit, keyed access for community amenities, and carbon monoxide detectors. Ask the facility if there are safety rails in the bathroom and kitchen to steady your loved one while walking and ensure there are fire extinguishers in the kitchen to eliminate a fire right away until help arrives.
6. Check for Staff Professionalism
Depending on the severity of your relative’s condition, it may be necessary that there are several registered nurses and accredited physicians on staff. In many memory care facilities, CNAs perform daily tasks for residents while doctors and registered nurses come in to conduct exams or administer specialized care. Familiarize yourself with the credentials of the people who work at the facility so you’ll know what type of care your loved one will receive when you’re not there.
7. Options for Dining
If your loved one needs memory care, eating can be a challenge. Some patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s have issues swallowing or chewing food. The foods your relative used to love may change, so a memory care facility with healthy food options is important. If your relative can cook on their own or gain access to the foods they want in the dining area, they will likely feel more independent and accomplished at mealtime.
The team at the memory care facility of your choice should make you feel completely at ease when you’re ready to make your parent or grandparent a resident there. Be sure to ask any questions you have, tour the location, and talk to the medical staff to ensure that your relative is getting the assistance they need from a professional and caring staff.