If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia, try to focus your attention on spending as much quality time together as possible. Since most memory care facilities have trained staff members that provide around-the-clock assistance, residents are able to enjoy a stress-free lifestyle that gives them time to relax with friends and family. Before you help your loved one select a new home, however, note that some memory care facilities are more equipped than others. Use the tips below to learn how to choose a memory care facility that suits your loved one’s situation.
How to Choose a Memory Care Facility
Memory Care Activities
When touring a facility, ask about their memory care activities. Do they have a monthly schedule of events and activities that interest your loved one and allow for socializing? Research has shown that games like bingo can improve short-term cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. Even board games and card games can help keep the mind sharp.
Qualified Staff
When it comes to dealing with memory loss, choosing an assisted living community with trained and friendly staff members is a must. A good memory care facility will have employees that are engaged and willing to work together to provide residents with top-notch care. When inquiring about a memory care facility, ask what type of training the staff receives and how the leadership team works to ensure that employees feel valued.
Outdoor Areas
Spending time outside is very beneficial to your loved one’s health. Breathing in fresh air, soaking in vitamin D, and listening to the birds can improve short-term memory (source). Look for an assisted living community that has a beautiful outdoor area perfect for taking a walk with a cup of coffee in hand.
Open Communication
When someone is dealing with memory loss, family members are often that person’s biggest advocates. Ask about the memory care facility’s communication process. In what situations will they call a resident’s family? Will they provide occasional updates? The level of staff-to-family communication can vary quite a bit on a case-by-case basis.
A Convenient Location
Look for a memory care facility that is located near your loved one’s family and friends. Learn what the facility’s city or neighborhood has to offer, and research things to do in the area. Your loved one and his or her visitors will appreciate it if the surrounding community is lively and engaging.
Level of Care Provided
Since different stages of memory loss require different levels of care, ask how much assistance is provided at the facility. Some assisted living communities give residents freedom and independence, which may be ideal for the early stages of memory loss. However, the later stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia require more care. Choose a facility that can provide your loved one with adequate help and attention.
Easy Navigation
Even if a person’s memory is in great shape, a confusing facility layout can be tricky to navigate. Study the layout of the community to make sure your loved one will feel comfortable walking to common places like the dining room or lounge areas. Otherwise, it may be hard for your loved one to find the motivation to take advantage of the amenities offered.
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Now that you’ve learned how to choose a memory care facility, are you ready to take some tours? If you’re looking for a place to retire that specializes in memory care, consider a move to the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Waterstone on Augusta is a premier assisted living and memory care community that offers a cozy setting and an enriching lifestyle for seniors. Our staff works diligently to get to know each resident and learn their likes and dislikes to create a customized care plan. One aspect that sets Waterstone on Augusta apart is the village-like landscape, which provides a unique experience for those who call the community home. Schedule a tour online or give us a call at 864-605-7236.