When an elderly loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, you need to take the time to carefully and thoroughly review the options that are available for his or her long-term care. Aside from ensuring that he or she receives the proper medical treatment, it is also important to place them in the appropriate living environment, as this may help to slow down the overall progression of your loved one's cognitive impairment. For this reason, many individuals look into residential facilities that focus on memory care. Each community is different, and it can be difficult to find the right one for your loved one. Here are a few characteristics to look for specifically.
Good Ratio of Staff and Residents
Ultimately, the fewer residents that each caregiver in the facility is responsible for, the higher the quality of care that each resident is able to receive, including your loved one. The staff will be able to focus on each resident's individual needs, and the residents of the facility will not be left waiting for the assistance that they need or simply sitting in front of the TV for countless hours. It is also important that there are caregivers available at all hours of the day and night.
Personalized Approach to Care
It is important that everyone involved—your loved one as well as the family—feel absolutely comfortable with the memory care facility that is selected. For that reason, it is ideal to look for a facility that opts for a personalized approach to the care that is provided since this means that they will take pride in getting to know the residents on a personal level. When the facility asks for assistance and input from the family, the staff is able to design a tailored care plan that is more suitable to the individual and unique needs and goals of the resident.
Activities That Help Maintain Dignity and Independence
Make certain that memory care facility that you choose offers a variety of daily activities that your loved one will like. This is important in helping your loved one (and residents overall) maintain their dignity and independence as much as possible. The community's activity calendar should be full of programs that will make the residents feel empowered, promote socialization, offer therapeutic benefits, and simply keep them busy.
If you select a senior memory care community that possesses the aforementioned characteristics, you will be able to feel confident that your loved one will prosper once they move into their new home. If you would like to learn more, contact senior memory care communities in your area such as Tabor Crest Memory Care Community and schedule tours.
