Deteriorating memory conditions in older adults can make it difficult for them to live independently. For people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other memory-related problems, memory care is a special type of care designed to meet their specific needs. Memory care assisted living programs can be found in some retirement communities such as Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso where your loved ones will be fully taken care of. Before you settle on a memory care option, here are 5 key questions to ask memory care:
What Sort of Care Does the Community Provide?
Different memory care communities use different approaches to care for their residents. Team members are often specially trained to deliver 24-hour care for the personal needs of your loved ones, and typically follow best practices for a memory care community.
Ask a few questions about the everyday care that they administer, and their protocols for different scenarios. It is important to gain a grasp of things such as the amount of tailored care they can provide and the level of personal assistance residents can expect to receive.
How Much Does Housing and Care Cost Per Month?
Memory care programs can be expensive. This is because residents often need around-the-clock assistance and a higher level of care than senior living options like independent or assisted living. According to A Place for Mom’s (APFM) recent review, it is possible to find memory care programs costing between $2,500 and $10,000 a month, with several communities that cost over $12,000.
What Do the Housing and Care Fees Cover?
The most important thing to find out when choosing a memory care plan is the type of services and housing your loved ones will get to enjoy. This is especially so if you are paying a steep rate for your loved one’s care and accommodation. Are the rooms private or semi-private, and how large are the living quarters? What sorts of services and amenities are accessible for residents in this care program?
What Services Does the Community Provide?
Most retirement communities offer a range of services for all residents to ensure that they can go about their daily routines hassle-free and maintain a great quality of life.
Does your memory care community provide healthy and nutritious prepared meals? How often do team members conduct regular housekeeping and maintenance? What sorts of activities can your loved ones engage in and are they suitable for residents with memory-related conditions? For example, purpose-driven and non-competitive activities conducted in small groups are ideal for creating a relaxing environment for your loved ones to socialize.
What Safety Measures Are In Place?
One thing that family members often worry about when it comes to their loved ones is safety. Older adults with memory-related conditions are prone to wandering and losing their way, which can cause anxiety and confusion. How much do the neighborhood designs take security into account? Are they easy to navigate? Does the community have gated or enclosed outdoor areas, an automated fire prevention system, or video surveillance to keep your loved ones safe?
Knowing the benefits and limits of each memory care community is the key to ensuring all the needs of your loved ones are covered under the care program you choose for them.
