Tips for Choosing The Right Memory Care Community for Your Loved One
Finding the perfect memory care community for an aging parent or loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. But that doesn’t mean it has to be the hardest!
While the process of choosing a memory care community can feel overwhelming, having a clear roadmap can make all the difference. Here are ten practical tips for choosing the right memory care community for your loved one.
1. Start With Specialized Memory Care Credentials
Not all memory care communities are created equal, especially when it comes to providing expert care that addresses the unique needs of your loved one. When you are touring memory care communities, look for:
- Specialized staff that are trained in dementia care (ask about certification programs)
- A dedicated dementia care community director with specialized education
- Lower staff-to-resident ratios than the average community (ideally, 1:5 during daytime hours)
- Consistent assignment of caregivers that builds familiarity and routine
Memory care requires unique expertise. So don’t settle for a community that treats it as an afterthought to their regularly provided services.
2. Visit The Community At Different Times of the Day
Another great way to get a feel for whether or not a memory care community is right for your loved one is to visit at different times of the day. Scheduling your tours for different times will give you a more complete picture of how the community operates:
- Morning: Are residents engaged or still in the rooms? How is the breakfast process handled?
- Afternoon: What activities are taking place throughout the community? Are the residents actively participating?
- Evening: How is the dinner experience? What happens after dinner has wrapped up?
- Weekends: Do the programming, activities, and staffing levels remain consistent over the weekends?
Visiting during different times gives you a chance to revisit and see the community from a different perspective, so don’t underestimate the opportunity!
3. Look At The Physical Environment
The right design and layout of a memory care home matters. When a room or larger community is designed for the benefit of the residents, it will show in the small things.
- Circular hallways without dead ends
- Clear visual cues and signage using both words and pictures
- Secure outdoor spaces where residents can get fresh air safely
- Personalized memory boxes outside room doors to help with recognition and familiarity
- Contrasting colors between walls and floors to help with depth perception
- Quality lighting throughout key areas that isn’t too harsh or too limited
4. Ask About The Community’s Approach To Behaviors
Dementia and Alzheimer’s often bring a variety of challenges, and how the staff and team respond to various possibilities is key. Knowing how they handle different situations and behaviors can shine a light on the community’s philosophy:
- Do they use person-centered approaches instead of medication as a first response?
- Can they share examples of how they’ve worked with residents with a mindset similar to your loved one’s?
- What is the protocol for when a resident becomes confused, agitated, or upset?
- How does the community track and communicate behavior patterns to families?
The best memory care community will see behavior as something not to be managed but as an attempt to communicate, and their response should be compassionate and patient.
5. Sample The Food
Nutrition plays a huge role in the quality of life of memory care community residents, and the right diet and nutrition can help them feel healthier and happier.
Make sure to tour a community and give the food a try. You’d be amazed at what a difference it can make!
- Ask to join residents for a meal and assess the quality and atmosphere of meal times
- Inquire about how dietary preferences and restrictions are accommodated
- Observe how staff assist residents who need help with eating and drinking
- Ask about finger food options for those who may struggle with utensils
- Check if family members can join occasionally to share meals with their loved ones
6. Evaluate The Daily Activities and Social Life
When living in a Alzheimer’s and dementia care community, the opportunities for social engagement and activity matter. Look for activities that are designed for individuals who may have varying levels of cognitive impairment, and how residents’ experiences and abilities are incorporated into daily activities.
Ask to see a calendar of events and check for variety. Music, art, physical exercise, and connections to nature all play a role in helping those with memory loss continue to feel strong and empowered.
Learn How To Find The Right Memory Care Community with The Brennity at Vero Beach
These six tips are only a handful of the many ways you can find the right memory care community for your loved one.
Knowing that you have found the best place for someone you love to spend their days can give you peace of mind and reduce the stress of caregiving.
Want to learn more? Schedule a tour at The Brennity at Vero Beach, and see how our memory care community helps residents feel connected and empowered to live out their days with joy and purpose. We’d love to show you around and connect your loved one with others who are enjoying life The Brennity way!