When it’s time for you to research memory care options for your loved one with dementia, it’s common to feel confused and overwhelmed. There are so many options and seemingly similar programs, amenities and services that you can become paralyzed by choice. What’s the best choice for your loved one, and how will you determine that from the seemingly endless options?
“Even if you’ve talked to your loved one about moving to memory care in the past, it’s essential for you to revisit the option when they have been diagnosed with dementia,” says Trish McKay, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, a memory care assisted living community in Trumbull, CT. “This allows them to have a say in their plan for the future. Think also about what you know about your loved one and what you think will be best for them.”
As you and your loved one search for communities, you’ll eventually end up with a list of top choices. Once you’ve narrowed down those to the top two or three, it’s important to take the time and tour each one. That way, you can get an on-the-ground look at what the community is actually like in person, as well as giving you the opportunity to ask questions of the staff.
“There’s nothing that compares to an actual, physical experience at a community,” Trish explains. “Not only will you get your questions answered, but you’ll also get to do a ‘gut check’ of what the place is like. This will allow you to determine whether one community or another is the right fit for your loved one.”
Questions To Ask When Searching for a Memory Care Community
You’ll want to make sure you have a standardized list of questions to ask when touring (and looking for) communities. This will allow you to compare apples to apples when you’re looking to find a place that provides the best lifestyle for your loved one. Here are some examples of questions to ask – keep in mind, though, that this is far from a comprehensive list. You’ll want to edit the list based on your own preferences and comfort levels.
How are care plans developed?
Are they customized to each individual? Do family members get to provide input as well as the individual? How often is the plan reviewed?
What is community security like?
It’s important for a memory care community to have secured entrances and exits, so how does the community handle this? Is it a stand-alone community or a wing in a larger community? Are residents given the freedom to wander (with parameters)?
What training is available to the staff?
Is the training a continual thing? Does the community have a lot of staff turnover? How does the staff enjoy working where they are? You’ll want to make sure that whatever community you have has experience in researching and implementing the latest dementia care practices.
How does the staff interact with the residents?
Is there a dedicated group that is “assigned” to each individual resident? How much interaction is available? How often are residents “looked in” on?
What health services are available?
Do off-site physicians come in to help deliver medical care? What specialties are available? What sort of things are available from on-site staff? Is skilled nursing or rehabilitation available on site, or is that something that requires going to another facility?
How does the staff handle disruptive behaviors?
Is the staff well-versed in the best practices for dealing with aggression or other unwanted behaviors?
How are families included in health and well-being choices?
Does the community update family members on a regular basis? Are visiting hours scheduled, or are family members encouraged to pop in “whenever?” How are care plans reviewed and how often?
How do fee structures work?
What is covered by the monthly fee? Are there additional fees for additional services? What sort of “hidden” fees are there?
What are the living arrangements for residents?
Are rooms private or shared? What sort of amenities are available? How are the rooms organized – is it a homelike setting or more like an apartment complex? What sort of things are available in individual rooms to ensure comfort and happiness?
What is the food like?
Is the dining program family-style or restaurant-style? Are snacks available at any time of the day? How are menus and options determined? Are there opportunities for special orders based on dietary needs and preferences?
What sort of enrichment activities are available?
How will your loved one enjoy an uplifted, engaged existence every day? Are there therapies available, such as music, art or pet therapy? What fitness options are available? Are activities developed around your loved one’s history, interests, needs and goals?
How do you manage the transition from one stage of dementia to another?
How are services and therapies adapted as someone’s dementia journey progresses? Are you able to flex appropriately to make sure life is fulfilling and enriching? What does this look like, and how does care change?
There are many questions to ask when it’s time to find a memory care assisted living community for your loved one. It’s a significant decision, but it doesn’t have to be an agonizing one. If you need some insight into questions to ask or need understanding of what an enriching life looks like for your loved one with dementia, contact Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull – we’re always here for you.
Dedicated Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull delivers highly specialized memory care assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resident-centered approach focuses on providing dignity, purpose and moments of joy in daily life for those in all stages of the disease. We offer a wellness-focused lifestyle that centers around a resident’s current skills and abilities, not those that have been lost to dementia.
Life-Enriching Programs
Our team members take an active role in getting to know each resident on a personal level to deliver programming that is meaningful to them. We account for the preferences, interests, needs and abilities of our residents to connect with them and encourage their involvement in daily life and boost self-esteem.
Warm, Residential Atmosphere
Featuring a stunning residential design, every inch of our community has been designed to benefit those with memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues and aromatherapy create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable, safe and at home.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.