Arriving at the decision that your loved one needs memory care is difficult, and choosing where they will move to can be even more daunting. You want to make sure they are as comfortable and cared for as possible. Start your search for a memory care center by looking for these qualities.
Admission and Discharge Criteria
Make sure you understand what is an appropriate level of ability for residents to be a good fit for memory care, and when it may be time to move to a higher level of care. Understandably, many families would like for residents to remain in memory care until they pass away, but that may not always be possible. Ask how changes in ability and behavior are monitored and communicated to family caregivers.
24/7 Care
Memory care residents often don’t have a normal sleep-wake cycle, and most need assistance around the clock. Make sure any memory care center you consider has staff members available to assist your loved one any time of the day, any day of the week.
Staffing and Nursing Care
Your loved one will need a considerable amount of one-on-one attention, and if staff is spread too thin they won’t be able to offer it. Ask how the center is staffed at various times of the day to ensure your loved one will get the care they need.
Ample Security
Memory care residents are prone to wander or attempt to leave their new home. Find out what precautions the memory care center takes to keep residents safely on the premises. Are they equipped with a wander management system? Secure entrances and exits?
Special Certification
Ask if the memory care center is certified as an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit. Centers with this designation are equipped to provide for the special needs of adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory issues through specialized training for all staff.
Comfortable Living Arrangements
Comfort is key in keeping your loved one’s quality of life as high as possible while they are in a memory care center. Tour the rooms and communal areas and pay attention to how they lend themselves to allowing residents and families to visit in comfort as well as the cleanliness of the entire facility. You should also make sure meals and snacks are available, and that laundry and housekeeping are provided.
Exceptional Amenities
A quality memory care center offers residents a range of amenities, such as daily activities, services and programs to meet residents’ social and spiritual needs in a purposeful way, and beauty and grooming services.
Serene Outdoor Areas
Fresh air and sunshine will go a long way in helping your loved one feel at home. When you tour a memory care center, ask to see the outdoor areas and consider if your family member will enjoy spending time there.
A Philosophy of Care You Believe In
Discuss the care philosophy of your potential memory care center in depth with the manager, and make sure their approach to care deeply resonates with you and the wishes of your loved one.
At Parkway Village we believe the family is an important part of the care team for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As the first free-standing memory care center in Arkansas, The Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center at Parkway Village is licensed as an Assisted Living Level II facility and designated an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit. Our goal is that each resident maintains as much independence as possible through comfortable accommodations and exceptional care provided by an expert staff. If you have questions about memory care or would like to tour our facility, let us know.
