No matter how much care a family is able to provide for an older adult with dementia, it may get to a point where they simply cannot provide the necessary resources to treat this terrifying condition. Fortunately, memory care communities are designed to allow adults with dementia to live their best quality of life by combining security with life enrichment. If the time has come for your family to begin looking into memory care communities for a loved one, we have the necessary tips to make sure you will feel confident in your choice!
Tour the Community
Online research and phone calls are a good starting point to narrow down your choices, and you can gather necessary information such as pricing and availability, but it is absolutely essential to see the community either in person or through a virtual tour. Getting this first-hand look is the best way to see the kind of care and life enrichment activities available to your loved one.
Location is Not the Only Priority
Distance matters but being able to conveniently visit your loved one should not be the only factor to consider. There is a plethora of criteria to factor in as well, including security, quality of care, and wellness. It is one thing to decide on a memory care community that will provide the necessary care for your family member, but it is another thing entirely to find one such community that also lines up with your hopes and goals for your senior.
Ask About Team Member Training
Treating forms of dementia requires specialized training. Knowing how to communicate with someone who has impaired verbal skills is an essential skill for memory care, for example. Be sure to ask each community about the type and frequency of training team members receive so that you have a better understanding of the qualifications possessed by the staff overseeing the long-term health of your loved one.
Check State Survey Results
Assisted living communities are licensed at a state level, and each state has its own rules and regulations. Fortunately, state surveyors perform routine visits to evaluate compliance and may also make a visit if a complaint is lodged against a community, and these results are available for public review online and at the community. You can visit the National Center for Assisted Living to learn more about your state’s specific regulations.
Learn About the Philosophy of Care
Each assisted living community has a unique mission and philosophy of care and we highly suggest asking each community that you consider what their philosophy is. For example, consider asking how they get to know their residents, or what programs they have in place to nurture residents’ bodies, minds, and spirits.
At Westminster Shores in St. Petersburg, FL, our Person-Centered Care philosophy offers a customized approach to providing support while maintaining dignity and individuality through lifestyle transitions. We offer skilled-nursing services in private and shared-suite accommodations to support your changing needs. Choose Westminster Shores and set sail for a life of high spirits with active senior living!
