If you or a member of your family has dementia, choosing a memory care facility for your loved one can be a daunting task. There are so many options available to you today that before you even begin looking, you should familiarize yourself with the four main types of such facilities. These include residential, assisted living, group homes, and one-stop centers. Each of these options can have its benefits, so you will need to look at all of them carefully.
The best choice for your loved one is going to be based on personal preference. If they live in an assisted living facility or a residential facility, they will have many more choices than if they stayed at home, where they would probably be placed in a facility that specializes in caring for those with dementia. A loved one who lives in a group home will be given choices as well, which is often better than what they would get at home. Some facilities cater to individuals with varying degrees of dementia, so it is important to consider all options.
When considering a memory care facility for your loved one, there are some top things to consider when it comes to the atmosphere. You must make sure that the environment is relaxing and soothing. The staff should be knowledgeable and friendly, with a willingness to address any concerns that your loved one may have. You also want to make sure that the staff understands your loved one’s needs and are trained in providing the type of assistance needed. Be sure that they can provide consistent, quality care.
Another top consideration when choosing a facility is the type of facility that they offer. The most common type is one-stop. This type is perfect for those who do not have time to spend thirty minutes or more each day visiting various professionals. There is no need to waste time driving to multiple offices and spending the time waiting for someone to help you. If you need to see an orthodontist, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, all you need to do is schedule an appointment. Your loved one can sit down with just one professional, eliminating the need to travel to multiple locations.
While the location is important in choosing a memory care facility for your loved one, it is also imperative to choose one that offers services that are tailored to your loved one’s special needs. It is nice to know that they receive care that caters to their cognitive impairments, but they may not have specific issues such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Make sure that they receive individualized therapy to ensure that they receive optimal treatment. As with any other type of therapy, you want to ensure that the sessions are individualized. It is always best to have one on one treatment to receive the most benefits for the specific needs of your loved one has.
The final consideration when choosing a memory care facility for your loved one is to consider how close the location is to home. If they live close enough to visit, then they will have even less stress when leaving their home. The location of the facility is only part of the decision; however, it is by far one of the most important aspects.
