When you have a loved one who’s been diagnosed with a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or memory loss, you’ll find it challenging to care for them. This is especially true if you have a full-time job, along with other responsibilities. Another worrisome thought about these illnesses is that they’re usually progressive, which means their condition will only get worse with time, and eventually, would warrant long-term care.
At some point, their condition can make them feel extremely depressed. And that could make it harder for you to help them. With all these reasons in mind, maybe it’s about time you consider looking for a memory care service that can take care of them better and more professionally.
How To Choose The Best Memory Care Service
The fact that you’re already contemplating of getting professional help for your loved one only means you’re already doubting your capacity to care for them. You don’t have to carry the burden all on your own.
For sure, your loved one won’t like that either. Now that you’ve considered the option of looking for memory care in Colorado, for example, there lies the next challenge. And that’s how you can choose the best one so you’ll know that your family is in safe hands.
To help you out, listed below are some of the criteria you need to check and meet before choosing which memory care service will be best for your loved one.
- Security
One of the most important factors to look into is the facility’s security. Of course, you don’t want to move your family member to a place that isn’t secure 24/7. Are there enough security personnel in the facility that could guarantee the safety of their residents?
Are all common areas equipped with security cameras? How strict are they when someone from the outside wants to visit a resident or a patient? These are just some of the questions you need to ask when checking their level of security.
- Building Features
Memory care buildings often have unique layouts that can help in making their residents feel like they’re at home, and doing their usual daily routines. If you want your family member to be comfortable in the facility, you may check if the floor plans are easy to navigate, along with other design factors that could prevent them from wandering aimlessly, or be more confused in their environment.
When you visit or check facilities, try to pay more attention to how the building is. Are there color-coded, less repetitive, and shorter hallways? Are their walls soundproofed? Additionally, there should be fall prevention strategies in place such as handrails and wider doors.
If you’re moving a senior loved one with a memory condition, don’t forget to check how much mobility assistance the facility can offer. Are there assistive features present such as elevators and sit-to-stand lifts? Such features can make a big difference in preventing accidents and injuries in seniors.
- Qualifications Of Caregivers And Staff
The main reason why you’re looking for a memory care service is that you want someone with sufficient training and medical background to look after your family member. That being said, you need to make sure the caregivers in the facility have received the necessary education and training to qualify for their posts.
You have to keep in mind that patients with memory conditions are more specialized than typical residents at senior care facilities or assisted living homes. The needs of these patients are more extensive. The staff looking after them should also have equally extensive knowledge and specialization.
- In-House Activities
You also need to know what therapeutic activities are available in the facility for their residents. Such activities can greatly help in enhancing their intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, and social wellness. Such activities can improve their quality of life, too. You can be more assured in knowing your loved one isn’t only taken care of, but also happier and healthier in where they are.
For physical therapies and activities, look into what classes or sessions they have every week. These may be a walking club, or a Zumba gold class. To enhance their intellectual condition, they should be engaged in activities that stimulate the brain, and their familiarity with things, including workshops, trivia, and board games.
Final Words
The best memory care service shouldn’t be too hard to find. You just need to take note of some of the most important criteria to check, so you can make sure your loved one will be in the right place. Look into factors like security, building features, qualifications of the caregivers, and in-house therapeutic activities that could help the residents in improving their quality of life.
