What to Look for in a Memory Care Facility?

Memory care is basically long-term patient care and living assistance which is especially developed to take-care for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia or may be other kinds of memory problems. Caring for such patients demands dedication, perseverance, professional knowledge and experience – something that you can easily find in a memory care facility. Puzzled about what to look for in a memory care facility for your loved one? This article will help you with managing your search and ensure it yields effective results.

What is memory care facility?

A memory care facility, as mentioned earlier, is specialized nursing home that provides accommodation, living assistance, food, full-time medical care, nursing, in-house rehabilitative services to patients/residents suffering from conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other similar memory problems. Here, your loved one will get assisted living in a safe and healthy environment.

What to look for in a memory care facility?

If you are in a process of choosing a memory care facility for an elderly family member or loved one, please understand there are certain crucial points which you shall have to consider.

Basic Necessities

Firstly, you need to check if the facility can accommodate patients at different levels of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This will determine how well your loved one will be taken care of and how well their medical needs can be accommodated. Patients who have reached the advanced stages of these diseases will require extensive assistance. Make sure you select a memory care facility that can provide the same.

Empathetic Staff

It is very important that the caregiver at the facility be compassionate towards the patient’s disease and health problems. Though knowledge, skills and appropriate training is also necessary but the caregiver’s dedication and empathy towards residents will ensure that he/she actually understands their emotional and physical needs.

Types of programs

Memory care programs differ on the kind of care a patient needs as per how much the disease has progressed. Make sure you check the details of the program, such as:

• Physical exercise •Multi-sensory activities •Organized outings •Memory exercises•Nutrition assistance, and the like.

Frequency of assessment Do not forget to check the frequency of medical assessments done by doctors and cognitive therapists for the patient. This will prove to be a huge support for you, helping to monitor the progression of your loved one’s disease and providing information to make necessary changes in treatment.

Safety & Security You will always want your loved ones to be in safe hands at all times. Examine the safety features offered by the memory care center such as:

• Lights in the hallway and corridors •Secure outdoor garden and porch •Non-slip floor surfaces (including bathrooms) •Presence of CCTV cameras and other security equipment, etc.

Terms and conditions

Before signing a contract with the memory care facility, it is prudent to read and understand their terms and conditions as well as the costs of providing care to the residents. Hope the above mentioned points will serve as a roadmap when you look for a memory care facility for your loved one.

Seasons Alzheimer’s Care and Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX headed by leading physical therapist – Mona Talukdar. The organization offers a home-like environment, high end care and medical support.