When choosing to move a loved one with dementia into a memory care community, it’s important to look beyond amenities, activities, and dining. Although those aspects are greatly valuable to the overall experience, diving in closer to review the attributes that aren’t immediately noticeable can help you immensely throughout your loved one’s health journey.
Look Beyond the Amenities
Amenities such as beauty salons, outdoor patios, and activities rooms are pillars in making sure your loved one has a comfortable and enjoyable living space that encourages freedom. A wide range of amenities is a great perk of any senior living community, but it’s important to question whether that community can appropriately support an individual living with dementia. From care to overall environment and safety, let’s dive into what else families should look out for when searching for memory care.
Ask How Care Adapts as Needs Change
While taking a tour or talking with a staff member, be sure to ask about what dementia-specific training that staff receives. Often, memory care residents are in need of extra communication, tasks, and activities of daily living. Memory care trained staff members have a greater understanding of dementia, how it progresses, and how to communicate and care for residents with dementia.
Additionally, you will want to learn about how the community responds when a resident’s needs change and how families are kept informed throughout when needs change. A good question to ask: How will my loved one’s care change as their dementia progresses, and how will you communicate those changes with our family?
Pay Attention to the Environment
The total environment and how it promotes your loved one’s safety is definitely something to look out for. Familiar and safe spaces are essential for individuals with dementia, as they provide stability, comfort, and security. When touring a memory care community, look out for spaces that are easy to navigate, comfortable common areas, and even widened entry ways and hallways. Even assess each resident apartment style or floor plan to see if your loved one will have an easy way around and feel comfortable.
Learn About Activities and Daily Life
Daily life is an important part of the memory care experience. When touring a community, ask what a typical day looks like and how activities are adapted to meet the interests, abilities, and needs of residents living with dementia.
Look for opportunities that encourage social connection, movement, creativity, and familiar routines. Activities should be engaging and purposeful while allowing residents to participate at their own comfort level.
Choosing the Right Memory Care Community
Choosing a memory care community is an important decision, and finding the right fit means looking beyond the building itself. Consider the quality of care, experience of the team, daily activities, environment, and how the community can support your loved one as their needs change.
At Forest Hill Heights, we understand that every resident has their own needs, preferences, and story. Our Memory Care neighborhood is designed to provide compassionate, personalized support in a welcoming environment. Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour and see our community for yourself.
