How to Navigate Choices in Memory Care Communities

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you might be wondering what your options are for long-term care. Some assisted living communities, like Solterra Senior Living, have multi-level residential options, including memory care. The memory care residents in this sort of “age in place” community have access to all the same amenities and services but with the additional availability of cognitive therapy and staff with specialized training in dementia care.

Choosing the right memory care community for your senior is an important decision that requires the consideration of many factors, like the personal needs and preferences of the individual seeking care, the levels and types of care and services the community provides, staff qualifications, and the overall environment of the memory care community. Below, you’ll find helpful information to guide you as you walk through the process, including different things to think about.

Personal Needs and Preferences

The first step is to thoroughly assess what your loved one needs and wants regarding long-term care. Sit down and talk honestly with your loved one about their expectations and the most important things to them for their new home. 

For instance, are they planning to bring a beloved pet with them? Do they want a community with a lot of activities and social gatherings, or do they prefer somewhere quieter? Will they continue cooking for themselves, or do they want dining services for every meal? 

In addition to their preferences, discuss their medical and health needs. Talk with doctors and other caregivers to get a clear idea of the honest level of medical and personal care they would benefit from. Do they take medication every day for a chronic health condition? Do they need physical therapy or assistance with activities of daily living like dressing and transferring in and out of bed? What is the current stage of memory loss they are experiencing, and what types of cognitive therapy would be helpful?

Research and Visit Several Memory Care Communities

Once you have established your loved one’s needs and preferences, you can begin researching memory care communities. Start by choosing a desired location. Is it essential that the location be physically near family and friends, or could it just be accessible by driving or flying? You will find a wealth of memory care communities no matter where you choose to live.

Seek out online reviews and testimonials from families with loved ones in the communities you are looking into. The Alzheimer’s Association also provides a helpful resource for finding memory care-certified communities that meet rigorous standards for quality dementia care. State health departments will also often have information about assisted living and memory care community qualifications, requirements, and certification.

Through online research, phone calls to speak with staff, and discussions with healthcare professionals, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family, gather as much information as possible about the memory care communities you’re interested in. Once you have a short list, plan to visit in person to evaluate the communities’ levels and types of care and services, staff qualifications, and overall environment. 

Levels and Types of Care and Services Available

High-quality memory care communities will have multiple levels of care available so they can adjust care as residents’ health needs change without the need to move your loved one to a new location. Ask whether the community uses personal care plans to tailor care to a resident’s needs and preferences and how often those care plans are reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

When it comes to services and amenities, make sure that your chosen community has activities that appeal to your loved one. Are there art classes? Group exercise programs? Game nights? Does the community provide transportation to medical appointments and social outings? Is the community pet-friendly?

Suppose your loved one requires assistance with activities of daily living. In that case, you’ll want to know for sure that the staff who provide these personal care services understand how to address the unique needs of someone with dementia (see below for staff qualifications). 

Most importantly, the memory care community should have cognitive therapy available, such as art and music therapy, cognitive games, and other activities focused on enhancing memory.

Staff Qualifications

Staff in memory care communities should undergo specialized training in dementia care to better understand the progression of the condition, potential symptoms, and unique needs of someone living with memory loss. When you speak with staff over the phone or during your in-person visit, ask about staff qualifications, training requirements, and ongoing education opportunities to help them stay abreast of the most current care practices.

Memory care communities with lower staff-to-resident ratios are generally better equipped to give residents the personalized care and one-to-one attention that you want for your loved one, so as about staffing levels. If possible, try to learn more about the community’s staff turnover rates, experience levels, and tenure.

Overall Environment

When visiting memory care communities in person, you will be better able to assess the general atmosphere, including the cleanliness, friendliness of staff, and safety features. Memory care communities generally have secured entrances and exits as well as monitored common areas. In each living area, check to make sure there is an emergency response system available for the residents.

In addition to a scheduled tour, try visiting during mealtimes or activities to gauge the involvement of the staff and residents and whether the environment is warm and welcoming. 

Considering all of the above, we hope you’ll consider Solterra Senior Living memory care communities for your family’s needs. Between our outstanding services and amenities, compassionate and well-trained staff, beautiful locations, transparent pricing, and encouragement of family involvement, we think your loved one will find everything they need to live well. Call us today to schedule an in-person visit to any of our wonderful communities.