When you have to plan for a loved one to move into memory care, things can become overwhelming quickly. There are several memory care facilities throughout Denver, and it can be hard to know how to choose the right place for your loved one. You want them to receive the utmost care, find a community they can feel comfortable in, and have their needs taken care of. The easiest way to determine the right memory care facility for your needs is to visit them and ask a lot of questions. You know your loved one and their needs, so you want to make sure that potential facilities can accommodate those needs.

Searching For Memory Care Facilities

There are many assisted living facilities, but if you’re looking for memory care, know that this is often a specific offering of some facilities. You want to look for facilities that focus on Denver memory care, as they will provide more specific care and skilled nursing for your loved one.

Taking a Tour

To narrow down your search, you can call memory care communities and ask some basic questions about pricing and offered care. Once you have a handful of facilities in mind, your next step is to take a personal tour. Not only will this provide you with a chance for a more in-depth interview, but it will also give you the opportunity to get a feel of the facility.

Memory care communities that provide good service will be clear. You can observe the staff and the residents and see how the community functions. Great facilities have recreational and creative opportunities for residents at many different times of day, and the staff is happy to be there and assist the residents’ needs. Good memory care will not only provide your loved one with their basic needs but allow them to thrive and participate in a vibrant community.

Questions to Ask

Many of these are questions to ask staff and facility directors while on tour. You may also want to ask things of residents at the facility or their loved ones and family members. This can give you a more well-rounded view of the community where your loved one will be residing. Some facilities are wonderful but are simply not the right fit for your loved one.

Questions to ask include:

  • What training does the staff have? Is the training ongoing with present practices for memory care? Is the training documented?
  • How is the facility secured? How are outdoor spaces protected from residents who tend to wander? Does the security account for the needs of your loved one?
  • What level of care does the facility have? What level of personal assistance is provided to residents?
  • Who runs the facility? Do they have a medical director or manager who ensures the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the residents?
  • Does the staff’s training reflect the needs of your loved one? Are the staff full-time workers?
  • Does the staff have conflict resolution and personal relation training?
  • Are there medically trained staff on hand?
  • What is the staff-to-resident ratio? How does that differ in the day or night? Is the ratio of staff high enough to accommodate your loved one’s needs?
  • What is the turnover rate of the staff? Is there too much change that will cause your loved one distress?
  • What medical services are available to residents? Are there on-site services such as therapy, physical therapy, hospice, prescriptions, and X-rays?
  • What is the policy for medical emergencies, including ER visits? Do staff members accompany residents in such a scenario?
  • How are family members informed of medical emergencies?
  • Are there accommodations for special care needs, such as mobility restrictions, wandering, diabetic care, or aggressive behavior?
  • Are residents grouped according to cognitive level? Will your loved one be able to communicate with those like them?
  • Is housing and care charged monthly? How much is that rate? Is this all-inclusive? What services are and are not included in that rate?
  • Is housing semi-private or private rooms? What is the difference in the rate?
  • What housekeeping services are provided? Is laundry provided? How often are sheets changed?
  • How are upkeep and cleanliness provided?
  • How and when are meals provided? What types of food are offered? Are dietary restrictions or requests accommodated?
  • Are there activities, such as exercise or social activities, offered? Are activities daily or on a rotational schedule? Are they included in the rate?
  • Are off-site activities, such as museum trips, park walks, or lunch outings, provided? Are they included in the rate or charged separately?
  • What is the discharge policy?

Determine what questions are most important for your needs, and find a memory care facility that’s right for you.

FAQs

Q: What Should You Look for In a Dementia Care Home?

A: Dementia care facilities should have a secure community and 24/7 care. Your loved one’s medical needs should be covered, and if they become confused and wander off, they should only be able to wander in safe and secure areas of the facility. On-site medical care may also be essential for your loved one.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?

A: Both focus on the care of an elder or adult to maintain their memory. Dementia care is often more involved and is good for residents who have extreme difficulty with everyday tasks. Memory care is for those who are in need of support but can mostly operate on their own. Providing a loved one with memory care early on can lessen the need for dementia care.

Q: How Do You Interview a Memory Care Facility?

A: You should ask a number of questions regarding security, staff training, medical care, housekeeping, pricing, daily activities, and food. Determine the specific needs of your loved one who is entering memory care and ensure that the memory care facility can accommodate that or has experience working with those needs.

Q: Do Dementia Patients Do Better at Home?

A: There are several benefits for dementia patients to live at home and receive in-home care. This is because they are familiar and comfortable with their surroundings. However, if your loved one is unable to provide for daily needs or needs 24/7 care, a memory care or dementia care community may provide for their needs.

Rocky Mountain Assisted Living Memory Care

At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, we want to provide our residents with a wonderful and supportive community. We work hard to adapt to the needs and requirements of the people we serve. To schedule a tour or to learn more about us and our services, contact Rocky Mountain Assisted Living today.