If you are considering a memory care facility for your loved one, you may be wondering, “What questions should you ask a memory care facility?” The right questions can provide clarity and help you determine whether this particular facility is the right fit for your family. The types of questions you should ask can be broken into several categories that cover all the areas that may be important to any particular situation or circumstance.
General Facility Information
It’s important to find out general facility information upfront when trying to decide if a memory care place is right for your loved one. To start off, you may want to find out the history of the facility by asking about how long the place has been open and whether or not it is licensed and accredited.
Size may be important to you as well. You will want to know how big the community is and ask how many residents the facility has living there. Ensuring the place has a good staff-to-resident ratio is important to many families so they are able to make sure their loved one will be cared for and receive the personal attention that they deserve.
Lastly, you will want to make sure you are in agreement with the facility’s approach to memory care. Asking questions like how they design care programs for people with memory loss and about the type of therapies and activities available to help manage dementia or Alzheimer’s can help family members decide if this is the type of care they are looking for.
Staffing and Caregivers
You may find it beneficial to find out information regarding the training of staff and caregivers at the facility. These types of questions will also give you a feel about the type of environment the business creates for its residents and employees alike, ensuring it aligns with your own vision.
Questions on this topic can look like:
- What are the qualifications of caregivers?
- What is the staff turnover ratio?
- How do you ensure continuity of care?
- How are staff members supervised and evaluated?
- How do you ensure staff members are trained in the latest dementia techniques?
- Do you offer ongoing training or continuing education?
Living Environment
You will want to make sure the type of living environment provided at the memory care facility will make your loved one feel comfortable. It’s important to ask questions to ensure their needs, including safety and well-being, will be met within the environment they will be living in. To start off, ask how the facility is designed to accommodate residents with memory issues.
Other questions you may want to ask regarding safety at the memory care facility include: How do you ensure the safety of residents, especially those who are at risk of falling? Do you have any security measures in place?
Your loved one may be particular about privacy and cleanliness within the environment in which they live. These factors may be a breaking point for certain people, so it’s important to ask questions regarding this upfront. These questions can look like:
- Are the living spaces private, semi-private, or shared?
- What can the patient bring with them to their new living space?
- What is the size of the living space?
- How often are the rooms cleaned?
- What are the protocols for maintenance and cleanliness in living areas?
- How do you manage hygiene in shared areas?
Healthcare and Medical Services
It’s important to determine that the facility is able to provide services that meet the needs of your loved ones. Asking questions such as if they provide 24-hour nursing care or if they have access to medical professionals on-site can be essential depending on the medical issues your loved one has.
You will also want to address how medications are managed, if they have a physician or nurse practitioner on staff, and how they handle hospitalizations or doctor visits. Finding out this information can help you know that your loved one will have their medical needs taken care of.
Daily Activities and Schedules
One of the main advantages of having your loved one live in a memory care facility is that they provide daily activities and schedules that are geared toward individuals with memory issues.
Questions to ask pertaining to daily activities and schedules can look like:
- What activities and daily routines do you offer to residents?
- What types of mental, social, and physical activities do you offer?
- Do you provide opportunities for residents to socialize throughout the day?
- Are the activities tailored to individual needs and interests?
- Is there a dedicated space and time for individuals to go outside?
Nutrition and Dining
Oftentimes, those living with a memory disease, tend to be picky eaters or struggle chewing and swallowing. Because of this, it will be important to figure out what strategies and protocols are in place in regards to nutrition and dining within the memory care facility.
Asking questions like what type of meals do you serve and how are dietary needs met? Or how do you accommodate those who are picky eaters or have chewing problems? Are meals served in the private rooms or just in the dining hall? Are there snacks available throughout the day?
These questions will give you an idea about the dining experience at the facility and will give you the opportunity to pose follow-up questions if you need more information.
Family Involvement and Visitation
When choosing a memory care facility for your loved one, you will want to find out when you are able to visit and what their beliefs are in regard to family involvement. It may also be beneficial to ask if they have support for family members who are struggling with a loved one having a diagnosis of a memory medical issue. Find out if outings or day trips are offered if you plan to take your loved one to do something outside the facility.
Financials and Costs
Before choosing a memory care facility for a loved one, you will need to figure out the cost and financial breakdown, ensuring it is within the price range that you can afford. Finding out the cost of care and what is included is vital in this process. You should also ask questions such as:
- Are there any additional fees that families should be aware of?
- Does Medicaid cover the cost of living at this particular memory care facility?
- Do you offer financial assistance?
Behavior and Emotional Support
Those patients who have dementia or Alzheimer’s often need extra behavior and emotional support, as their disease affects the way they normally behave. Finding out the protocols in place for these behaviors and how they support their patients during this difficult time can help you decide if this place is the right fit for your family.
Contact Rocky Mountain Assisted Living
Rocky Mountain Assisted Living understands the importance of picking out the right memory care facility for your loved one. Asking a variety of detailed questions can help families ensure it is the right fit for their family. Highlands Ranch memory care has highly trained workers that are ready to answer any questions you may have about our facility. Give us a call today to set up a tour and interview in regards to a future resident.