Looking for a Memory Care Community?

If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in caring for them.  Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need.   

What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease?  One of their first recommendations is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one.  

In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, they suggest making a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair?  Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from?  It is important to explain any issues your loved one may have regarding aggression or other behaviors.   

Next you need to ask the community some questions beginning with the staff to resident ratio during the day as well as at night and what type training does the staff go through.  Be sure to ask whether there is a nurse on staff and if the place has a visiting physician.  Also are residents given an individualized plan?  Furthermore, what are the living arrangements and security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents?  Do residents have a separate dining area and a safe outdoor space?  

Now ask questions about the community’s treatment plans and the type of care they provide to residents.  Do they engage in programs such as pet, music and/or reminiscence therapy?  Are residents grouped according to cognitive level and is there a place for those in the early stages?  Finally, after thorough consideration, you may just need to trust your instincts and choose the place you feel will provide the best care for your loved one.    

Our Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar at Dayton Place is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  We take a holistic approach to our care, and our team works hard every day to make a difference in the lives of our special residents.  Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as our full senior living community.   

MorningStar at Dayton Place represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting.  Call to learn more about our exceptional senior living community in Denver.

Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist