The decision to move into a memory care facility is one that isn’t made lightly.  It’s imperative that you find somewhere your loved one can thrive. Because of the differences in memory care facilities, you’ll have to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. Consider these points when you’re trying to decide which memory care program is the best one for your situation.

What Types of Care and Services Does the Home Offer?

People who need memory care services, especially in the early or moderate stages of the disease, might not need full care. Instead, they may need a secure facility that helps prevent wandering and somewhere they can get assistance when they need it.

Residents who need memory care might be able to do some daily tasks, such as dressing or tidying up their apartment, but they may need help with time management, such as knowing when it’s time for lunch. Finding a memory care program that offers flexible services is important.

Staff members should be able to balance helping the residents with allowing them to remain as independent as they can. What they need one day may not be what they need the next, so it’s important staff members are empowered to help the residents as necessary without taking away their independence.

One critically important component of a memory care facility is how the staff will prevent wandering. Secured doors and similar features are imperative to ensure none of the residents end up in harm’s way.

What Special Needs Can the Facility Accommodate?

Some people have special needs, such as having to check their blood pressure regularly or needing a special diet. These needs are a priority for everyone involved in the person’s care.

When you’re contacting memory care programs to determine which one is best, be sure to find out whether they have experience with any other conditions the person has. This includes things like gout, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. The more experience the program and its employees have, the better care the resident is likely going to receive.

Special dietary needs are another factor to consider. People who require a vegan or low sodium diet shouldn’t have to eat meals they aren’t comfortable with. Find out if the memory care facility will accommodate dietary preferences.

What’s the Patient-to-Staff Ratio at the Home?

While you aren’t likely going to find a memory care program that provides one-on-one care around the clock, you should consider finding one that has a low patient-to-staff ratio. Programs that have fewer residents per staff member are likely to provide more personalized care. The low ratio also means each staff member is more likely to get to know the residents and learn the best ways to help them.

Some facilities will focus only on the best ratio they can provide. Be sure to ask questions about the ratio during the day, at night, and on the weekends and holidays. You’ll likely find weekdays have the best ratio.

You should also consider whether the staff members who are working are awake. Some facilities have in-house caregivers who sleep in the facility at night, even if they’re on the clock. It’s important for memory care programs to have staff members who are awake and ready to assist residents even at night.

What Kinds of Activities Does the Home Provide?

The activities at the home can help keep residents engaged. This can benefit their mental, cognitive, and motor abilities. Finding a program that has activities your loved one will enjoy is beneficial.

Smaller memory care homes will tailor their offerings to the residents who currently live there. As you’re speaking to the representatives from the programs you’re interested in, ask them how activities are handled. In some homes, the residents take an active role in everything that’s offered. For example, one resident might lead a crafting class while another leads a stretching program.

What Are the Policies Regarding Family and Friends?

Memory care residents need to see familiar faces. Because of this, you should find out how visits with family members and friends are handled. Some facilities allow family members around-the-clock access to their loved ones. The policies might be a little different for friends.

Be sure to ask where the visits can take place. Many memory care homes have private suites or apartments. The visits might be allowed in those areas, but ask if residents can bring visitors to common areas of the facility.

How Are Medical Needs Handled?

Medical care is important for memory care patients. Find out how these needs are handled. Some memory care facilities have visiting physicians, and most have transportation for medical appointments. You should also ask what happens if there’s a medical emergency. Find out if the facility notifies the emergency contact and what proper protocol is in the event this happens.

Contact Cedar Creek Today

At the Cedar Creek family of memory care homes, we understand that each resident is an individual. We work closely with our residents and their family members to ensure each person has the care they need. Our low resident-to-caregiver ratio helps to provide the personalized service we’re known for.

We have five homes to suit a variety of needs. Four of our homes have up to eight residents each. Our larger home has a maximum of 14 residents. All these homes offer full assisted living services that are tailored to fit the current needs of the residents.

Give us a call at 301-384-4017 to discuss specific needs and get answers to your questions. Our team is here to help you find the memory care program that works for your circumstances.