The thought of a loved one entering memory care may occasionally feel terrifying and overwhelming. Even though you are aware that touring a memory care community may be the correct thing to do, you could still feel some anxiety.
However, because you don’t know what questions to ask, you could be hesitant to schedule a tour at a memory care community. For example, you might know that there are memory care alternatives, but how can you tell one community from another and make the best choice? We are here to help. We’ve gathered a list of five questions to ask when touring a memory care community in Dickinson, TX.
What are the Expected Expenses?
The first question to ask the memory care community in Dickinson, TX is irrelevant if money is not an issue for your family. However, if money is limited or if your time is limited, you don’t want to find yourself in a scenario where you have to relocate your loved one mid-way because your funds are exhausted.
It is also essential to understand that some retirement communities are all-inclusive, while others charge a set monthly fee based on the level of care your loved one needs. Be sure that you have a full understanding of the expected cost of memory care and ask whether there are any annual increases that are pre-built.
What are the Existing Training Requirements?
Team members at memory care communities may not always be properly equipped to cope with residents who have a cognitive impairment, even if they encounter them daily.
Therefore, you should enquire particularly about the team’s training as well as any regular training requirements. People with dementia frequently wander, become agitated, or become confused, and these behaviors call for certain management strategies.
How the team handles the changeover to memory care is the other thing to inquire about because your loved one can need a long time to become used to this new atmosphere.
How Many Residents Does Each Team Member Care for?
Any unexpected emergency will be handled quickly if there is an enough number of team members on the front-line throughout the entire retirement community. An adequate team member-to-resident ratio will also mean that your loved ones’ needs are met. This could have direct consequences on promoting social interaction and preserving the residents’ well-being.
What Activities Can We Expect?
The activities and events held at memory communities can have a direct impact on the well-being of its residents. However, it is important to understand that not every activity will be effective for everyone as it might be difficult to accommodate everyone’s diverse cognitive levels.
Some communities make an effort to organize individuals according to their areas of interest and cognitive levels. So, during the memory care community tour, be sure to find out about the memory care activities offered and whether your loved one can get one-on-one attention should they need it.
Do You Cater to Special Dietary Requirements?
Most memory care communities offer three meals a day to its residents. However, if your loved ones follow a specific diet, you should find out if there are professional chefs on-site who will comply to the requests of your loved ones. A vegetarian diet or a gluten-free diet are examples of dietary demands that may not be too common.
