Living with a loved one with dementia can be challenging. It becomes more frustrating once the symptoms change. Even though you want to be there to care for them, you also have your schedule.
This explains why you need a memory care community to care for them. However, you must ensure the community is qualified enough to care for your loved one. This blog post discusses a few questions you need to ask to find dementia care communities for your loved one:
Are There Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses with the Team?
Many experienced dementia care communities have registered nurses and licensed practical nurses as part of their teams. This is to ensure the physical and medical needs of the residents are met around the clock. Also, there must be lead physicians in the community that other team members can report to.
Another important thing is ensuring team members are assigned consistently to the same residents. This will promote personal care services and help both parties (team members and residents) build meaningful connections.
How Much Does a Dementia Care Community Cost?
In your search for a suitable dementia care community, you must ask questions about the cost of the community. After you have toured memory care centers and found a suitable one, you must clearly understand the cost. Get the breakdown cost of the amenities and services in the community; this will get you and your loved one prepared.
While every community cannot offer the same level of service, it can affect your decision when choosing for your loved one. Knowing the cost of these communities will help you choose faster.
What Are the Available Activities and Events?
Activities and events in the memory care community are crucial to the health of your loved ones with dementia. They will encourage socialization, which will eventually boost their mood and reduce the progression of dementia. Ask questions about the number of activities available in the memory care community. Ensure you understand those activities and how the community has scheduled them daily.
Are the Team Members Qualified and Trained?
People with dementia tend to wander and, at some point, can become aggressive and confused. However, experienced and trained team members will know how to handle each situation as your loved one changes. Ask questions about the team members—are they properly trained? Do they have the right certification to care for your loved one?
What Are the Safety Measures Available?
You can’t overestimate the importance of safety for people with dementia. Because of symptoms like confusion, wandering, memory loss, and impaired cognition, they have a higher tendency to get injured. Ask questions about the safety measures in the community to keep your loved ones safe. In addition, ask questions to know whether they will be properly monitored and supervised.
What Are the Meals and Snacks Available?
A healthy diet is essential to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive health of your loved ones. People with dementia often have dietary restrictions that can change over time. In addition, it is always challenging for them to eat properly as they might have a problem swallowing food.
This explains why you need to ask questions about these things. Knowing if measures are available to ensure your loved ones have access to healthy meals at any time is vital.
