Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for Memory Care
It can be difficult to choose the right senior living facility for your loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-related issues. Memory loss requires comprehensive care in a suitable community. However, it’s not always easy to decide to send your loved one into assisted living. And while there are numerous services you can choose from, it can be difficult if you are not careful. To ensure the best experience, it’s best to avoid some of the common mistakes.
Focusing on Aesthetics and Not Considering Your Family
It’s easy to be attracted and get carried away by the aesthetics of a facility, but you shouldn’t let it be the primary consideration. Make sure you speak with current residents and find out what they love about the facility. You can also study the staff and see if they follow current regulations when engaging with the residents.
The decision-making process should involve the person who needs the care. Typically, it isn’t easy to know what is best for your loved ones. The person should be actively engaged in the process and decide the type of care that suits their needs.
This helps clear any issues that your loved ones may have about memory care and show them you care about their wellbeing. It also stops them from feeling abandoned in the facility. Ideally, you should review the plan with your loved ones to make sure they are comfortable with what is on offer. If they are excited and comfortable with the program, they are less likely to have transition problems.
Preliminary Visits
Before signing or committing to any facility, make sure you take a physical tour of the facility. This step allows you to have a clear idea about the amenities offered in the facility and clarify if the services are exactly as you expect.
But if it’s not possible to take a physical visit, you can also request a virtual tour of the facility. The staff should be willing to answer any question that will help you make the final decision.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Deciding to move into a memory care facility calls for serious consideration, but delaying the decision may lead to unfavorable consequences. Besides dealing with deteriorating health conditions, you may miss an opportunity to get a placement. And while it may not be appropriate to choose the first facility you come across without doing sufficient research, it’s better to secure placement than to miss one.
Ideally, it would help if you took enough time to visit prospective memory facilities and gather all the important information to help you make the right decision. When you have enough knowledge about assisted care facilities, you can ask the right questions and decide appropriately.
Typically, you should visit about four facilities before settling on any option. This helps you understand how various assisted care communities work and differ.
Future Needs
A great memory care facility should take into account what you need now and in the future. Ideally, you should consider the intrinsic needs of your loved ones and anything else they may need in the future. Talk with your physician and find out more about their exact needs and find out if the facility can take care of the issues.
For instance, dementia symptoms tend to progress with time. Therefore, you should choose a facility that can take care of your needs at all stages. Instead of switching facilities when the needs evolve, make sure you select a facility that will care for any anticipated needs.
Conclusion
Avoiding common mistakes when seeking memory care facilities can help you eliminate the need for multiple moves in assisted living facilities. Also, an informed decision reduces the stress that comes with transitioning into memory care facilities. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-related illness, or is just ready for a transition into a more independent lifestyle, contact us at Park Central in Amarillo, TX today!
