The Complete Guide to Choosing a Memory Care Community

Choosing a memory care community for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related dementias can be stressful, scary, and time-consuming for family members.

With so many options and variations in services, amenities, and costs in memory care communities, many families don’t know where to start or what to expect.

If you have questions about finding a high-quality memory care community for a loved one with dementia, start here.

We provide invaluable information, honest insights, lifestyle advice, and care-related takeaways to help you choose a community that meets your loved one's needs.

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specialized, long-term care option designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementia, or other types of cognitive changes.

Families can choose singularly focused memory care communities or memory care programs within a separate floor of an assisted living community.

Benefits of Memory Care

When a loved one is diagnosed with a form of dementia, many families choose to manage their loved one’s care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving care in their homes.

However, as the disease progresses, they begin to understand the demand and the level of commitment required. They also realize that family caregiving is not the best long-term decision for themselves or their loved ones.

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are complex diseases, and it’s critical for people to experience the benefits of high-quality care from trained memory care professionals.

Memory care communities benefit residents and families in the following ways:

• Support and memory care resources for families
• Additional safety precautions to prevent wandering
• 24-hour care and supervision
• Personalized memory-enhancing activities and therapies
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)such as bathing, dressing, and grooming

The support families receive from memory care communities is invaluable.

Many families are surprised to discover how much their loved ones thrive once they find a memory care community that meets their needs.

In addition, once caretakers can relax and let go of the physical and emotional strain of caretaking, they can enjoy spending time with their loved ones once again.

Navigating the Search for a Memory Care Provider

Given the multitude of memory care options, variations in services, amenities, costs, and the varying needs of each individual, it’s essential to be well-informed and purposeful in your approach.

Choosing a memory care community is a significant life change, and many families struggle under the weight of this emotional decision.

Before beginning your search, assess your loved one's healthcare needs and preferences.

Your family physician and current caregivers are a great place to start for insight into their healthcare needs.

Ask your physician and friends for recommendations for local memory care communities.

Before starting your tours, compile a list of questions or concerns about care, comfort, safety, and cost.

Observations to Make When Visiting a Memory Care Community

You should start making the following observations when you enter a potential memory community.

Cleanliness of the Community

When touring prospective memory care communities, look for aesthetic beauty and cleanliness in the lobby, bathrooms, living spaces, dining areas, and social areas.

Professionalism of Staff

Observe the professionalism and friendliness of the staff as you tour potential memory care communities.

Are they friendly and interacting with residents? Are they smiling? If you ask a staff member a question, are they attentive and helpful?

Types of Activities and Amenities

The types of activities and amenities offered in a memory care community can contribute to residents' quality of life.

High-quality memory care communities should offer engaging, purpose-designed activities, enriching programming, and a variety of amenities.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Memory Care Community

When searching for the right memory care community, it’s essential to start by compiling a list of questions about staff credentials, care, comfort, safety, and costs.

Asking and examining the answers to the following questions are critical when choosing the best memory care community for a loved one.

Are You Licensed by the State to Operate a Memory Care Community?

Most states have specific guidelines and require special licenses to administer memory care services.

Check online and inquire while visiting to ensure that any prospective community is licensed and in good standing with all federal, state, and local governing bodies.

What Are Your Staff Requirements?

Memory care communities should provide specialized dementia training for care personnel and team members.

Questions to ask:

• What are your training requirements for staff?
• Is training continuous?
• What methodologies does the training utilize to help increase proficiency and develop, refine, and cultivate new skills?
• Do you require background checks?
• What is your staff turnover rate?

How Does Staff Communicate with Families?

Today's families genuinely desire to remain actively involved in their loved ones' care even as they enter a formal long-term care community.

Communication is a crucial component of a successful care partnership, especially for families searching for the right partner to care for a loved one with dementia; make sure to choose a memory care community with a robust and effective communication structure and protocols.

Here are questions to ask about communication:

• How do you provide updates and information, like capturing photos, videos, and memories regarding your loved one’s daily care and wellness?
• When are regularly scheduled touchpoints (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) where caregivers and family members meet to assess an individual’s current condition and future course of care?
• Are members of your leadership team readily available?
• Does the community offer support groups and other services for family members?

Choose a memory care community with an efficient and well-documented communication protocol that allows you to be involved in your loved one's care.

Is the Community a Safe and Secure Environment for People with Dementia?

Memory care communities must have integrated features designed to facilitate navigation, reduce confusion, and promote safety and security 24 hours a day.

During your tour, look for the following safety features:

• Secured doors, windows, and outdoor spaces
• Square or simplified hallway configuration designed to accommodate residents who may wander
• Soft, dementia-friendly wall colors that appear more inviting and soothing
• Engagement tools like life stations, sensory walls, boxes, or tactile artwork
• Customizable entryways for added familiarity
• Musical elements for imparting calm and signaling time for events like meals and activities
• Natural or bright lighting throughout the community which has been shown to significantly improve sleep quality and decrease symptoms of depression and agitation in people with dementia
• Ask about COVID protocols
  
  

Does the Community Offer Specialized Dining Options and Programming?

Dining can present unique challenges for people with dementia, so communities must provide enjoyable dining experiences by supporting residents and ensuring independence whenever possible.

Discovery Senior Living’s SHINE Program utilizes proven scientific evidence, such as using bright, contrasting colors in dishware, multiple friendly food options, anytime menus, and finger food options to improve the resident dining experience.

Music, consistent seating patterns, and team member training should also be discussed with prospective memory care communities.

Are the Accommodations Suitable?

It’s crucial to ensure prospective memory care communities offer accommodations that fit your size, privacy, and comfort expectations.

Whether it’s a semi-private, private room, a suite, or apartment-style living, you want to ensure the highest level of comfort and care for your loved one.

Depending on personal needs and preferences, 24-hour care services, robust activities, engaging programs, on-call physician availability, in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and amenities should be considered.

Does the Community Offer Adequate Healthcare Services?

Select a community that provides complimentary transportation to medical centers and doctors’ appointments to ensure proper care and timely medical attention.

Many communities offer on-site physician services and partnerships with home health and hospice providers as needed.

Wrap-up

We understand that choosing a memory care community for a loved one is a complicated and emotionally stressful decision.

Memory care communities are warm and welcoming, built upon a foundation of kindness, service, and compassion. Knowledgeable professionals are there to help seniors and families navigate this incredibly challenging time.

During your memory care search, every person you encounter should be willing to lend guidance and support to family members or offer an ear to listen. You should never feel uncomfortable or pressured.

By implementing these insights and guidance, you’ll hopefully be better prepared and more confident about conducting an efficient and well-informed search to select a memory care provider that’s right for you and your loved one.