It can be a little overwhelming and scary to learn that your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia. Given the progressive nature of the condition, it is prudent to move your aging relative to a memory care home in Laurel, VA, or any other place for personalized care and close supervision.
Despite moving your aging relative to a memory care center, you will still be constantly worried about their safety and well-being. That is why it is prudent to carefully assess the capacity of a memory care community to look after elders with cognitive impairment before making an ideal pick. With that in mind, there are several attributes that you should inquire about before choosing a great memory care home for your loved one. Read on to find out.
Find Out About the Cost of Memory Care
Cost is the first attribute you should find out about a potential memory care home. In this manner, you will find out whether it is affordable. You will have to part with a significant amount of money each month to get your loved one the kind of memory care that he or she needs.
In most cases, the cost of memory care depends on the level of care needed. Similarly, the level of care that an elderly person requires is dependent on his or her level of dementia progression. Most importantly, you should get value for your money. Compare the type of services provided versus the expenses to find out whether it is cost-effective.
Inquire About the Training or Qualifications of the Team
If you are to leave your loved one in the hands of complete strangers, you need to be sure that they have what it takes to look after your relative in a professional, dignified, and loving manner. Therefore, you should inquire about the kind of skills and level of experience that the caregivers have.
Elderly people with cognitive impairment require an intense level of care. An advanced level of care can only be rendered by highly qualified care providers. The team members should have sufficient training on how to manage erratic behavior or aging adults with neurogenerative conditions.
Learn About the Team member-to-resident Ratio
The team member-to-resident ratio determines the level of care that each member of the memory care home will access. A community with a bigger ratio will offer more personalized care to your loved one. On the flip side, your aging relative will not be under proper care if the number of team members is limited. Staffing requirements for every memory care center vary and you should be keen to find it out. It is also good to find out if the home provides 24-hour care.
Ask About the Activities Schedule
An ideal memory care home should feature different activities and programs that are geared towards improving the physical and mental wellness of the elderly. Nonetheless, not every activity will help manage the symptoms of cognitive decline. Therefore, you should find out if your preferred memory center with the kind of programs that are suitable for your loved one. Look for programs that encourage socialization, physical activity, and creativity among the residents.
