At Eden Vista Burr Ridge, we recognize how distressing it can be for a family to find out about their loved one’s dementia diagnosis. Their finding about the onset of the progressive ailment elicits mixed emotions, and can lead to worrying about their loved one’s future. For the affected loved one, navigating daily life becomes increasingly challenging, necessitating them to look for a trusted memory care community. However, finding a fitting memory care isn’t as easy as it looks. It takes significant time and effort on the family’s part to find a suitable, compassionate, and supportive care partner for the loved one. Here’s a brief guide on how families can find and choose the right memory care for their dementia-affected loved one.
Key Factors To Evaluate
Memory care is a long-term care setting made for those with serious memory ailments. Hence, you have to consider the community’s long-term suitability when searching for a community for a loved one. You don’t want to select an option that is unfit for your loved one’s long-term needs and then look for another suitable choice at later stages when their needs evolve.
Safety And Security
Safety and security are cornerstones of a memory care community. You must look for communities that follow adequate safety and security protocols to keep residents safe. Look for features like enclosed outdoor spaces, wander management systems, and 24/7 monitoring.
Staff Training And Ratios
Memory care staff must be trained in fall prevention, communication techniques, de-escalation, and medication management. They must know how to handle behavioral challenges such as aggression or agitation. Also, the community must have low staff-to-resident ratios.
Specialized Activities
A memory care unit isn’t just a caring unit for those with memory ailments; it’s an all-inclusive living space that promotes whole-person wellness for residents. Prefer options that offer structured, personalized, and engaging activities for dementia patients, not just general entertainment.
Medical Care
While dementia symptoms are common, the degree to which they impact an individual varies. To ensure your loved one receives the necessary support and care, ensure the community has a registered nurse or qualified staff on-site. They must be able to support residents with medication management or chronic conditions.
Environment
Memory care communities have dementia-friendly environments designed to promote safe, engaged, and supportive daily living. Hence, look for a community that is clean, well-lit, easy to navigate, and calming. Memory aids, colored signage, and safety bars are a few of the features that depict that the living environment is safe and dementia-friendly.
Family Communication
Ask the community about how often they include the family in care plan updates. Know that you will play a crucial role in fostering your loved one’s well-being even after they move to memory care.
Steps To Take
Dementia is a progressive disease. Cognitive decline occurs daily, resulting in reduced capacity to live a self-reliant and independent life for the affected individual. To ensure your loved one receives the support they need at the right time, follow the steps below.
Assess Needs
Begin by assessing your loved one’s current stage of dementia. See if they need help with daily tasks or 24/7 constant care for a safe, secure lifestyle. Also assess whether they are prone to wandering, as this also requires specialized care.
Research & Narrow Down
Prefer local options and check for the community’s proper licensing. Also, before considering any option, read reviews and assess how viable it would be for your loved one.
Visit In Person
Just checking out the online reviews for a community won’t tell you the complete story for its suitability for a loved one. Tour different options at different times of day to gain real insights into their suitability for the loved one. During your tours, observe how the staff interacts with residents and whether residents look well cared for.
Ask Specific Questions
As you tour, conduct an interview with the community. Ask the staff about staff turnover rates, emergency procedures in place, and updates about care plans. Ask the staff directly about how they manage wandering or aggressive behavior. Ask what the staff-to-resident ratio is during the day vs. night.
Evaluate Cost
While memory care costs vary from state to state and region to region, it’s crucial to understand exactly what’s included in the monthly fee you’ll pay after the move. Also, ask what amenities and facilities charge extra.
Tips For Successfully Transitioning A Loved One Into Memory Care
Your role as a family member never ends with your loved one moving to a memory care. Rather, it takes a different shape. Your responsibilities evolve. From proactive care, you shift your focus to being a loving family member. Here are some important tips to help ensure your loved one has a smooth transition into their new home.
Tour The Community Beforehand
After finalizing your choice of memory care, take your loved one for a tour and let them get acquainted with the environment.
Helping Downsize
While downsizing, help your loved one keep the stuff that carries sentimental value for them. Keeping it with them will help them feel comfortable and safe at the new place.
Help Them Settle In
Helping your loved one settle into their new space is a great way to support them as they embark on humble beginnings.
Pay Frequent Visits After The Transition
As mentioned before, you embrace a shift in your role as a loving caregiver after your loved one moves to memory care. However, you still need to be in contact with them by planning regular visits to the community frequently to ensure they never feel isolated or alone.
Eden Vista Burr Ridge – A Vibrant And Supportive Memory Care Community
At Eden Vista Burr Ridge, we understand the vital role of memory care for patients with dementia. As specialized, long-term care settings, these communities foster a wellness experience unlike any other. From personalized care plans to professional staff and social opportunities, every aspect is designed to enhance the well-being of individuals with memory impairment.
Those exploring a long-term dementia care setting for their dementia-affected loved one can contact us at Eden Vista Burr Ridge. With our extensive range of premium amenities and services, we foster an engaging and thriving lifestyle for residents. To know more about our community, you can schedule a tour at our premier memory care community.
We look forward to welcoming your loved one and helping them make new beginnings.