If you have a loved one with a cognitive disorder like Dementia, you may be considering a senior living community with memory care for them. It’s important to do your research to determine the best fit for their needs. Fox Trail Memory Care Living provides residents in North and Central New Jersey with high-quality memory care, support, and amenities. Here, we discuss tips for finding senior living memory care for your loved one.
Considerations for Choosing Senior Living Memory Care
Memory care communities offer more individualized treatment plans, consistent medical care, and staffing that are specialized for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. Since these places are specifically designed for residents with cognitive issues, they allow residents to live fulfilling lives in a secure and safe environment. This specialized care can be highly beneficial for older adults with cognitive issues, providing them with a sense of renewed purpose, socialization, and independence. When choosing a memory care community for your loved one, you should:
Research Your Options
Making decisions about placing your loved one in a memory care living community is highly important. You will want to research all your potential choices in-depth to see which is the best fit. Many communities provide daily activities and several amenities, while others offer medication management and 24/7 medical assistance. Researching your options will help you consider:
- The type of living arrangement offered, such as assisted living, memory care, or senior care communities
- The type of amenities provided, such as enrichment activities, medical care, security features, and entertainment options
- The cost of monthly housing and food for your loved one
- The medical care available
- The staff-to-resident ratio
- The reputation and reviews of the community
- The location and accessibility of the community
These are all vital considerations when researching senior care communities and memory care for your loved one. Creating a list of benefits and drawbacks for each community will help you pick the perfect choice for your loved one. Transitioning from home into a memory care community can be trying for residents and families, but considering your loved one’s needs and finding potential options is a great first step.
Factor in Individual Needs
Assessing the individual needs of your loved one when considering memory care communities is important for deciding which community to choose. Many memory care residents require closer supervision because they may wander. Locked doors, alarmed exits, and 24/7-hour staffing help ensure the safety of residents. Other safety features of memory care communities that your loved one may require include:
- 24/7 medical support and personalized medical care plans
- Emergency response in cases of incidents
- Simple layouts for those with memory and nerve disorders
- Security systems to ensure residents remain safe
Considering your loved one’s routine and their unique needs is highly essential for choosing the right living care community for them. It’s also important to consider their routine, such as mealtimes and activities they enjoy, since many communities adhere to a schedule.
Creating a list for each senior living community with features they have that your loved one needs is helpful for planning. Key needs, like security and medical necessities, should be considered based on your loved one’s needs.
Take Tours
Taking tours of senior living and memory care communities is a vital component of planning regarding your loved one’s living arrangements. Examining the community’s layout and design is important for considering the safety features and accessibility. Secure outdoor areas, easy navigation, and clear signage are important for seniors in memory care. Promoting mobility and social interaction are essential for communities. Taking tours allows families and their loved ones to consider the community’s setting and their routines. Other factors that can be researched on a tour include the:
- Living arrangements, such as private rooms, apartments, and communal spaces
- Quality of care options, including therapy and medical care
- Social and recreational activities offered
- Dining experiences and the types of food provided
- Spiritual offerings and support services
Considering the community’s location and the distance between it and family residences is another factor. Many memory care communities are in the suburbs or rural areas for quiet escapes. Taking the time to tour multiple communities allows you to gather your information and choose the right location for your loved one.
Explore Amenities and Features
Exploring the various options for amenities and features aids with the decision-making process regarding memory care and senior living communities. Many communities include options for meals, housekeeping, and daily exercise. Memory care may provide options like:
- Fully furnished and private apartments
- 24/7 medical care and medication management
- Cleaning and laundry services
- Gardens and walking paths
- Emergency response teams
- Home-cooked meals
- Transportation services
Additional amenities and programs such as music, art, and community events help with independence, creativity, and socialization. Look into wellness and exercise programs that are offered that may help with maintaining cognition and physical mobility. Also, consider if any stimulation activities are offered, such as cognitive training and pet therapy, which can be valuable for those in memory care.
Ask About Staff Qualifications
Finding out about staff qualifications in communities is critical for the family’s peace of mind. The ideal staff should be certified in dementia care, offer personalized care, and build strong relationships with residents. Having professional and certified staff, nurses, and caretakers in memory care is essential for efficiency and comfort.
Reading reviews about memory care living communities is the best way to choose what’s best for your loved one. Checking for staff certifications and asking about experience is another way to ensure the community is one you’re interested in for your loved one. Some communities reach out to families to report the progress of their loved ones in memory care and even provide pictures, messages, and videos to connect with them.
Find Out if Our Memory Care Is Right for Your Loved One
If you’re looking for a comprehensive senior living memory care community in New Jersey, trust Fox Trail Memory Care Living. Our certified professionals provide residents with specialized care, amenities, and an active community. Our HOPE program provides personalized and comprehensive medical care services, including medication management and a holistic approach to resident care. Contact us for more information about our memory care communities or to schedule a tour today.