Did you know that in the United States, there are at least 5 million people currently living with age-related dementias? If you have been caring for a person with dementia or memory troubles, it can get overwhelming. You might not be able to meet all their needs at home anymore. Fortunately, you can look for memory care facilities for your loved one.
Although it may not be an easy decision to make, it’ll ultimately be a better decision for you and the person you care for. You’ll have peace of mind, and they’ll have a safe place to get better.
As you look for dementia and memory care resources in Somerset, it’s important that you know the right questions to ask. Ready to learn more about what those are?
Let’s get started.
1. What Medical Services Are Available?
Part of ensuring that the personal care community you’re looking at is the right choice is to see what medical services they offer. The majority of the residents’ medical needs can be treated with on-site services. This includes things like X-Rays, PT/OT/SP therapy, a pharmacy, and podiatry.
This type of expedited care keeps things simple for the residents. They won’t need to worry about stressful location changes or non-routine appointments.
2. Is There a Medical Director on Staff?
An indicator of a trustworthy personal care facility is having a Medical Director on staff. They’re responsible for navigating the physical and emotional well-being of the residents.
To ensure that the community is dedicated to serving its residents’ emotional and physical health, there should be a Medical Director with strong leadership.
3. Do You Have An Outdoor Space?
The ability to go outside and enjoy the weather is important for everybody. That’s why you’ll want to inquire about the outdoor spaces available to the residents. Not only should they be able to go outside often, but the area should be visually appealing and spacious.
4. How Long Can My Loved One Stay?
Some facilities have residents stay until the end of their life while others move their care when it becomes too extensive. Depending on your expectations and needs, you’ll need to ask how long your loved one can stay at the facility. The answer to this is what might separate one facility from the other.
5. What Are the Daily Activities Like?
When you decide to seek alternative options for a loved one with memory loss, you want them to have an enjoyable life. The best memory care communities are vibrant places that offer special care and make senior living the best thing it can be.
This means a welcoming environment, gardens, recreational activities, and outside trips. Be sure to ask about the daily activities that the residents go through so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is enjoying their community.
6. Is the Community All-Inclusive?
You want the best facility for your loved one, but of course, money is a big factor. One way to get a better sense of cost is to ask if the community is all-inclusive or if there are additional fees for things.
For example, are medication fees, transportation, cable TV, and care costs included in the full price, or will you need to pay more? These additional costs might be out of your budget, so it’s important to learn that information up front.
7. Are Pets Allowed?
Many residents have furry loved ones that they wouldn’t want to leave behind. If your loved one is attached to their pet companion, you’ll want to find a community that accommodates that. Ask if pets are allowed and if there are any weight and/or breed restrictions.
8. How Often Are the Residents Checked On?
At the end of the day, the goal is to assist loved ones with memory loss. Some cases are worse than others, but all residents should feel like they’re properly cared for. That means being checked on while still maintaining a sense of privacy.
See how often a facility checks on its residents. Depending on your loved one’s needs, you might have a frequency preference.
9. What Kind of Personal Assistance Can Residents Expect?
Every person is different, and this means that there is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. That’s why you want to learn more about the type of personal assistance that residents can expect. This is particularly important if your loved one has any special conditions that need to be monitored.
10. What Meals Are Provided?
Although it may seem like an unnecessary question, there are plenty of residents with strict dietary restrictions. You’ll want to find a facility that respects that and offers plenty of options for your loved one. They must be able to eat healthy, delicious food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
11. How Does My Loved One Get to Medical Appointments?
For medical concerns that can’t be done within the facility, a resident will have to go to a separate place for medical appointments. Certain communities offer transportation, but others don’t. If your loved one is unable to transport themselves and you can’t commit to driving them, you’ll want a facility that offers transportation.
12. How Private Are the Rooms?
Many living communities offer a choice between private or semi-private rooms. Private rooms will cost you more, but they might be the preferred option for your loved one. Be sure to ask about the differences between the rooms and the cost.
Questions to Ask for the Right Memory Care
If you’re unable to meet the needs of someone with dementia or memory problems, you’re probably looking for resources on how to get them better care. It can be a big decision to seek a personal care community for your loved one, but it will ultimately be for the better.
Before committing to a Somerset retirement community, be sure you know the right questions to ask. You’ll feel secure that you made the right decision and that your loved one is getting the best memory care possible.
Interested in learning more about one of the best personal care centers in Somerset? Be sure to contact us for more information about Blue Grass Living and what we can offer you.