When your loved one begins to show signs of dementia, you know just how important it is to provide them with around-the-clock care. Those suffering from dementia can struggle with remembering to eat, taking medications, maintaining good hygiene, and more. You want your loved one to have the best quality of life possible, so you know you must find the best dementia care for them.
If it were possible, then you’d love to be there for them at all times to lend them a helping hand. However, this is simply not realistic for many family members who have their own families at home to tend to and jobs to attend. We know how difficult it can be to place your loved one in the care of strangers.
For this reason, we’re here to help you find a great Kentucky assisted living community that you can trust. Here are several factors to consider when choosing a Kentucky assisted living community.
1. Take Time to Familiarize Yourself With the Caregivers
One of the biggest challenges you might be facing right now is coming to terms with leaving your loved one in the care of someone else. To help ease your mind, don’t hesitate to take the time to familiarize yourself with all of the caregivers. You want the team of caregivers to be people who have your loved one’s best interest at heart.
Get to know them well and ask yourself if they’ll care for your loved one well and make them feel safe and special. Try to pay close attention to how the caregivers treat other residents at the facility. Do you see compassion, patience, and friendliness?
Then speak with the facility to ensure all staff members are trained, background checked, and certified to work with the elderly.
2. Pay Close Attention to the Cleanliness of the Facility
While visiting the facility, you should also pay close attention to the cleanliness of it as well. Keep in mind that the facility you choose is going to be your loved one’s new home. With that being said, the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility are essential.
A facility that’s well-maintained will help keep your loved one in good mental and physical health. You should also be on the lookout for any safety concerns. Do you see handrails, grab bars, and accessibility features?
The entire facility should have the safety of the elderly in mind. There should also be social areas such as lounge space, dining halls, gathering rooms, and so on. These types of spaces are important to have for your loved one and should be kept clean as well.
3. Read Online Reviews and Ask For References
It’s also beneficial to do some research on the facility before making a decision. Check out their website and ensure it looks professional. Then, take the time to read through some online reviews.
What are current residents and their families saying about the facility? Would they recommend the facility to you? You can also contact the facility and ask for a list of references.
If they’re able to provide you with a list of references, then you’ll want to call each one and ask them any questions you might have about the facility and how they like it for their own loved one. All of this information is a great way to determine if the facility is right for you.
4. Ask About the Facility’s Amenities and Programs
Dementia care facilities will have a variety of amenities or programs for your loved one to enjoy. Each facility will offer its own amenities, so be sure to ask what kind each one has. For example, does the facility offer pharmacy services?
Can they transport your loved one to doctor appointments or grocery stores? Is there a salon and spa on campus? What type of enriching activities and entertainment will the facility offer?
Be sure to find out all of the different amenities and programs available and what services are offered as well, such as individualized care plans, assistance with daily tasks, and more.
5. Check Out the Nutritional Value of the Meals Provided
Will the facility serve your loved one three meals a day? When struggling with dementia, it’s often difficult to remember when to eat, and preparing and cooking your own meals can be a challenge. That’s why your loved one needs a caring staff who’ll cook homemade meals each day for them.
There should also be snacks made available to your loved one throughout the day also. Then, check with the facility to learn more about the meals provided. Are they well-balanced meals using fresh ingredients?
Are there different options for those who might need a low-fat, reduced-sodium, or low-calorie diet? Never hesitate to ask about the menu. This will be the food your loved one eats every day.
6. Bring a List of Questions With You to the Facility
Last, don’t forget to bring a list of all questions you have with you to the facility. When you arrive at a facility for a tour, you should come prepared. Write down any questions you have on a sheet of paper and leave room between each question to take notes.
This way, you won’t forget to ask something and you’ll remember what facility offered what from your notes. This is one of the best ways to ensure you find dementia care in Somerset that you can trust.
Finding Dementia Care Starts Right Here With This Guide
We know how difficult it can be to find dementia care for your loved one. Leaving your loved one with strangers is never an easy decision to make, but here at Bluegrass Senior Living, we hope to make it a bit less stressful for you. We offer personal care, secure memory care, and short stay.
If you’re looking for senior living in Kentucky, then feel free to contact us today to see how we can provide your loved one with a place they’ll call home.