Hunting Down The Right Memory Care Facility For Your Loved One

The long-term care industry has come a long way to include many levels of care, such as assisted living, skilled nursing, independent living, to name a few. Memory care facilities have also grown in numbers in view of the increasing number of persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Memory care facilities are ideal when a person needs specialized and trained caregivers who understand the needs of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Not to mention, such facilities also offer security for residents, with gated and locked facilities that prevent residents from wandering away.

With the availability of so many options, it can be difficult to find the right memory care or assisted living facility for your loved one. If you are looking for specialized memory care for your parents, look no further than Anthem Senior Living– an award-winning assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ. Memory care is an integral part of our long-term care to residents.

Working with a professional in the field of senior care is one way to find a memory care facility. Here are a few tips that can help you zero in on the right facility for your loved one:

Get Referrals– With so many options to choose from, trying to find a good facility can seem overwhelming. Start by asking for referrals, begin by asking your doctor who is at the best place to provide trustworthy options. Then move to your friends and relatives for suggestions.

Visit different facilities– Do not make a decision without visiting a care facility in person. After you’ve narrowed down your options, try and visit all of them to determine which one would make a good fit for your loved one. Call in advance before your first visit. Schedule a tour and ask that you’d like to meet the director/owner. Then come back another day unannounced, and try and come at a different time of day to observe a different staff shift.

Things to do during your visit– Talk to residents, staff members, and visiting family members who has experience with the facility during your visit, which will help you make an informed choice for your loved one. Watch out for how residents interact with each other, and behavior of doctors, caregivers, and other staff members towards their residents. Observe the residents and check if they are genuinely happy at the place. Also, it is advised to check for a clean dining area, a homelike environment, common spaces to socialize and access to outdoor space, and most importantly, safety features, such as bright lightings, safety locks, non-skid floors, and emergency call buttons in the bathrooms.

Meeting your loved one’s requirements– A good assisted or memory care facility provides the medical and social support your loved one requires and helps him or her feel comfortable in a secure environment. See if the facility caters to the needs of your parents. In fact, it is a good idea to take your loved one’s opinion into account regarding the facility and whether the facility fits the bill for your beloved.

Talk to your doctor if you are not certain which level of care your loved one needs. There should be no form of communication gap between you, your loved one, and their doctor on your journey to help your loved one receive the best care possible. Quality and cost of care should be your primary focus.