Memory Care Options: What to Ask When Evaluating Long-Term Support

Memory care options vary, so asking the right questions is important when researching and choosing a provider. For seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's, a memory care community needs to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment, as well as engaging activities.

Memory loss is a reality faced by many. Recent data from the Alzheimer's Association shows that around 7.2 million Americans have Alzheimer's dementia, and while the news can be devastating, it's important to remember that expert care packages are there to give your loved one the help they need.

In this guide, we'll help you prepare by outlining some of the questions you should ask when shortlisting memory care communities.

Dementia Care Planning: How Are Needs Assessed?

No two memory care residents have the same needs since this is a progressive condition. So when considering a memory care community, it's crucial that you look for one that offers a personalized care plan. Always make this one of the questions you ask when evaluating a care provider.

This begins with an assessment where a memory care team will work with the family, together with input from healthcare professionals, to determine what the senior needs in their everyday routine.

For some, that might mean physical assistance, such as help getting dressed. For others, it could mean ongoing support throughout the day, such as planning activities and providing help at mealtimes.

A personalized care plan will look at the whole picture and provide a package of care that offers all the support that's needed while maintaining dignity.

Do You Offer Professional, Specialist Staff?

The best way to provide support to a resident with memory loss is to provide consistent, compassionate, and specialist support. Find out as much as you can about the experience of the care team and whether they have specialist training and Alzheimer's resources that cover the latest information about memory loss conditions.

Trained care teams know how to communicate with dementia and Alzheimer's patients, and how to do so in a way that provides reassurance and support. They are also attentive to any changes in the condition that might signal the time to adapt the level and type of daily support that's needed.

This is what we offer at TerraBella Morristown. Our caring and committed team will give you peace of mind that your loved one is getting the right support they need at all times.

Is the Environment Safe for Residents?

Creating a safe community for seniors isn't just about making sure a building is secure. It's about making everyday life as safe as possible, such as having slip-resistant flooring and well-maintained rooms that don't pose a health hazard.

When you speak to memory care providers, take the time to book a tour so that you can examine the environment first-hand. Ask about what sort of safety features they offer, such as grab bars in bathrooms.

You'll also want to know what emergency procedures they've established.

What Activities Do You Offer?

Residential life should be enriching and exciting for residents, no matter what their stage of memory loss. Speak to memory care providers about whether they have on-site activities that are adapted for the needs of those with memory loss.

There are many activities that provide a form of therapy for those with memory loss, such as arts and crafts or music appreciation workshops. Make sure there is a generous amount of activities on offer and that they come with sufficient support from memory care staff.

Furthermore, group activities give memory care residents a chance to interact and socialize. That's crucial for emotional well-being.

Long-Term Memory Support: How Do You Communicate With Families?

You'll want to be kept up to date with how your loved one is doing when they move to memory care. A good provider will have a communication plan to ensure you are informed of any changes, as well as given casual updates about their daily life in the community.

At TerraBella Morristown, we aim to build a trusted and close relationship with families so that we can work as a team. Family decision-making in senior care is the best way to create the right support plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

At What Stage Do Alzheimer's Patients Need Full-Time Care?

Alzheimer's is a progressive condition, and in the early stages of diagnosis, your loved one may be fully capable of leading an independent life. However, full-time care is often necessary when a person reaches the middle stages of the disease.

Common signs that care is required include wandering, forgetting to take medication, and increased agitation. Supervised care is often the safer option for your loved one's well-being.

Do Dementia Patients Do Better at Home or in a Care Community?

The thought of moving out of a family home can make many seniors anxious, and there are often attachments and memories to that home, as well as a long-established routine, none of which is easy to say goodbye to.

Nevertheless, dementia is progressive, and a care community is safer and provides the ongoing support that's needed, giving better outcomes. It also relieves families of the stress of balancing care with other life demands.

How Do Memory Care Communities Handle Changing Care Needs?

One reason it's important to choose a specialist memory care community is that they will have the experience necessary to monitor changes to a resident and assess when they need additional support.

Expert care staff will have the experience to spot symptoms that show the disease is progressing and that the care plan might need reviewing.

Memory Care Options: Choosing the Right Memory Care for Your Loved One

When reviewing memory care options, it's important to take your time and understand as much as you can about what your loved one needs. Practical daily help is vital, as is expert care, but don't forget the value in a community that also offers an enriching senior lifestyle.

That's what we provide at TerraBella Morristown. With a beautiful, scenic backdrop to our community, chef-prepared meals, and a friendly, family-like environment, your loved one will feel at ease from the moment they arrive. Contact us to schedule a tour today.