It can be challenging to deal with your feelings after learning that a loved one has dementia while also developing a treatment plan that will keep them safe and healthy for as long as possible. A guide to services that can support your loved one in leading an independent and respectable life, though, may be closer than you think. A top-notch dementia care community can be a place of education and understanding for you as well as a place of comfort and safety for your loved one. Take note of a few specifics that can assist you in choosing a suitable dementia care community—what we refer to as memory care communities—that will become a part of your extended family.
Comfortable Yet Safe Design
Start with the surroundings and decor as you look for the ideal dementia care community for your loved one. See if the community avoid clinical elements like harsh fluorescent lighting or white linoleum floors that make the neighborhood feel less welcoming. Instead, seek out amenities like plush couches and personal touches like old photos in frames or a piano in the corner. There should be enough of room for both individual and group interaction, and the nursing station should blend in with the neighborhood.
Keep an eye out for safety elements that will prevent risks that could result from dementia symptoms in addition to the warm atmosphere. Look for code-protected doors or a call system that notifies team members when residents are close to doors without supervision to prevent residents from wandering unaccompanied. Find out what kind of call-light system is in operation and what steps are taken in case the resident forgets to activate the system when assistance is needed.
Skilled and Knowledgeable Team Members
Although the surroundings of a memory care community are crucial, the care that is given is really driven by the team members. Inquire about the additional training that employees receive that is not mandated by the federal government or a state. To stay informed about the latest innovations for the population, make sure that the management attends dementia care conferences and that team members receive regular training on dementia-related topics.
In addition, find out the dementia care unit’s philosophy. Pay attention to words and phrases that highlight the significance of prioritizing the resident’s choices and requirements in the care plan. Ask about family involvement as well because a top-notch dementia care program will provide families lots of opportunities to get involved, as well as creative ways to reach out to them if they are far away.
Purposeful and Engaging Daily Activities
A large portion of the programming for dementia care is built around meaningful and enjoyable activities that team members create and carry out throughout the day and night. Ask someone to check the calendar of events to see if there are any your loved one might appreciate, as well as opportunities for residents to go out of the neighborhood. Activities should be scheduled throughout the day and on weekends so that residents have plenty of time to join a program that will engage them, keep them occupied, and make them feel at ease.
