Top Things to Look For in a Memory Care Home
When a loved one begins to need memory care, it can be overwhelming. Most families wonder how their loved one will adjust and want to make sure they find the [...]
When a loved one begins to need memory care, it can be overwhelming. Most families wonder how their loved one will adjust and want to make sure they find the best memory care home for them. It is an important decision, and difficult to know where to start. We help families every day who need a higher level of care for loved ones. Below is our list of the top things to look for in a memory care home. These are some of the many details that go into a safe and caring home for loved ones to thrive.
Well trained staff in a memory care home make all the difference. In addition to qualifications and experience, look for a care home that has trained staff available around the clock. Preferably each area will have a designated RN or LPN on call. In addition, look for staff that have been trained specifically in memory care challenges. What training and tools do the staff have to make sure they can provide the best level of care?
Beyond the qualifications, also look at the quantity of staff, or staff ratio. A quality memory care facility will have a lower staff ratio of residents to staff. With less residents assigned to each trained professional, each resident gets more individual attention. This varies from home to home and current staffing levels, but a good rule of thumb is to look for a 1:6 staff ratio.
Life is made up of the day to day, and that is even more important for those with Alzeimers or Dementia. While every day may not be a good day, look for a memory care home that has thoughtfully planned daily routines. Does the staff get to know the interests and hobbies of each resident? How are these things incorporated into daily life to bring them joy when possible? Hand in hand with daily routines are social activities available to the residents. How is the staff encouraging connection and community for residents so they can feel at home?
Beyond daily needs, look for a memory care home that is capable of providing medical services. When a patient needs medical care, what services are available? Can the memory care home facilitate labs or x-rays, PT, or pharmacy? What can they provide in house and what services are they able to provide through a clinic or hospital partner? The better medical care available for residents, the less confusion this can cause for them.
Last but certainly not least, what communication does the memory care home have in place? Look for a memory care home where staff clearly communicate with each other, your loved one, and with you. Make sure your questions are answered and you feel like questions and concerns are addressed.
Mennonite Village is a non profit, continuing care retirement community. For more than 75 years, Mennonite Village has offered a full spectrum of quality retirement living in Oregon. Lydia’s House at Mennonite Village is a premiere memory care home in Albany Oregon providing Alzheimers and Dementia care. As a not-for-profit community, Mennonite Village invests more resources in care and wellness for the residents who call our campus home.
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