Finding the right memory care community for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming. You may feel pressured to ensure their safety and overall well-being. Fortunately, asking key questions can help you make a more informed and confident decision.
To get you started, our team at Emory Mills Senior Living has compiled a list of important questions to consider when choosing a memory care community.
Understanding the main types of memory care communities
Memory care is usually provided within assisted living communities or continuing care retirement communities, but it can also be found in dedicated memory care centers. In a larger community, memory care includes accessible living spaces, meals, and specialized support for older adults experiencing cognitive decline.
Standalone memory care settings are specifically designed for residents living with dementia. These centers often feature a layout that is easy to navigate, using intentional colors and lighting to create a calm and relaxed environment.
Checklist to evaluate memory care communities
Consider asking these questions as you tour communities:
Safety and services
- What level of personal assistance can residents expect?
- How is the community secured?
- How do you handle medical emergencies?
- How often are housekeeping and laundry services provided?
- How often can friends and family visit?
Team members and communication
- What are the qualification requirements for the team members?
- Are team members offered additional or continuous training opportunities?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio both day and night?
- What’s the best way for friends and family to receive updates on a loved one’s well-being?
Specialized programming and care
- How do you handle special dietary restrictions or requests?
- How often do residents leave the community for outside activities?
- What specialized programs (exercise, physical therapy, social, and other activities) are offered?
- Do you accommodate special needs, such as diabetic care, mobility issues, aggressiveness, or wandering?
- How are the residents with differing cognitive needs grouped together?
Explore Hearthstone’s I’m Still Here philosophy >>
Costs and policies
- What are the monthly costs for housing and care, and what services are included in those costs?
- Are the rooms private or semi-private, and what are the differences in cost for each?
- What is the policy for discharging a resident from the community?
How memory care can enrich your loved one’s life
Memory care is designed to keep your loved one safe while promoting their independence and individuality through specialized programming and care. Daily activities often include sensory stimulation, cognitive therapies, and physical and occupational therapies. Residents also have opportunities for physical, cognitive, and social engagement throughout the day.
Find compassionate care and specialized support at Emory Mills
Offering a scenic view of the valley with the convenience of city living, family-owned Emory Mills provides assisted living and memory care to older adults. The comforting, secure, and homelike environment supports everyone with personalized care and the specialized and research-based I’m Still Here ® approach to meaningful and purposeful living, also known as The Hearthstone Difference.
Download our “Understanding and Navigating Memory Care: A Comprehensive Guide” for free to learn more about memory care for your loved one.
