When a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, often families can cope with the side effects and decreasing functionality at home or with some additional care. But when the disease progresses to the point that advanced care should be considered, here are 25 questions for evaluating memory care communities.
- How is the community laid out? Is it easy to navigate with and without walkers, wheelchairs or canes?
- Are the wings/hallways color coded to help residents maneuver and remember their destinations?
- Do all hallways lead back to main areas?
- Is adequate privacy (while ensuring safety) provided? Different seniors are at different stages of Alzheimer’s and varying levels of supervision are required.
- Do all exterior access doors remain locked or alarmed? When residents tend to wander, this is paramount to their safety.
- What condition are the walls and furniture in? Are they well cared for? Are spills or stains addressed in a timely manner?
- Are there outdoor areas for residents to get fresh air and sunshine that are also secure to prevent wandering?
- Are staff members subject to background checks?
- What are the state and federal license requirements for team members? Supervisiors?
- Is there an RN or LPN on duty at all times?
- Does a doctor do rounds? How frequently?
- Are caregivers formally trained in how to care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients?
- How frequently do they attend refresher courses?
- Have they been trained in how to deal with recalcitrant patients and sundowning?
- Is the staff appropriately and professionally attired?
- Do they wear name tags or badges for easy identification?
- Sit and watch the interaction between caregivers and residents. Are the caregivers pleasant, respectful and patient?
- Do the residents appear content?
- Are they involved in exercise programs, physical therapy and other activities to keep their bodies fit? Do they have activities for keeping their minds sharp as well?
- Are there opportunities for them to assist in the day to day tasks of the community like folding laundry, watering plants, sweeping or weeding?
- Are the residents well cared for hygiene-wise? Is their hair combed, are they clean shaven, are they bathing regularly? Are their clothes clean and matching?
- Are the residents in the community you are considering at the stage or level similar to your loved one? Residing with individuals that are markedly more or less functional than themselves can be detrimental to their progress.
- Is it centrally located? Be sure that the community you select is centrally located to make it convenient for all family members to make regular visits there.
- Can you easily talk with staff and management? Are you comfortable in raising concerns?
- Are the rates within your family’s budget for the near and far term? If your loved one’s condition deteriorates and more care is needed is that in the budget?
Be sure to visit your short list of preferred communities several times before selecting one. Vary the time and day that you visit in order to get a realistic view of daily activities. Don’t just pop in and out – stay a while around a meal time to get a feel for the routines. Are you looking for assisted living or memory care communities in Tennessee or Georgia? Take a tour today of any of our twelve communities.
What is the number one item on your list when it comes to inspecting memory care communities?
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