It is projected that more than a million people in Canada will suffer from Alzheimer’s by 2030. As much as we don’t want to imagine ourselves or our family members within these numbers, the sad fact is that the numbers continue to increase.
Ongoing research into why Alzheimer’s is accelerating will, hopefully, offer some respite over the next few years. But in the meantime, what steps can we take to care for our aging parents or grandparents who may fall prey to this debilitating illness?
Our focus in this article is around making the best choice for older ones who would benefit from a memory care facility and how to make this important decision. We’re exploring seven questions that you should be asking in order to make the best choices in a difficult situation.
1. Do You Offer Personalized Care Plans?
Every person living with dementia has unique needs. Ask whether the residence creates personalized care plans for residents.
Do they regularly update these plans as your loved one’s condition changes? Personalized care ensures that the daily needs and preferences of residents are met with dignity and compassion, supporting their overall health and happiness.
A community that regularly reviews and adapts care plans demonstrates a commitment to high-quality, individual-focused care.
2. Do Staff Undergo Senior Memory Care Training?
Caring effectively for individuals living with dementia requires specialist skills and sensitivity. Ask specifically about the kind of training staff members receive in senior memory care. For example, have they completed certified dementia care programs covering topics such as communication strategies, managing challenging behaviours, and person-centred care?
Specialized dementia training helps caregivers understand the emotional, psychological, and physical needs unique to dementia. It equips them with techniques for calmly responding to anxiety, confusion, or agitation, ensuring they can support residents compassionately. Staff trained in dementia-specific communication methods can better interpret non-verbal cues and effectively reduce stress or frustration for residents.
Ongoing education is equally important. Regular refresher courses and workshops keep caregivers updated on the latest research and best practices in dementia care. Properly trained staff not only create a safer, more supportive environment, but they also build stronger, more empathetic relationships with vulnerable residents.
3. What Safety Features Exist?
Safety isn’t just about preventing wandering or managing emergencies; it’s also about creating a secure, comfortable environment where residents feel free yet protected.
Ask if the memory care facility includes unobtrusive security measures—such as discreet keypad access and subtle alarms—that help ensure residents’ safety without compromising their dignity or sense of freedom.
In addition, consider practical, everyday safety features tailored specifically for older adults. Are there non-slip floors throughout the building to prevent falls? Do bathrooms and hallways have sturdy grab rails and adequate lighting? These thoughtful details significantly reduce risks and help residents maintain their independence safely.
A community that prioritizes these safety elements clearly understands the specific needs of seniors with memory impairment. It ensures your loved one experiences both freedom and security, fostering confidence and comfort in their daily lives.
4. What Activities and Therapies Are Available?
Engagement in meaningful activities helps to improve mood, mental clarity, and physical health. Ask about the variety of activities offered. For example, music therapy, art programs, gentle exercise, and group interactions are all beneficial. Ask whether these activities are tailored to cognitive levels and interests.
Gentle exercise also provides opportunities for social interaction, helping individuals with dementia feel less isolated and more connected to their communities. Caregivers agree that exercise is beneficial for maintaining a sense of identity and improving overall well-being in people with dementia.
Well-rounded, stimulating activities help residents feel connected and maintain a sense of purpose.
5. How Do They Handle Medical Emergencies?
Understanding how medical emergencies are handled in a memory care residence gives you peace of mind that your loved one will receive prompt, effective care when they need it.
Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about the availability of trained medical staff, including registered nurses or medical professionals, and if they’re present on-site around the clock.
Clarify their procedures. How quickly do they respond to incidents, and what’s the process for contacting emergency medical services if needed? Additionally, find out how the residence communicates with family members during emergencies. Transparent and timely communication means you are always kept in the loop, which goes a long way towards reducing your anxiety.
6. What Senior Living Options Are Available?
Anticipating memory care issues involves thinking about how needs might change as time goes by. Ask about the full range of senior living options available and if they offer a continuum of care. If independent living, assisted living and memory care is offered, your loved one can move smoothly between care levels with the disruption and emotional strain of relocating.
Having multiple living options within one community offers stability and familiarity, which can positively impact your loved one’s emotional well-being. It ensures the ability to “age in place,” providing comfort and security as health needs evolve over time.
7. How Do They Manage Communication with Families?
Clear, regular communication between the memory care community and families is such an important element.
Ask exactly how often the facility will update you on your loved one’s health, happiness, and any changes in their care. Also, clarify how the updates are shared—whether by phone, email, or scheduled meetings.
Good communication goes beyond updates. Does the community actively involve families in decisions about care plans and daily routines? Residences that encourage open dialogue and family input tend to offer a more personalized, caring approach, resulting in a more comfortable environment for your parent.
Making Your Decision Easier
We understand how you can feel overwhelmed when trying to make a decision that you may not want to make in the first place.
Take one step at a time. Note down what matters most to you and your family. And then, take the time to ask these key questions, which will give you the confidence that you’re making the best possible decision.
At Levante Senior Living, we offer a compassionate, supportive memory care communities that are dedicated to to enhancing our residents’ lives. Our specialized team creates tailored care plans, ensuring each resident receives the thoughtful care and attention they deserve.
To learn more about our memory care residences, or discover how we can support your loved one, feel free to get in touch to chat or to book a tour of your preferred community.