According to the World
Health Organization, more than 55 million people (about twice the
population of Texas) worldwide are living with dementia. If your loved one has
started showing signs of dementia and you are looking for a memory care facility in
Pittsburgh to provide them with proper and safe care, wed like to
help you in your search. Choosing a memory care facility can affect your loved
ones quality of life and overall well-being. In this blog, we will discuss
making informed decisions, and how to find the best memory care facility for
your loved one through proper research. What are the signs of early dementia? According to the
Alzheimers Association, early dementia signs include problems with:
Short-term
memory.
Keeping
track of a purse or wallet.
Paying
bills.
Planning
and preparing meals.
Remembering
appointments.
Traveling
out of the neighborhood.
Conditions usually start slow and progress as time goes on.
Contact a doctor if you or your loved one are having difficulties with any of
these signs. Location When choosing a location, your loved one being comfortable
is most important. Is it a new area? Is it the same town theyve lived in for
years? It all depends on your loved ones or your preferences to find the best
location to choose. According to The Ridge Senior Living, when choosing a
location, the most important factors include how close the family is, the
ability of the location to meet your loved ones needs, the surrounding area,
and the facilities nearby. Begin your search with facilities near your loved
one, it may be best for them to stay within an area they are familiar with and
attach memories. Ratings and Reviews When researching memory care facilities for your loved one,
its important to research ratings and reviews from family members of current
residents. According to A Place for Mom, look for thoughtful reviews and how
they compare to ratings, sometimes reviews can be biased or inaccurate, but
its important to take the time to look and evaluate all the information in
front of you. Certain specifics to look for when looking at reviews on websites
are the amount, if its a family member, specific details, reoccurring topics,
and verification of the review. If you find something negative, dont be afraid
to ask the facility more on that topic and evaluate their response when you go
on a tour. Book a Tour Taking a tour of the potential memory care facility your
loved one will be at is crucial. This is your time to assess the environment
and cleanliness of the facility, if it gives off a positive ambiance. While on
a tour, you will meet some staff who would be in charge of your loved ones
care and needs. You want to look for compassionate and kind employees who will
put your loved ones needs first. You have the opportunity to interact with
staff and get a feel for their level of training and demeanor. During your
tour, keep an eye out for safety precautions the facility takes, like secure
entryways and staff to resident ratios. Many facilities offer levels of care or
specialized care plans, you can learn more on your tour asking questions about
their programs offered and how they evaluate residents with
dementia. Remember, it is not you in memory care, consider your loved
ones comfortability in this facility and ask yourself if this is the best
environment for them. Staff When it comes to memory care, the staff is extremely
important to your loved ones experience. Working in memory care takes passion,
patience, and grace. Something to look out for at a memory care facility is if
the staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners. They have a special knowledge
and training in dementia care, and the various stages and challenges. They are
trained in giving personalized care to each resident based on your loved ones
specific and unique needs. When dementia progresses, Certified Dementia
Practitioners have the knowledge on how to manage behavior and use redirection
techniques to create a supportive environment. Remember to ask on your tour if
any of the facilitys staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners. Security and Safety Whats more important than safety? Many memory care units
are designed for people living with dementia to do it safely and for families
to feel comfortable their loved ones are in a protected environment. You want
your loved one to be able to move around freely and not be in a confined space,
which is why doing the proper research and asking the important questions is
necessary. When residents can move freely and safely, it can help to reduce
anxiety and confusion. That feeling of independence is important for them to
hold on to, as A Place for Mom stated, sheltered freedom. Things to look for
in a facility that promotes safety:
Open
floor plans
Secure
outdoor spaces
Video
monitors
Wander
Guard
Locked
doors
Bed
monitoring systems
Cost and Financials As you begin your search for a memory care facility, you
will notice the range in prices and how different needs could affect the
overall cost of living. According to A Place for Mom, the national median of a
memory care facility costs $5,800 a month in the United States. This can all be
affected by location. It can be hard to grasp the amount of money memory
care can be, lets discuss what could be included in the price24/7 care,
bathing/dressing/grooming, housekeeping services, protocol systems, medication
management, transportation, activities, amenities, and dining. Some memory care
facilities offer all-inclusive pricing, paying only a monthly fee, regardless
of which level of care is needed. When it comes to affording memory care, there are options.
Insurance, savings and assets, veterans benefits, Medicaid, family support,
state and local programs, nonprofit organizations, reverse mortgage, and life
insurance conversions. Activities and Amenities When doing your research, look out for activity calendars
that offer stimulating programs for residents, especially in memory care. Most
facilities offer fun and engaging activities for all residents and some
specifically are tailored towards residents with dementia. Having amenities
like patios, hair salons, a library, WI-FI and more helps your loved one feel
at home and able to independently still make choices. Activities help your
loved one stay active and build a sense of daily structure, which can improve
their mood. Trust Your Gut Feeling When deciding or researching a memory care facility,
trusting your intuition is an important factor to consider. Ask yourself if it
feels right for your loved one and create a pros and cons list. When you tour a
memory care facility, you may feel an emotional connection to that facility, or
you may not. The atmosphere of the facility can either bring you comfort or
warning signs, ask yourself: Is it a warm environment? Does it seem well-maintained? Is the staff engaging and compassionate? Are their safety measures being implemented? Do they offer daily stimulating activities? Your gut is a powerful tool, this is an important time to
use it and trust it. Your loved one needs proper care with a patient care team
ready to create a fulfilling life for them. If you are struggling with your
loved ones diagnosis and need to talk to someone, The Alzheimers Foundation
of America offers Alzheimers and Dementia support groups. You can also
research in your local town the support groups that are offered.
You and your loved one are not alone in this search, there
are many resources and opportunities to create a beautiful life. Take the time
to do the proper research and consider the right care your loved one
needs.
