Tips for Transitioning to Memory Care

Alzheimers effects more than 6 million Americans, and that number is expected to only rise. It is uncertain, theres no way of telling how this disease will develop over time for your loved one because of its unpredictable ways. It can progress rapidly or painfully slow, early, mid, and late-stage Alzheimers is the cycle this disease follows.Alzheimers and dementia require around the clock care, caregivers are a lot of times family, and it can be a burden on them to dedicate themselves to taking care of their loved one alone. According to the Alzheimers Association, over 11 million Americans are caregivers for those suffering from Alzheimers or dementia, unpaid.Alzheimers, dementia, and other types of memory impairment can affect peoples and families lives drastically. To ensure your loved one gets the help they need, look out for early warning signs of cognitive impairment. When it does come time to make a care plan, turning to memory care will help in the process of planning.The purpose of memory care facilities is to provide a safe and healthy environment for residents who suffer from Alzheimers, dementia, and other types of memory impairment. Receiving a diagnosis like Alzheimers requires your loved one to live in a safe environment with trained professionals. Choosing memory care can be one of the best options to receive top tier and individualized care.There are approximately 30,000 assisted living facilities with memory care units included in them, making it important for you or your loved one to find which works best.It can be difficult to narrow down a memory care facility thats right for your loved one. The most important part when selecting a memory care facility is making sure it checks all the boxes. When choosing a community, take time to research and discover what these facilities have to offer.Use the following guide to assist in the decision for the best memory care facility.Look for Management and Experience in Memory CareReputationHaving a good reputation in the community is important to the facility and potential residents and families. The best way to judge a reputation is by experiencing it, its easy to make quick judgements so we recommend reading reviews, reaching out to residents or families in the area, and scheduling a tour.Licensing and InspectionsThe state regulates assisted living communities by putting in place protocols, procedures, and sometimes with unannounced visits. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), regulate nursing homes with evaluations posted on their website but not assisted living communities. Each state regulates assisted living facilities in place of the federal government. Each state is different and usually is monitored by the states health department or social services. To learn more, click here.Longevity and Certification of StaffHaving experienced and well-trained staff is crucial to a properly run facility. The staff who have been there for years know the residents well, are very familiar with the facility and are experienced. When assisting residents, you or your loved one want a staff member who knows what they are doing. This isnt to say younger, newer staff are not qualified, but staff with higher longevity have more experience working in this environment. Its important to note if the staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners, having staff who understands and is trained in the disease is incredibly valuable to you and your loved one.Look for a Friendly Atmosphere and Environment in a Memory Care UnitFacilityHaving a clean facility is important in choosing the right space. The ambience is a big factor to consider when touring, does it feel comfortable, or does it feel off-putting? Is the facility like the pictures online or is it completely different looking, many facilities do this to get customers in the door but its deceiving. In the facility, pay attention to whether the staff is warm and friendly or if they seem like they dont want to be there. Keep in mind picturing yourself or your loved one walking through the halls or sitting having dinner with residents, its important to feel comfortable.StaffWhen choosing a memory care facility, the staff is arguably one of the most important aspects of making a decision. The staff are going to be the ones taking care of  your loved one. They will be responsible for administering medicine, helping with mobility, running engaging activities, and caring for your loved ones overall safety. Keep in mind if staff looks well-groomed and if they seem to care about their positions in facilities as they are responsible for residents. People who work in memory care should be passionate in this line of work, find people you and your loved one connect with and feel comfortable around.Look for Quality Services and Amenities of Memory CareCareCan you and your loved ones needs be met? Will the nurses and staff cater to your loved one for their specific required needs? These are questions to think about before making the final decision about where to go. 24/7 nursing is important to have when aging, someone to always be there in case of emergency. Look into how care is administered and how it is determined to cater to your loved one. Ask questions on the tour, reach out to the director, and read all the information the facility will provide in detail.TransportationHaving transportation to be able to take your loved one to appointments is needed to transport them safely instead of having to get family or friends during the day to come and do it. This is an important amenity to families of loved ones and residents.Outside SpaceAs humans, everyone needs fresh air. Having a path to walk on or somewhere to be able to sit and get fresh air is important, especially living with Alzheimers or dementia. Its easy to become cooped up a lot of the time, and not want to socialize or come out of the room because it seems scary. Going outside and moving will help any feelings of isolation or sadness. Look for some vitamin D!Some facilities offer many different types of amenities like an ice cream parlor, barber shop, hair salon, library and more!Look for Safety Features Offered in the Memory Care UnitSecurityLiving in a memory care facility, there should be a certain level of security for residents and staff. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimers or dementia, having security implementations such as Wander Guard will help monitor them. If a resident tries to leave the building alone or starts wandering, its a simple way to help avoid accidents and to keep your loved one safe.Call SystemHaving a call system in place will help with the safety of your loved one. Residents can notify nurses if they are not feeling well or have fallen, its a system that helps staff be aware of issues in the building since they cant be everywhere at once. The call system is a feature that helps bring families peace of mind because they know their loved ones are in constant care, which is better than at home.Ask for Their Recreational Activities Calendar of Memory CareInterestMany facilities offer a wide variety of social and recreational activities for residents, with a lot of diversity to cater to different interests. When researching facilities, focus on activities that interest your loved one and seems fun. At a memory care facility, there are more options than at home, but its still important to find activities your loved one will enjoy. Facilities that offer a variety will be helpful in creating a wonderful atmosphere. From indoors to outdoors to exercise classes and karaoke, many facilities offer a lot of options for residents to socialize.FamilyWith the hundreds of activities assisted living facilities can put together, important activities also include family involvement as well as the community. Having a facility that enriches and encourages families to come and visit their loved ones is important to help maintain close bonds. Holiday parties with family, birthdays, and get togethers can help residents with Alzheimers or dementia stay connected.Look for Memory Care Quality Food ServiceDietary NeedsMost people have different needs or specific restrictions when it comes to their diet, especially as they age. It can be recommended by your doctor if suffering from Alzheimers or dementia, an allergy, or a personal choice. Making sure a facility offers special dietary services is an important feature. While looking, its important to also research if the menu is approved by a dietitian.VisitorsLook into whether residents can have visitors and what that cost would be. Some residents might not be able to leave the facility because they are not able, so its important to see if the facility allows family members to have private parties or gatherings.Ask Questions About Contacts and FeesWhen on a tour or speaking with the facility employees ask questions like the following: Are there community entrance fees? Are there any extra costs? Can you age in place? How often do rates increase?Some facilities charge these fees, and some do not. Each facility will work differently for everyone based on their financial situation and each facility offers different services to residents. Find whats best for you and your loved one!This checklist is meant to help get you or your loved ones mind to begin thinking about important aspects to consider when discussing moving into memory care. There are many attributes that pertain to where you or your loved one make the choice. Its important to do the research and investigate certain features that would help make the decision easier. It can be difficult to narrow down the right place, especially with cost being a large factor. Use resources to help in this decision and trust the process!Being in a facility dedicated to helping your loved one live a full life is the purpose of memory care. They will receive 24-hour care, a safe environment for them to live their lives in, activities to keep up stimulation and socialization, and peace of mind for families that a loved one is in a safe space designed for them and their diagnosis.Lets further discuss key points on why memory care could be the right choice for you and your loved one:Reason 1:- 24/7 NursingHaving licensed nursing professionals on-site at all times will provide comfort for you and your loved one when in memory care. It gives you, your loved one, and family members peace of mind knowing medical professionals are always readily available day through night. With Alzheimers or dementia, it can be hard to communicate when not feeling well, or something is wrong. Professional nurses who are trained in memory care can communicate with you or your loved one safely and more efficiently.As families accept the reality of their loved ones being diagnosed with Alzheimers or dementia, the idea of taking care of them can be overwhelming. Family members usually dont have the skills or tools necessary to properly take care of their loved one. Memory care helps release that burden of feeling like someone needs to put their life on hold. There are nurses who work at these facilities dedicating their lives to patients like your loved one. Memory care facility nurses train to become strong communicators and advocators for patients with Alzheimers or dementia. With 24/7 nurses, your and your loved one will gain a sense of safety. Reason 2: Having a 24/7 Activities CalendarWhen living with Alzheimers or dementia, stimulating the mind and body is essential to creating a better-quality life. Its easy for Alzheimers or dementia patients to become isolated and overwhelmed very easily, curated activities for cognitive function can help your loved one live a better quality of life. The reason behind 24/7 activities is to intrigue every type of resident, which could be late in the afternoon or at 3 in the morning. The purpose is to have the opportunity for interaction for residents available regardless of the time. Some residents are night owls, others early birds, both have the chance to do what they want and when.With Alzheimers and dementia patients, every single day is different. Its hard to know how they will react to something or what kind of mood that day will bring.  Having an activities schedule robust enough that it is intriguing but not overwhelming is important to the proper care. Memory care facilities create an active environment with skilled nurses to help guide your loved one to a better quality of life while living with Alzheimers or dementia.Reason 3: Amenities AvailableMemory care facilities offer opportunities one would not receive at home. Your loved one would be able to have different perks right down the hall unlike at home. Memory care facilities and their amenities can help to uncomplicate life, doing so by offering a sense of freedom while still being cared for. Lets say your loved one really likes to get out of the house and explore different things like going to the barber shop or the nail salon. Memory care facilities offer amenities like those to bring a sense of normalcy to residents and gives them the independence to explore right there.Reason 4: Healthy Dining ProgramAt memory care facilities, it is very important to residents with Alzheimers or dementia. Usually, dementia friendly meals are served to keep residents physically and mentally healthy as much as possible. When suffering from Alzheimers or dementia, its easy to forget to eat, not remember if you did already, or become too overwhelmed. A balanced diet is important because your loved one cant be responsible for taking care of themselves alone anymore.Memory care facilities help monitor and create balanced meals for residents. They also give the option to not dine alone and create conversation daily while being fueled with the proper nutrition.Reason 5: Making it Feel Close to HomeMemory care facilities dont have to feel like an uncomfortable place. The staff and volunteers have a wonderful gift of making it feel close to home. When moving into a memory care facility, make sure to bring similar furniture, or items that make your loved one feel at home. Its possible they wont remember home much, but items from the past will help to keep the connection.At a memory care facility, they also focus on celebrating residents as well as holidays. Families can visit and theres something to do every single day. Residents can live a better quality of life than if they were home, your loved one can meet people and have friends to socialize with while getting the assistance and care needed.Reason 6: Safety Protocols The most important aspect of a memory care facility is the safety they offer. Nurses, security, and overall care can ensure your loved ones safety. When living at home, it can be difficult to live a good quality life. Unless you or your loved one has home care, there needs to be a solution to help in dealing with Alzheimers or dementia. Memory care facilities will offer constant care and a community for you or your loved one to be a part of, safely.In ConclusionWhen diagnosed with Alzheimers or dementia, having a plan is important to creating the best quality of life possible for your loved one. Memory care will help keep them stimulated, safe and sociable. As hard as it may be to come to terms with a difficult diagnosis, its always possible to create a path in which its not as scary. Memory care facilities will take you and your loved one in with open arms.Pittsburgh is known as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania according to Niche. It is rich in American history and known as the City of Bridges having 446 of them. There are 195 assisted living facilities in the Pittsburgh area, they offer different opportunities for levels of care and costs.Pittsburgh is a place where different age groups can find multiple activities to do. Being in assisted living wont stop you from still enjoying the city you live in if youre able. Look into the local arts and culture of Pittsburgh, like the Warhol Museum.Where you or your loved one decides to choose memory care is important, as well as the town around it. The Village of Williamsville offers unique shops and a friendly atmosphere to explore. If youre interested in learning more about memory care facilities and what they can offer to you or a loved one, research! Call up potential facilities and schedule a tour to see it in person or a virtual visit.Take the information here and process all the opportunities memory care can give to you and a loved one. It can help to transform someones quality of life, while dealing with an incurable disease. There are so many opportunities for residents with the activities and amenities offered through memory care. Memory care is to help you and your loved one live a better life.

As we embrace National Senior Independence Month, its an opportune time to celebrate the spirit and resilience of our elderly community members. Every February, this dedicated month serves as a reminder to focus on fostering autonomy and well-being among seniors, promoting a life of purpose and independence. Lets explore how our facility plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging the independence of our beloved seniors.As we embrace this National Senior Independence Month, we honor the journey of our community members and celebrate their ability to live life on their own terms. Growing older doesnt mean sacrificing independence; instead, its an opportunity to embrace newfound freedoms and pursue passions with unwavering enthusiasm. From sticking with beloved hobbies to discovering new interests, staying connected with loved ones, and prioritizing health and well-being, seniors have the power to shape their own destinies. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering seniors as they navigate the next chapter of life.Senior living communities play a vital role in fostering autonomy, well-being, and a sense of belonging among residents. Lets explore some of the primary aspects we consider when evaluating how we can promote independence among our residents:1: Tailored Care Plans: Recognizing Individual NeedsOur facility prioritizes personalized care plans that acknowledge the unique needs, preferences, and abilities of each resident. By understanding and respecting their individuality, we empower seniors to maintain a sense of control over their lives.2: Accessible Amenities: Ensuring Comfort and ConvenienceWeve designed our facility with accessibility in mind. From easily navigable spaces to thoughtful amenities, our goal is to provide an environment that allows seniors to move freely and comfortably, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency.3: Engaging Activities: Nurturing Physical and Mental Well-BeingNational Senior Independence Month is the perfect time to highlight the diverse range of activities available. From fitness classes to arts and crafts, our facilities offer a variety of engaging activities that encourage seniors to explore new interests and maintain an active lifestyle.National Senior Independence Month serves as a reminder that independence is a lifelong journey. We are committed to creating an environment where seniors can thrive, embracing their autonomy, and living life on their terms. Lets all continue to champion the cause of senior independence and ensure that every individual has the support and resources needed to lead a fulfilling and self-determined life.

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.