What to Expect From a Memory Care Facility?

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.

Maintaining a strong bond with a parent or relative in a senior living community is vital for their emotional well-being and overall lifestyle. Feeling connected to family provides older adults with a sense of love, support, and stability that enhances their happiness and reinforces their sense of self. For families experiencing this life transition, staying involved may seem challenging at times. However, with thoughtful planning and dedication, you can preserve a meaningful relationship that benefits both you and your parent. Our senior living team at Magnolia Place of Saxonburg is sharing practical and heartwarming ways to stay connected while building a strong foundation of love and belonging. From scheduling regular visits to using technology creatively, each tip is designed to make staying in touch easier and more fulfilling. Establishing a Routine of Regular Visits Consistency is a powerful way to nurture feelings of security and connection. Regular visits allow your parent to enjoy something familiar and dependable. Having you there reinforces their sense of purpose and gives them something to look forward to. Weekly or bi-weekly visits can provide a stable routine. Choose times that work best for both you and your parentsuch as late mornings or early afternoonsto align with their energy levels. Once youve established your visiting cadence, aim to make your time together special. Share memories, enjoy tea together, or participate in shared programs offered by the senior living community in Butler.Building Relationships with Caregivers Building a strong rapport with your parents caregivers not only ensures youre up to date on important details regarding their care plan but also fosters a sense of trust and collaboration. Introduce yourself to the caregivers during your visits and take time to learn their names and roles. Ask questions about your parents daily experiences, dietary preferences, or any programs theyve been enjoying. A warm relationship can make it easier to address concerns or make adjustments to their care and enhance the overall experience for your family member. Including Your Parent in Family Events Belonging to familial celebrations offers older adults a chance to remain part of the familys ongoing story while creating fresh, cherished memories. Whether its a holiday gathering, someones birthday, or just a simple family dinner, inclusion matters deeply. If your parent can travel, plan ahead to ensure their comfort with transportation and accessibility. For those who cannot leave the community, consider bringing the celebration to them. Our senior living community encourages families to host gatherings in our dining spaces. Using Technology to Stay in Touch Technology offers creative ways to bridge the gap when in-person visits arent possible. Whether your parent is a tech enthusiast or a novice, theres a solution to help you stay connected. Video calls provide a sense of face-to-face connection that no phone call can replicate. Apps like Zoom, Facetime, or Skype offer user-friendly platforms for catching up with a parent in a senior living community, whether youre across town or the country. If your family member enjoys email, sending notes and photos regularly can make them feel included in your daily life. Social media is another wonderful tool, as older adults can view photos, updates, and special moments shared by family members. Additional Tips and Resources Building meaningful connections isnt limited to family visits or digital communication. There are many ways to enrich your family members life and bring greater joy to your relationship. Shared hobbies can be particularly impactful. Finding ventures like reading books together, solving puzzles, or gardening can strengthen bonds while keeping both of you engaged. Our senior living community in Butler boasts a vibrant calendar packed with enriching programs. Encouraging your relative to participate in these events reinforces their sense of belonging and social connection. Staying connected to a family member living in a senior living community isnt just about spending time together; its about fostering trust, love, and understanding that resonates deeply within them. Your visits, thoughtful inclusion, and shared hobbies remind your relative that theyre an irreplaceable part of the family. Take the first step toward a more meaningful connection by applying these practices. Your actions will surely bring comfort to your parent while enriching your own life in ways that words cant express. Contact us to learn more today at (724) 352-2827.

If you're caring for both young children and aging parents, you're likely part of the sandwich generation. As the adult child of an aging parent, you may already feel the weight of the responsibility, even if you're not directly providing care. However, for those actively caregiving, the stress can be overwhelming.According to 2018 data from the Pew Research Center, about 12% of parents of young children are also caring for an older adult. These unpaid family caregivers spend an average of 2 hours a day providing care, amounting to approximately $470 billion in unpaid caregiving annually. The demands on sandwich generation caregivers go beyond physical tasksthey may also take on roles as healthcare experts, volunteer coordinators, and advocates, all while managing full-time jobs. It can feel like working two or more full-time roles at once.Luckily, the right senior living option, such as a personal care home, can help both you and your aging parent. Personal care homes provide a comfortable, supportive environment where your loved one can receive assistance with daily tasks, allowing them to live as independently as possible while maintaining a high quality of life. This type of care can ease your burden, helping you focus on spending time with your parent and relieving some of the stress from your caregiving responsibilities.What the Sandwich Generation FacesThe sandwich generation is uniquely positioned in the middle of two significant caregiving responsibilities: raising children and ensuring the well-being of aging parents. Both roles are demanding and often leave caregivers feeling stretched thin. Studies show that parents often remain sleep-deprived for years after having children, and by the time theyre navigating the challenges of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and teenage issues, theres little time left for themselves.The Practical Challenges of CaregivingBetween caring for children, working, and looking after aging parents, it can be impossible to find time for anything else. Its common for caregivers to feel that they are constantly running between tasks and juggling too many responsibilities. And when you're caring for an aging parent with health issues, your obligations can feel even heavier. For those who provide care for both children and elderly parents, it may seem like theres never enough time to meet everyone's needs, including your own.Its easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you're failing at all roles because the demands are so high. But its important to remember that your efforts are invaluable. Consider how much youd pay for an in-home aide or a childcare provider to fulfill some of these tasksit can help you realize the true value of the care you're giving.You Dont Have to Do It AloneIf you're feeling alone in your caregiving journey, you're not. Millions of Americans face the same challenges, and there are resources available to help. A major obstacle for caregivers is the sense of dutyfeeling like you have to do everything on your own for your family, no matter the cost to your own well-being. Many caregivers worry that seeking help is a sign of weakness or that theyre abandoning their loved ones.In reality, no one person can fulfill all the roles needed to care for both children and elderly parents. The right support, such as a personal care home for your parent, can make a huge difference. These homes offer a safe, supportive environment where your loved one can receive assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management while also enjoying social events and a sense of community. This allows you to visit your parent without worrying about caregiving tasks, helping to restore balance to your relationship.Todays personal care homes offer a variety of services that may be difficult to manage at home, including prepared meals, housekeeping, and wellness programs. Many seniors express relief and contentment upon moving into a personal care home, often wishing they had made the decision sooner.Some Signs You Need Help and SupportIf you're feeling overwhelmed, its important to recognize when additional help is needed. Your well-being matters, and seeking support for yourself and your loved one is a proactive step toward a healthier and more balanced life. Some signs that you may need additional help include:You have an unsupportive partner who doesnt help with caregiving.Youre overwhelmed by family criticism regarding your caregiving choices.You feel exhausted, burned out, or chronically stressed.You dont have time to take care of yourself.Youre finding less meaning in caregiving and feel resentment.You worry that you cant provide your aging parent with the support they need.Youre feeling depressed or anxious.Your caregiving roles frequently conflict with one another.Having a conversation with your aging parent about moving into a personal care home isnt about giving up; its about providing them with a better quality of life while relieving you of some of the caregiving burdens. Its a win-win situationyour parent will have the support they need, and you can enjoy time together without the stress of constant caregiving demands.As a member of the sandwich generation, its essential to recognize when you need support. Personal care homes, such as Magnolia Place of Saxonburg, can provide the care and community your aging parent needs, giving you the freedom to focus on your family and self-care. You don't have to do it all alonesupport is available to help you balance your responsibilities and improve your quality of life for everyone involved.  Give us a call today to learn more at (724) 352-2827.