Every element of a great memory care home is customized to provide optimal comfort for each resident. The staff members employ specialized care and activity programs to create a supportive environment for people living with dementia.
With the right support system behind them, people who are experiencing dementia can still live happy and fulfilling lives with a considerable amount of autonomy. For many individuals and their loved ones, the first step is to find a new home that can provide that necessary support.
Are you considering memory care home for yourself or your loved one? As you do your research online, the vast amount of options can seem overwhelming. How do you know which is the right community?
Today, we’re going to look at some key traits of an excellent memory care community. As you are considering your options, keep these important points in mind to ensure you come to the best conclusion for your specific needs.
Expert Staff
People who live with dementia thrive when receiving attentive care from a compassionate and capable team. Finding the right staff at a memory care home can make an enormous, positive impact on your loved one’s wellbeing.
At a well-managed memory care facility, nurses and support staff have specialized training to assist residents living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. Memory care staff consistently work with the same residents to create personal connections that improve residents’ quality of life.
Quality memory care facilities have dedicated teams who treat each resident like family. They provide attention to details that are unique to your loved ones and work to maintain open communication about their needs and well-being.
If you are considering one or a few memory care homes in your area, there is an easy way to gain some insight into what that location expects from its staff. Look at the careers page on their website. Listings available on these pages will give you an idea of what that facility expects from its staff, from credentials to standards of conduct.
Facility Design
The facility layout accommodates residents with varying physical capabilities. Wide walkways offer plenty of room for residents to move with ease. Wandering is a part of dementia, so thoughtful communities have smaller neighborhoods with central, private courtyards.
The circular floor plan allows residents to wander without getting frustrated by dead-end corridors. They will always end up back at the hub of activity. Other smart elements in purposefully built dementia communities include:
- Dining rooms with group and private seating options
- Family rooms
- Activity spaces
- Easy-to-find wellness stations
The paint on the walls, flooring, furniture, and lighting are also customized to accommodate memory care residents as they transition into a new facility.
While photos online can tell part of the story, physically touring a memory care home is extremely important as well. Here, you can get a real feel for the environment that your loved one would be living in. This can help better inform your decision whether or not to pursue that facility or continue exploring other options in your area.
A Sense of Security
Because dementia can affect a person’s awareness, some who live with the condition may tend to wander. This can create a safety risk for them if they are disoriented and cannot recall where they are. To help protect against this, a qualified memory care facility should have a number of wander management systems in place to proactively manage risks and aid your loved one in navigating their new home.
Wander management systems help keep memory care residents safe and comfortable and include features like:
- Secure, interconnected corridors
- Security alarms on external doors
- Wearable locating devices with geofencing and tracking capabilities
- Grab bars and in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways to reduce the risk of falls or injuries
When a facility implements an effective wander management system, the staff can find and assist your loved one quickly and efficiently. This can help mitigate many of the safety risks that can occur during a period of wandering.
At-Home Atmosphere
No detail is too small when it comes to memory care. Residents need structure to help them feel at ease while they make the switch to long-term care. A good facility infuses love into their culture and care to help residents feel at home.
Individuals with memory loss need an atmosphere with:
- Minimal distractions and noises
- Natural lighting
- Secure indoor and outdoor spaces
For many individuals who transition to a memory care home, this can cause initial anxiety. Will the facility feel like a hospital or like a true home? Will they become isolated? These fears are both understandable and common. However, with the right community, they can be easily pushed aside by providing residents with the simple comforts and cares of home.
Providing a comfortable environment where a person living with dementia can feel safe and cared for is critical to supporting their quality of life. These aesthetic features of the facility bring a true feeling of home to those who can benefit from it most.
Specialized Programming
When it comes to caring for a person living with dementia, consistency and frequent engagement are critical to ensuring a high quality of life. The brain needs exercise just like any other part of the body.
At a compassionate memory care home, the staff works with your loved one to establish consistent routines to help them feel at home while also providing them access to daily social activities to reduce the effects of isolation. These actions can help your loved one feel included and supported as they transition to a new living environment and adjust to living with the symptoms of dementia.
Memory care provides therapeutic programs for cognitive impairments and behavioral issues. There are also personalized programs that can be customized depending on the stage of memory loss. Family members are welcome to participate in outreach and engagement, which can help comfort loved ones.
Learn More About Memory Care Homes in Ohio
Contact us to discuss your loved one’s needs and determine if a dedicated memory care home like Cotter House Worthington is the right fit.