There are a lot of mixed emotions once you have decided to move your loved one into a memory care community. The process of choosing the best community for your loved one can be daunting and difficult. With variations between communities in amenities, activities, staffing, and more, you may be unsure about how to find the community that fits your loved ones’ needs the best. As you begin the process of visiting memory care communities, asking the right questions can help you determine which community will suit your loved one the best.

What level of care does this community provide? This is the most important question on the list. Memory care communities often provide a certain level of assistance with daily tasks. However, ensuring that the community offers the level of assistance that meets your loved one’s needs is important.

What type of training have associates received? People who work in a memory care community support residents with cognitive impairment and should be professionally trained. You will want to ask specific questions about the training the associates receive and if there are any ongoing training requirements.

Grace Management, Inc. communities provide our associates working within memory care with The Village Program® Orientation – a program recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association® for incorporating the evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment, and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.

What is the monthly rate for housing and care? What services does this rate include? The cost of a memory care community may vary depending on the location as well as the unique needs and preferences of your loved one. Prices fluctuate throughout the country, and it is important to explore the cost and what it includes. Other questions to consider asking include: is there an entrance fee? How will the cost be affected if my loved one needs more care in the future?

What type of apartments are available? Are they private or semi-private? If you have a preference for what type of apartment your loved one will be in, this is a great question. Apartment availability varies by community. Some communities may offer private one-bedroom or studio apartments, while others may have the option to be paired with a roommate.

What is the move-out policy? It is an unfortunate reality that a resident may no longer be able to be cared for in some communities due to a handful of factors. The community could no longer be an appropriate fit for the resident and the level of care they need, or they may become aggressive and pose a danger to themselves and those around them. Understanding a community and its policies for moving out will help you, so you aren’t taken by surprise if moving out does become necessary.

What activities are available for residents? Activities are an essential part of any memory care community and vital to residents’ well-being. Not all activities will work for everyone, so it is important that the memory care community you choose for your loved one offers a wide variety of activities to meet each resident’s ranging cognitive levels. A variety of activities should be scheduled morning through evening, so your loved one will experience structure and a feeling or purpose.

How does the community communicate with family? Having regular communication with caregivers is important and comforting for the family. Not only does it ensure you will receive updates on your loved one, but it also will help you ensure that your loved one is getting the attention and care they need.

What do the meal options look like? Most memory care communities offer three meals a day alongside snacks. You will want to ensure the community can accommodate any dietary restrictions or needs your loved one may have.

Finding a memory care community that is right for your loved one is important. We hope these questions will help you in your search for a memory care community.

Are you interested in learning more about Grace Management, Inc. and our memory care communities? Head to our community page and select memory care to see if we have a memory care community near you!