Getting a diagnosis like Alzheimer’s or dementia can be earth-shattering. However, since cognitive decline is a progressive disease, few people treat it with urgency.
Nevertheless, when it comes to memory care, you don’t want to leave things until the last minute or find your loved one is already at the point where extra support is needed.
Get the research done now. Here’s our ultimate checklist for finding quality memory care in Biloxi.
Determine Your Loved One’s Needs
Finding the best memory care in Biloxi for your loved one begins with a clear idea about what you need. Not all seniors require the same type of care. Think about:
- Your loved ones’ cognitive issues, diagnosis, and severity
- Their physical health and any mobility limitations
- Their preferences, like hobbies and their desire for social interaction
- Practical needs, such as how close the care community is to family
Getting these requirements down on paper at the start will help you narrow your selection. You’ll also find it handy when shortlisting and comparing different options.
Establishing a Budget
Quality memory care in Biloxi must be financially viable. So, before you begin shortlisting communities, you must look at your finances.
Your relative may be entitled to support such as Medicaid. If they are a veteran, you can also research benefits to which they may be entitled. Remember that not all communities have the same charging model.
Some will charge a flat fee, while others charge per service. It’s essential to get a clear picture of the long-term costs to compare like-for-like.
Shortlisting Local Memory Care Options
When it’s time to begin your search for a memory care community in Biloxi, you want to ensure you’ve covered all the options to find the best fit for your loved one. Here are some simple steps to create a shortlist:
- Run a local search to find all memory care names in Biloxi
- Write down a list of services you need in a spreadsheet
- Next, look at the services on offer for each community and tick them off your spreadsheet
- Leave space to enter other helpful information like reputation and online review
This approach is a systematic step that will help you see all your research at a glance. It will help you remove some options and hone in on the memory care support that’s likely to be best for your loved one.
The Importance of Licensing
You’ll want the best care for your loved one, and that means a safe, reputable community with specially trained teams and the appropriate licensing.
So always ensure that’s part of your early checks when shortlisting memory care destinations. All credentials demonstrate that you are considering a community that you can trust.
Staff Qualifications
High-quality staff can make a difference in how happy and comfortable seniors feel when they move into a caring community.
You want enthusiastic teams that offer compassion to their patients and know how to accommodate their needs and unique challenges. Here are some qualifications you might want to look for:
- Traditional qualifications, such as degrees in nursing, gerontology, or psychology
- Specialist training in dementia and Alzheimer’s care
- The number of years of experience in memory care offered by the entire team
- Any ongoing training and support
- More specific training, such as knowledge of health and safety or first aid
Remember to speak to staff directly. This will give you a better feel for the community and help you understand whether your loved one will get personalized, dedicated care that best fits their needs.
You should also check the staff-to-resident ratio offered at each memory care community. Having plenty of staff and teams who can spend more time with your loved one will improve their well-being and safety.
Social and Therapeutic Activities
Memory care means more than tending to the everyday needs of someone with dementia. It’s also about making their life rich and fulfilling, and each day brings joy and social interaction.
Always look for a community with lots to offer your loved one and programs catering to their interests, hobbies, and any therapeutic needs. That might include:
- Music therapy, which is excellent for stimulating memories
- Other creative classes like arts and crafts
- Physical activity such as yoga or light aerobics helps your loved one stay mobile
- Social activities, like film or game nights, can boost well-being by staying connected with others
- Outdoor activities like a walk in nature contribute to mental health and physical fitness
Good care communities like SummerHouse Bay Cove will always prioritize programs. That’s because we know that tending to a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health is the key to a long and happy life.
Safety Considerations
One of the challenges of dementia is that it can leave your loved one in unsafe circumstances. When they live at home, they can wander and become lost. Or they may begin to cook a meal, forgetting they left the stove on.
Safety is paramount when finding memory care in Biloxi, and reputable care teams will always have stringent health and safety measures in place. That might include things like:
- Safe and easy-to-navigate routes throughout the buildings and grounds
- Security at entrances and exits
- Well-lit rooms with handles to help prevent falls
- Emergency call buttons in private rooms and bathrooms
- Emergency procedures are in place and regular drills
- Staff training in evacuations and first aid
Check these safety features when you tour a site. A reputable care community like ours has established processes and a state-of-the-art environment for the welfare of our residents.
Booking a Tour
Always book a tour before making a final decision.
Websites can only tell you so much, whereas a tour allows you to speak to staff and ask any outstanding questions. This is also a good time to ask for references and read testimonials and reviews from other residents and their families.
Memory Care in Biloxi
It may take time to find the best memory care in Biloxi, but it’s worth the effort. A good community will ensure your loved one has a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, even with the challenges of cognitive decline. Use this Biloxi memory care checklist to help you.
At SummerHouse Bay Cove, our assisted living and memory care community has everything you could need for your loved one. It’s premier living in a stunning location. Discover more here.
