Nearly 7 million Americans are suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia today.
Navigating the complex and evolving symptoms of cognitive decline can take a serious toll on any family. Seeing a loved one struggle with memory isn’t just heartbreaking, it’s something that challenges those caring for them at every turn.
If you’re struggling to provide your loved one with the care that they need and deserve, it might be time for assisted living for memory care. There are 30,000 assisted living communities active in the country, however, so it can be tricky to find the right one to match your loved one’s needs.
In today’s post, we’ll try to ease your burden by giving you a short guide for finding memory care in Louisiana. Keep reading, and you’ll have a list of factors and criteria to consider so your loved one lands in the best possible situation.
What Is Memory Care?
There are a few different types of senior care. Understanding what type of community to look for will help you find the right care faster.
When you see independent living communities, are for healthy seniors who want a simpler lifestyle with more socialization. What you’re seeking out for your loved one with dementia is assisted living.
The core of assisted living is to help elderly people suffering from age-related illnesses with daily activities, such as dressing, taking medication, and hygiene. Some assisted living communities also offer memory care, which is a specific type of assisted living geared toward those with cognitive issues.
Memory care communities have highly trained and experienced staff to help with the unique challenges of dementia. The building itself is secure and safe to prevent wandering and injuries from falling. There are also amenities and activities aimed at improving the quality of life for an array of seniors, each with unique symptoms.
Look at Reviews
The best way to find the top assisted living communities in your area is to perform a Google search. Type “memory care living near me” into Google, and you’ll see everything on offer. From there, the best thing to do is sift through ratings and reviews.
Testimonials from loved ones of current and former residents can be very telling. In particular, you’ll want to look for any red flags regarding the treatment of residents and the state of the community.
Use the reviews to separate the best from the rest. Schedule tours with at least 3-5 memory care facilities to find the one that fits your loved one’s needs.
Tour Communities
Tours are integral in your ability to see with your own eyes how a memory care community operates. It’s important to show up prepared for your tour with a list of questions.
Common questions regard safety in memory care, staff qualifications, room size, and dining options. That said, you’ll have your own concerns unique to your loved one’s health and wellness, so don’t be afraid to grill your tour guide.
Take your time on the tour and carefully observe how residents are living and being treated by staff. Next, we’ll discuss a few important factors in more detail.
Staff Qualifications
Possibly the most important concern you should have with senior living options is staff. It requires special training and experience to deal with the symptoms of dementia. If staff aren’t up to the task, your loved one won’t get what they need from memory care.
At SummerHouse Ashton Manor, we’re nationally recognized for our memory care service. The SHINE® Memory Care program has received a National Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimer’s Society for the level of care and research that go into our services.
Each one of our staff undergoes intensive and ongoing training to provide residents with a science-based approach to memory care. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, however. Each resident has a customized care plan to tackle their daily needs.
Memory-Based Amenities
Often, it’s the amenities and programming that can tip the balance with elder care solutions. In memory care, these things are even more important.
You want amenities geared toward those dealing with cognitive issues. Look for communities with game rooms, pleasant outdoor areas, a library, and an in-house restaurant.
Dining, in particular, is crucial for maintaining the health of memory care residents. They need a balanced diet full of nutrients to stave off health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Activities and Programming
While you’re touring the community, you should also check out the activity calendar for residents. Quality memory care communities offer daily activities that help residents manage their symptoms, socialize, and keep fit.
Social isolation is a huge problem in our senior population. In a memory care community, all residents can freely socialize with each other and many of the activities are centered around socialization.
In terms of fitness, seniors need at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity to maintain joint, bone, and heart health. Many senior living activities are also aimed at improving the health of residents, whether it’s with light yoga, Tai Chi, or walking groups.
Safety and Transportation Services
Make sure to assess the safety and security of the community. 60% of Alzheimer’s patients wander at least once, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. The building and grounds should be secure, and residents should be monitored at all times to prevent this.
It’s important to ask about transportation services as well. A good community will offer regular transportation to get residents to appointments or allow them leisure time outside the community.
At SummerHouse Ashton Manor, our Connections transportation service is free of charge to get your loved one where they need to go safely and on time.
Get the Best Assisted Living for Memory Care in Luling
There are many assisted living for memory care options out there. None have the qualifications or offer as many amenities as SummerHouse Ashton Manor. We’re the top assisted living community in Luling, so you can trust us with your loved one’s health and wellness.
To learn more about our services and schedule a tour of our community, contact us today.
