How To Find The Best Memory Care Facility for Your Family Member

When making any big decision, there can be times when you second-guess yourself or wonder what you should do. It can be hard to know if you’re made the right choice. And that feeling can linger even after you decide. Sometimes you don’t know if you’ve found the right option until after the choice has been made. This is even more true if you’re trying to make a lifestyle decision — like finding the best memory care center— for a family member.
If that describes a situation that would (or does) keep you up at night, this blog post is here to help. While our memory care checklist can help you identify what to look for and questions to ask, deciding on the best memory care is more subjective. That’s because it goes beyond the bricks and mortar or services and amenities a community offers … it’s more about how a community feels. Granted, the location, design and activities are important, but there’s more to choosing a memory care center than that.
This blog post will guide you through how to get a feel for choosing a memory care community so you can, without a doubt, know you’ve found the right one for your family member.
Choose A Memory Care Center That Feels Like Home
Everyone has a different definition of “home” which is sometimes based on where they grew up or an idealized version of what a home should be. But “home” is more than the words used to describe it. It’s something that you just know when you feel it.
If you’re currently looking for a dementia care option for your loved one, here are some things to consider as you tour memory care centers.
- Pets as truth tellers: Does the community have pet-friendly memory care — like The Ridge does — and, if so, how do the pets you see act? Are they relaxed? Happy? Do they seem to like living there?
- Trust your gut: You know what it’s like to feel welcomed in someone’s home, so ask yourself, “Do I feel welcomed in this community? Do I feel like I could drop in whenever I want for a visit?” Also notice if other people are there visiting their loved ones.
- Personalized and individualized: As you look at the residences, notice if they all look the same or if they’ve been decorated. Helping someone feel at home starts with having items that make them feel welcome and cozy.
- Friends on staff: Even if you don’t know any of the community’s staff, do they make you feel welcome? Are they friendly? Do you feel like they care about what they do? Does the staff have a good relationship with the residents?
- Vibe check: To get a feel for the atmosphere, and how the residents interact with one another and the staff, sit in on a scheduled activity or eat a meal with them. Understanding what a typical day can look like for your loved one can help you decide if a memory care center is a good fit.
- What’s cooking?: How does the food smell? Is there a kitchen where residents can help make meals or snacks? For a lot of people, a feeling of home is closely associated with food. Pay attention to what’s served and if you think it’s something your loved one would enjoy.
- Use your imagination: As you tour around, do you see other residents doing things your loved one would like to do? Activities they do now or would like to try? Or maybe there are other residents and staff you think your loved one would like talking to or being around. If your family member’s faith is important to them, do you see ways they can continue to practice it either with regular on-site services or transportation to area houses of worship? If you can imagine them living there, it’s probably a good fit.
Get a Second Opinion From Your Loved One
If you’ve toured communities with your parent or loved one, you may want to get their perspective. Here are some questions to consider asking:
- What do you think of the staff and residents?
- Do they seem like people you’d want to talk to?
- Does it seem like a place you’d enjoy?
- Does the community feel safe to you?
- And, perhaps most importantly, does it feel like home?
Looking For A Memory Care Center?
We understand that searching for the best care for a family member is a big decision. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and are exploring your options, consider The Ridge. We have beautifully appointed memory care communities with dedicated, caring and highly trained staff in Denver and Salt Lake City. Schedule a tour or contact us to learn more about our memory care facilities at The Ridge.