We all want to make the best choice for our loved ones with dementia. This can be a difficult process, so it’s important to ask questions before placing a loved one in a memory care community near Perdido, AL. We’ve compiled some must-ask questions below:
How Often Do The Staff Conduct Resident Assessments?
The frequency of resident assessments varies, but a good rule of thumb is that they should be done at least once a month. The frequency depends on the resident’s needs and what level of care they require. For example, if your loved one is in a senior-friendly independent living community where they can still live independently and only visits memory care for assistance with activities such as bathing, then assessments may be less frequent because there isn’t as much risk for injury. In contrast, if your loved one is in full-time memory care due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and has trouble with wandering behavior that puts him or her at risk for falls or other injuries, it’s important to have frequent assessments because they help determine how often someone needs additional assistance (for example when performing daily tasks).
What Are The Meal Times And Options?
Most care communities offer three meals per day. The first meal starts at 8:30 am, and the last ends at 6:30 pm, with a light snack available between 3-4 pm. There are several options for each meal, including main course options (such as chicken piccata), side dishes (like cheesy broccoli casserole), desserts (like lemon pudding cake), and beverages (like cream of tomato soup).
For residents with specific dietary restrictions or food allergies, alternative options may be available upon request in advance of your visit. Residents can also bring their food from home to eat with the rest of the community members if they would like to do that instead of having their meals prepared by staff members in the community.
What Kind Of Activities Do You Offer?
There are many ways in which active lifestyles can be promoted, and it’s important for you to determine which activities will best suit your loved one. Whether you’re looking for physical or cognitive activities or both, ask about the types of programs that are offered at the community. A good memory care community should have a wide variety of options so residents can choose what they want to do on any given day.
In addition to activities provided by staff members, some communities might also have guests in residence who provide additional entertainment options. These include guest speakers such as authors and musicians; performers who play music or dance; outside vendors who bring crafts or art supplies; and volunteers who regularly visit to teach residents something new (such as gardening).
How Is Medication Managed?
Perhaps one of the most critical questions is, “How is medication managed?”
Residents need to be safe and secure when taking their medications. That’s why you must inquire about how your loved one will be given their pills.
If your loved one has an apartment in the memory care community, then he or she must take medication from a locked cabinet located in their room. The staff members will provide them with a pill box, which they will use to store their medication throughout the day and night. A nurse visits the resident multiple times each week to check on how he or she is doing with their daily routine (including taking medicines). The nurse is also there to answer any questions they have about any new medications being prescribed by their physician or other medical professionals who may have been involved in providing care at home before moving into this type of community setting where help will always be available nearby but not necessarily right next door!
Conclusion
If you are considering a community for your loved one, we hope these questions help you make an informed decision. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, they will need more support than someone without memory issues. This is why it is so important to ask questions before placing them in a community.
