Five Questions to ask when Searching for a Memory Care Facility.
Memory care is long-term and provides specialized care for individuals diagnosed with Dementia. The facilities are designed to prevent wandering, minimize confusion, and offer a safe place for individuals who have Dementia.
When searching for a facility, asking the right questions (based on your loved one's needs) will help you decide what's best.
Here are the top five questions I ask:
How much does it cost? I would ask this question first because it allows you to assess your budget and be honest about what you can afford. Memory care is private pay unless you have long-term care insurance and Medicaid, which means if your loved one doesn't qualify for Medicaid or have long-term insurance, it will cost a lot. The average cost for memory care is $306 per day or $111,657 per year for a private room and $268 per day or $97,747 per year for a semi-private room.
What level of care does the facility provide? Understanding the facility's level of care is key to your loved one's safety, security, and longevity. You want to ask about the ratio of staff to patients. Typically it's 1:9 (one staff member to nine residents, and it changes during the night). An excellent guide is a 1:6 ratio. You also want to inquire about how residents are grouped. There are different stages of Dementia, and you want to make sure your loved one is grouped according to ability and not availability. Read that again!
What type of training has the staff received? When searching for a reputable facility asking about training, certifications, awards, and experience is essential. I would ask if they have full-time LPNs or RNs and a medical director, the qualifications of the staff and director, and any awards they have received as a company. I would also ask how often they participate in training and professional development.
What programs and services do the facility offer? Memory care isn't just about someone keeping their eyes on your loved one; it's about your loved one still maintaining an excellent quality of life. Asking about daily activities, monthly schedules of outings, and services will give you insight into what the facility offers and if it's a good fit for your loved one.
What's the procedure for medical emergencies? Being aware of the process and policy for medical emergencies is extremely important. Every facility has a protocol for handling emergencies, notifying loved ones, and transporting your loved one to a hospital in case of an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures in case there is an emergency.
There may be a facility that meets all of your needs, but using wisdom, reading testimonies/reviews, being attentive as your tour the facility, and being comfortable will allow you to be at peace as you enter into the next season of your loved one's journey!
With Love,
Ty Lewis, CEO
incaseiforgetconsulting
For more information, follow us here