If you or a loved one have been searching for a memory care community, it is essential to make sure you find a neighborhood that will truly feel like home while providing a safe, enriching daily lifestyle. There are numerous options to choose from in Maryland, each with its unique qualities and benefits. Wherever you look for care, there are common key factors that will determine which neighborhood is the best fit and stands out among the rest. Here are five essential questions to ask when touring a memory care community.
1. What safety procedures and safeguards are currently in place?
Safety is typically the top priority of those looking for a senior living community - and rightfully so. Memory care in particular presents a unique set of challenges. Inquiring about safety on macro and micro levels is a crucial step in gaining peace of mind that you have found the right community to meet your needs and expectation A few specific questions to consider asking are:
- How will residents find their way if they need help to remember where they are or where they are going?
- What procedures are in place to ensure any off-site outings, if available, are supervised and safe?
- Who makes sure residents are arriving for meals?
2. How are daily habits and hygiene supported?
Keeping residents happy, healthy, and active is the key to a fulfilling life. Each memory care community has its own way of ensuring these regular needs are met.
- How does the team assist residents in creating and maintaining daily routines, such as hygiene and meaningful socialization?
- Who makes sure residents are arriving for meals?
- Is home health available for residents who need extra support?
3. Who ensures that medication directions are followed?
Medication is an important component of health for many; however, independently managing medication can be difficult for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Ask the memory care communities you are exploring:
- Is there a nurse or medical professional on staff to supervise medication?
- How are staff trained to administer medicine?
- How will medication lists, dosage, and directions be updated?
4. How are transportation and medical appointments coordinated?
Whether appointments are occasional or frequent, it is crucial to ensure that clear communication is developed between residents, their families, staff members, and medical professionals. By establishing a plan, all parties involved will know their role to ensure that proper transportation is available and appointments are kept.
- Is transportation available to residents? If so, how far in advance must this be arranged and will there be a chaperone?
- Will a family member or friend who does not live within the memory care community be required to take the resident to the appointment?
- How will a resident be reminded that they must be ready for and go to an appointment?
5. What structures are in place to ensure new residents feel welcomed and create connections with others?
One major benefit to living in any senior living community is the ability to connect with others in such close proximity. However, the transition into a new neighborhood and routine can feel overwhelming at first, making it difficult for new residents to want to begin socializing with others. Ensuring that there are plentiful options for activities, comfortable common areas, and friendly staff will help with the transition along with asking:
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What kind of structured and unstructured activities are available? How often does this change?
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How do you help new residents create new friendships?
Where can residents spend time in conversation, or at least proximity, to others?
We hope these questions provide a helpful framework to refine your search for a memory care community that fulfills your or your loved one’s needs and preferences. If you are considering our Arbor Terrace Fulton memory care community, we’d love to meet you. Give us a call at 301-284-3827 to schedule a tour and experience the Arbor difference for yourself.