If you're looking into memory care communities, here are 11 questions you might want to ask during your research and why.
It's essential to understand how well staff might be prepared to provide care in circumstances where a resident has dementia or another memory disorder. Ask about the clinical and professional background of staff in general. Who is in charge of care decisions, and what are their credentials? You might also want to ask about continuing education and how staff keeps up with best practices in memory care.
This question helps you understand whether there are enough team members in a memory care community to ensure excellent care. You may want to ask specifically about ratios at certain times of day, as communities may not have as many staff members present during the night as they would during the day. Even during the day, staffing numbers might fluctuate depending on meal times and other high-activity times.
Find out whether a memory care community is prepared for individual medical emergencies as well as large-scale events such as natural disasters. When community leaders can answer questions about unplanned but urgent scenarios confidently and in a well-organized manner, it indicates that forethought has been put into these matters and processes are probably in place to help support positive outcomes should emergencies arise.
Discuss care planning processes with potential memory care communities to find out how staff approaches each resident's unique needs. What type of diet, activity and safety measures can be customized to meet your loved one's specific needs, and how do care plans change as someone moves through phases of dementia?
To get a good idea of what life looks like in a memory care community, ask staff to walk you through several example days for a resident. Ask what type of meals might be served and when, what activities residents can participate in and whether there are options. You might consider asking memory care staff to describe a day for a hypothetical resident who's dealing with a memory care issue similar to yours. Then, ask them to discuss how that might change for residents who are in later stages of dementia.
Memory care communities should be able to provide you with specific protocols and processes for managing behaviors such as wandering or sundowning. They should also have options for addressing mood swings, depression, anger and other behavioral health challenges that might impact a person's lifestyle and responses to external stimuli.
Pose questions about how a memory care community ensures family members can be involved with their loved one's life and care. Will loved ones have input into care planning and future changes? How often can you visit, and what do visit parameters look like? If family members live far away, will staff work with them to support video chats and calls, if appropriate?
What does the living space itself look like? You can view floor plans online to get an idea of the space you might be considering. However, one of the best ways to understand the living space is to visit the community for a tour. When reaching out to potential memory care communities, ask about visit options. Some may offer 360-degree virtual tours so you can gather additional information before you travel to see a location in person.
Discuss cultural aspects of a community if those are important to you. Some people want to ensure they're living in a faith-based community, for example. Many want an upbeat and contemporary atmosphere, while others may be concerned with whether their favorite activities are supported.
Ask for documents that provide information about all the fees and costs involved so you can compare your options. Talk to potential memory care administrative staff about what's included in costs and how long-term care insurance and other coverage might help with costs.
Finally, go to social proof to understand whether a memory care community might be a good choice for you or your loved one. Review testimonial videos, read reviews and ask if you can speak to current residents or loved ones about their experience with a community.
