According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people (about twice the population of Texas) worldwide are living with dementia. If your loved one has started showing signs of dementia and you are looking for a memory care facility in Allentown to provide them with proper and safe care, we’d like to help you in your search. Choosing a memory care facility can affect your loved one’s quality of life and overall well-being. In this blog, we will discuss making informed decisions, and how to find the best memory care facility for your loved one through proper research. 

What are the signs of early dementia? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, early dementia signs include problems with: 

• Short-term memory. 
• Keeping track of a purse or wallet. 
• Paying bills. 
• Planning and preparing meals. 
• Remembering appointments. 
• Traveling out of the neighborhood. 

Conditions usually start slow and progress as time goes on. Contact a doctor if you or your loved one are having difficulties with any of these signs.  

Location 

When choosing a location, your loved one being comfortable is most important. Is it a new area? Is it the same town they’ve lived in for years? It all depends on your loved ones or your preferences to find the best location to choose. According to The Ridge Senior Living, when choosing a location, the most important factors include how close the family is, the ability of the location to meet your loved ones needs, the surrounding area, and the facilities nearby. Begin your search with facilities near your loved one, it may be best for them to stay within an area they are familiar with and attach memories. 

Ratings and Reviews 

When researching memory care facilities for your loved one, it’s important to research ratings and reviews from family members of current residents. According to A Place for Mom, look for thoughtful reviews and how they compare to ratings, sometimes reviews can be biased or inaccurate, but it’s important to take the time to look and evaluate all the information in front of you. Certain specifics to look for when looking at reviews on websites are the amount, if it’s a family member, specific details, reoccurring topics, and verification of the review. If you find something negative, don’t be afraid to ask the facility more on that topic and evaluate their response when you go on a tour.  

Book a Tour 

Taking a tour of the potential memory care facility your loved one will be at is crucial. This is your time to assess the environment and cleanliness of the facility, if it gives off a positive ambiance. While on a tour, you will meet some staff who would be in charge of your loved one’s care and needs. You want to look for compassionate and kind employees who will put your loved one’s needs first. You have the opportunity to interact with staff and get a feel for their level of training and demeanor. During your tour, keep an eye out for safety precautions the facility takes, like secure entryways and staff to resident ratios. Many facilities offer levels of care or specialized care plans, you can learn more on your tour asking questions about their programs offered and how they evaluate residents with dementia.  

Remember, it is not you in memory care, consider your loved one’s comfortability in this facility and ask yourself if this is the best environment for them. 

Staff 

When it comes to memory care, the staff is extremely important to your loved one’s experience. Working in memory care takes passion, patience, and grace. Something to look out for at a memory care facility is if the staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners. They have a special knowledge and training in dementia care, and the various stages and challenges. They are trained in giving personalized care to each resident based on your loved one’s specific and unique needs. When dementia progresses, Certified Dementia Practitioners have the knowledge on how to manage behavior and use redirection techniques to create a supportive environment. Remember to ask on your tour if any of the facility’s staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners.  

Security and Safety 

What’s more important than safety? Many memory care units are designed for people living with dementia to do it safely and for families to feel comfortable their loved ones are in a protected environment. You want your loved one to be able to move around freely and not be in a confined space, which is why doing the proper research and asking the important questions is necessary. When residents can move freely and safely, it can help to reduce anxiety and confusion. That feeling of independence is important for them to hold on to, as A Place for Mom stated, “sheltered freedom.” Things to look for in a facility that promotes safety: 

• Open floor plans 
• Secure outdoor spaces 
• Video monitors 
• Wander Guard 
• Locked doors 

• Bed monitoring systems 

Cost and Financials 

As you begin your search for a memory care facility, you will notice the range in prices and how different needs could affect the overall cost of living. According to A Place for Mom, the national median of a memory care facility costs $5,800 a month in the United States. This can all be affected by location. It can be hard to grasp the amount of money memory care can be, let’s discuss what could be included in the price…24/7 care, bathing/dressing/grooming, housekeeping services, protocol systems, medication management, transportation, activities, amenities, and dining. Some memory care facilities offer all-inclusive pricing, paying only a monthly fee, regardless of which level of care is needed. 

When it comes to affording memory care, there are options. Insurance, savings and assets, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid, family support, state and local programs, nonprofit organizations, reverse mortgage, and life insurance conversions.  

Activities and Amenities 

When doing your research, look out for activity calendars that offer stimulating programs for residents, especially in memory care. Most facilities offer fun and engaging activities for all residents and some specifically are tailored towards residents with dementia. Having amenities like patios, hair salons, a library, WI-FI and more helps your loved one feel at home and able to independently still make choices. Activities help your loved one stay active and build a sense of daily structure, which can improve their mood.  

Trust Your Gut Feeling 

When deciding or researching a memory care facility, trusting your intuition is an important factor to consider. Ask yourself if it feels right for your loved one and create a pros and cons list. When you tour a memory care facility, you may feel an emotional connection to that facility, or you may not. The atmosphere of the facility can either bring you comfort or warning signs, ask yourself: 

 Is it a warm environment?  

Does it seem well-maintained?  

Is the staff engaging and compassionate? 

Are their safety measures being implemented? 

Do they offer daily stimulating activities? 

Your gut is a powerful tool, this is an important time to use it and trust it. Your loved one needs proper care with a patient care team ready to create a fulfilling life for them. If you are struggling with your loved one’s diagnosis and need to talk to someone, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers Alzheimer’s and Dementia support groups. You can also research in your local town the support groups that are offered.  

You and your loved one are not alone in this search, there are many resources and opportunities to create a beautiful life. Take the time to do the proper research and consider the right care your loved one needs.