In my experience, I have found that there can be a large difference in Memory Care Communities that provide the benefits of Assisted Living, like care by a wellness team, meals prepared, housekeeping and activities.
Memory Care buildings have the added security of locked doors which is important so residents don’t get out and get lost. Don’t think these communities seem like a prison! Many have interior courtyards that seniors can access on their own, along with home-style décor, activities, and delicious dining. The staff is often educated on how to interact with residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s, including how to ‘re-direct’ someone who is confused, so they don’t get more agitated when they’re upset.
When the senior you love needs memory care, it’s best to find a local Senior Placement Agent, like myself, who has first-hand knowledge of the communities and can accompany you on tours. I have negotiated community fees and terms for families, and since communities compensate me, the service is free for families needing to find a place for mom or dad.
An option that is less expensive that a memory care community is a group home. This option can be a better fit for some seniors who do better in a small environment, since the home is an actual house that has been set up as a group home in a residential neighborhood. They are required to be licensed by the state, just like larger communities, so there are state inspections, making sure care and sanitary guidelines are being followed. Group homes also offer meals, and some offer activities, like musicians that visit or local church ministers providing a service.
With Covid restrictions in place, it’s important to see how you can stay connected to the senior in your life. Does the staff assist residents with Face-time or Zoom calls to family? Are porch or window visits allowed? There’s a large variety in how the CDC protocol for family visits comes into play, so that’s an important question to ask on a tour.
I used to provide musical entertainment in memory care communities, and when the music started the residents would often sing along! Since many people with memory loss still recall music from when they were young- they enjoy tunes from their childhood and ‘be-bop’ days! When I go on tours with families, I make sure to ask how often music is played, including a variety of musicians coming in and doing a live performance.