Whenever you Google “best memory care facilities near me”, it’s always a mixed bag of what you may get. Sure, some memory care facilities may look promising, but you can never be fully sure when looking through pictures on Google. 

Here at Kingsley, we want to give you the security that you deserve when you’re trying to find the best place for your senior loved one. It’s hard to give the care of a precious family member over to someone else, even if it is a trained memory care facility. Anyone would have reservations.

However, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. We only want what’s best for our loved ones, and finding one of the best memory care facilities “near me” is how to start. How do you know what to look for? Here are four traits of the best memory care communities:

 

1.) Do They Plan For Alzheimer’s and Dementia Behaviors?

As we age, cognitive disabilities like dementia and Alzheimer’s tend to take their toll more often than not. These cognitive issues can manifest in symptoms and behaviors such as: wandering, anger and agitation, repetitive speech or actions, paranoia, sleeplessness or sundowning, and more. That is why it’s extremely important to speak with potential memory care communities to see what processes and safety precautions they have in place to assist your senior loved one with these behaviors. 

The best memory care communities will be able to answer the following questions with ease: 

1.) Does your facility have precautions to combat the effects of these behaviors with their senior residents? 

2.) Does the facility have policies and procedures for seniors exhibiting this behavior to help secure them safely and calmly?

3.) Have the caregivers and other staff had specialized training to assist with seniors who exhibit these symptoms?

If the answer to all of these is yes, then your community understands the importance of caring for these seniors who struggle with these cognitive diseases and how to best care for them. Of course, you should always tour the community on your own, but these questions will give you a good insight to see who is prepared. 

 

2.) Do They Prioritize Safety and Security?

It is imperative that seniors in memory care have their safety and security prioritized. Because memory care is specialized care for seniors who struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s, making sure that the facility you’re touring is prepared is vital to the health and safety of your loved one. 

The best memory care communities should have 24-hour supervised care, with a nurse or physician on duty at all times or within easy contact. Things can happen at a moment’s notice in a senior care facility, and it is imperative that your loved one is able to access medical assistance quickly if needed. 

The memory care facility should also be fully secure. There should be emergency alert systems throughout the building, with keypad entry or specialized entry to doors on the interior, and alarms on doors, especially to the outside areas. Locks on outdoor fences and gates are a must. Or, if the facility has the space, having an interior courtyard for wandering seniors is the ideal, because they’re guaranteed to be safe. 

Because seniors in memory care often do not understand the importance of letting someone know they’re leaving or do not remember to do so, keeping the facility safe and secure with plenty of staff is vital. 

 

3.) Do They Plan Therapy and Activities for Seniors?

Keeping our senior loved ones engaged in activities is important for any senior center. Our loved ones shouldn’t be holed up in their rooms at all times, and it’s vital for them to be able to get out and interact with other residents while doing fun activities. 

When you’re doing your research, check to see if the facility you’re interested in does things like art therapy, music therapy, and occupational therapy. Getting out and active and involved for seniors is crucial to their health and happiness, even if it’s for something small like an art class! And Kingsley has a lot to offer. Our robust life enrichment program is perfect for all senior residents here, and our on-site health and wellness center is sure to get your senior up and active in no time. 

A senior woman paints on canvas 

 

4.) Does the Community Have Good Design Elements in Their Buildings?

Good design elements can separate the good facilities from the best facilities. Design elements aren’t something that you likely think of in your initial assessment of memory care facilities, but it’s something that you should consider if you’re looking for a home away from home for your loved one!

The best memory care communities are designed in ways to make navigation as easy as possible for the senior residents. See if the memory care centers you’re touring have color coded hallways, soundproof walls, personalized room doors, etc. These kinds of design elements, though simple, can truly help your senior to navigate more easily, get less confused about their surroundings, and more. 

Being surrounded by repetitive hallways and blank, plain doors on all sides can be overwhelming for a senior who’s found themselves in a new place, trying to understand what’s going on while struggling with a cognitive impairment. Small design choices can really make a difference. 

 

Check Out Memory Care at Kingsley

Kingsley is proud to be able to put your mind at ease, helping you to know for sure that when you close out the tab labeled “best memory care facilities near me” that you’ve truly made the right decision. Our dedicated staff, 24-hour specialized care, and exciting activities and outings are a great choice for any senior, not just those needing memory care services. We want you to feel comfort in the choice that you’ve made to entrust your loved one to us, knowing that they will be well taken care of. 

If you’re interested in touring our memory care facility to see if it’s right for your senior, we’d love to have you. Contact us and schedule a tour today!