When you’re looking for a quality memory care facility for your senior loved one, you probably begin that search by Googling “best memory care facilities near me.” After all, this is probably uncharted territory, and any kind of idea of where to start is going to be helpful! However, “best memory care facilities near me” doesn’t really give you much insight into what exactly makes a great memory care facility. For that, you’re going to need to look a little deeper. 

So what exactly makes for a quality memory care community? There are several different factors that you should consider, but a few of them are:

 

1. A good staff-to-resident ratio

When you place your senior loved one into the care of a qualified memory care facility, you trust that the staff there is going to take good care of your loved one. Having a good staff-to-resident ratio is a big part of that. 

While it’s a bit unreasonable to expect that each staff member will only be assigned one resident to take care of, it is reasonable to expect that each staff member will be responsible to care for a manageable amount of residents. Staff members need to have a low enough number of residents that they are still able to give each resident the attention and care that they need without putting the other residents at risk. 

The care team should also genuinely care about your loved one’s health and well-being. It may be a job, sure, but it’s a job that puts you face to face with elderly loved ones and family members day in and day out. A quality staff should not only have a realistic ratio of residents, but should also be kind, caring, friendly, and empathetic, which a good ratio of residents to staff can help achieve. 

 

2. Individualized care plans

In a memory care setting, there is no “one size fits all” type of plan. No two people are going to have the exact same care needs or the exact same care plan, and ensuring that your loved one is receiving quality, individualized care is extremely important. 

When searching for a quality memory care center, speak with the staff to see if they are careful to create personalized plans for each of their residents. Do they listen to what each resident likes and dislikes? Do they accommodate each resident’s needs? Do they tailor their therapy options to your loved one? If the answer is no, you might want to look somewhere else!

A caregiver holding hands with a senior woman
 

3. Quality amenities

Just like with apartments, you want to ensure that your senior loved one’s potential memory care community has amenities that they – and you – are sure to love. Check to see what kind of exciting amenities that your potential memory care center offers. 

Some examples of amenities that you should be on the lookout for are:

  • Supervised activities like classes, gatherings, exercise, and other social activities
  • Dietician-approved and crafted meals
  • Assistance with daily life functions like dressing and bathing
  • Housekeeping assistance and laundry services
  • Secured building and outdoor spaces
  • Emergency call systems
  • Consistent supervision

Even though your loved one may be living in a memory care community, it does not mean that they won’t realize what’s happening or feel isolated while they’re there. Ensuring that the facility you choose has enough activities for them to complete and will ensure a good quality of life is vital to their health and happiness!

 

4. Beneficial and unique design elements

In a memory care facility, there are certain design choices that you should adhere to for the benefit of your residents. Residents in memory care are not easily going to be able to remember their room number and are likely going to want to wander around the halls, which they should be allowed to do! However, navigating hallways when you struggle with a cognitive issue can be difficult and scary.

This is why many memory care centers have adapted certain specific design choices in order to help their residents get around more easily. Many memory care centers have designed their memory care units in a large circle or a giant square with a courtyard in the center, ensuring that the residents in their care don’t accidentally wander off into the far hallways where they may find themselves lost. Other centers have decided to change wall colors and textures, add additional locking features and security, and other precautionary measures so that your loved ones are always in a safe and healthy area. 

While not every memory care center is able to do this, the ones who have made the conscious effort to make their spaces more accessible and more memory care-friendly have gone above and beyond to make their residents feel safe and secure. If the residents feel secure, then their loved ones will as well, making this a vital part of an amazing memory care center. 

 

A Quality Experience at Kingsley

When you Google “best memory care facilities near me,” we know that Kingsley is going to be at the top of the list. We understand what you’re looking for in a memory care center for your loved ones, and we are here to give you the best possible new home for them. 

We’re proud to offer delicious, chef-created meals to each and every one of our senior residents, because we understand how important their health and nutrition is. We offer classes and social activities to get every senior out and involved and incredible, personalized therapy plans. We also have a 24-hour emergency system, housekeeping services, and even on-site physician and salon services available for each of our residents. 

There may be many listings on your “best memory care facilities near me” Google search, but none can match the love and care here at Kingsley. If you’re interested in seeing what we have to offer, contact us and schedule a tour today!