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It’s a difficult time in your life when you have to start researching “best memory care facilities near me” on Google. It signifies a time in your life that someone that you love dearly is going through a difficult time in their life, and that their level of care is now beyond your means. However, this isn’t something to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
Memory care can be a tricky situation. Not every senior who struggles with Alzheimer’s or dementia is going to react to a situation in the same way, and the average family member hasn’t had any training in how to best manage a situation should it arise. This is why, though it may be hard, why making that “best memory care facilities near me” Google search may be the best thing for your loved one and your family in general.
A Google search, though, isn’t going to be able to tell you everything you need to know about a community. When you’re combing through information, making phone calls, and taking tours, here are some questions that you should ask:
1. What Levels of Care Are Offered?
When you begin your hunt for the best memory care community, you need to know what levels of care are offered at your chosen retirement community. You may have your heart set on a certain place, but if that location doesn’t offer memory care services, then you might be out of luck.
While retirement communities are catered to seniors, not all communities have the facilities and staff training necessary to assist our senior loved ones with the care that they need. Seniors who struggle with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are going to need much more specialized care than seniors who are still able to live independently and are hunting for a new life experience. Don’t register your senior and assume that they’ll be right as rain before knowing what the center offers!
2. What On-Site Amenities Are Available for Residents?
Think of hunting for a retirement community like hunting for an apartment. When you go apartment hunting, you want to get the most bang for your buck. You don’t want to pay a premium for a unit that doesn’t have in-unit laundry, has outdated appliances, and doesn’t have on-site trash service.
A retirement community is the same. When you’re researching, see if the community you’re interested in offers any kind of amenities. Are the residents responsible for their own housekeeping duties? Do they have any salon or fitness services? What is there to do for your senior loved one, like classes or clubs?
The memory care community you choose is going to be your senior loved one’s new home. Make sure that you do your proper research and pick a location that they’re sure to love.
3. What Are the Dining Options for Residents?
Just because your loved one is in a retirement center doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve delicious meals! When your loved one is at a memory care community, you shouldn’t need to worry about what they’re going to eat. Instead, you should be excited to hear from them about what delicious foods they got to try during their dining time!
When you’re researching memory care centers, ask about what the food is like. Are the meals chef-curated? How is the food prepared? Do they take allergies and dietary restrictions into account? Can they get snacks at any time if they’re hungry? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The staff is there to answer anything that you may have for them.
4. What Are the Living Spaces Like?
Just like apartments, living spaces in retirement centers are going to vary from place to place. One retirement center may have full apartment-style layouts, while another may only offer single rooms. Most of the time, though, what style of living space your loved one gets will depend on the level of care that they need.
Not all living spaces in each center are created equal. Ask to tour a couple different layouts if the center has them available to figure out which one would be best for your loved one. After all, that room or apartment is going to be their home, and you want to make sure that they’re going to be happy, healthy, and comfortable wherever they are.
5. What Are the Fees, and What Are the Payment Options?
There’s no getting around it: retirement communities and memory care facilities are expensive. Memory care centers, especially, come with an even higher price tag because of the specially trained staff and the additional security and care measures that need to be put in place. Due to this, memory care facilities have a hefty price tag, and often need planning and different payment options for families to be able to afford this level of care.
When you’re doing your research and touring various communities, don’t forget to ask about their payment options. Do they accept assistance from insurance like Medicare or Medicaid? Does everything have to be paid up front in a lump sum, or can you spread the payments out over time? Do they have any kind of move-in discounts or specials?
While you want to ensure that you’re getting the best care for your loved one, you also need to remember to take care of yourself. Ensure that you’re able to pay for the care in the best way you can and what works best for you and your lifestyle.
Kingsley: Among the Best of the Best
When you Google “best memory care facilities near me,” Kingsley is sure to be right near the top of the list. With our incredible amenities like classes, a fitness center, and chef-curated meals, you can rest easy knowing that our well-trained and friendly staff is there to make your loved one’s life that much easier.
If you’re interested in seeing how Kingsley can help your loved one feel at home, then contact us and schedule a tour today!
