At Kingsley Senior Living, we recognize that deciding to move to memory care is a significant life decision not only for the affected individual but also for the whole family. However, it’s only the first step the family has taken toward ensuring a safe and thriving future for their loved one. There’s a whole journey ahead for them and the memory-impaired individual to cover before transitioning to a reliable memory care community. Among the essentials is conducting a tour of a memory care facility.

But is it really required? Yes, it is. It allows families to get a deeper look at the community’s offerings and the day-to-day reality of life there. But what do they actually do during these tours? They conduct an in-depth discussion with the community and staff to gather details on various aspects of community life. Here are the essential questions they should ask during community tours to accurately assess the community.

Staff Training And Ratios

While memory care communities have specialized dementia care staff, that does not mean they excel at every responsibility. It’s important to understand that Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia are progressive conditions. While patients experience the same key symptoms, the extent of their suffering varies significantly. The staff of caregivers is the backbone of the support residents receive. Their availability and specialization will determine the quality of care your loved one receives and their overall quality of life.

Here are the key questions that you should ask the memory care community to evaluate their staff training and ratios:

  • What is the specific staff-to-resident ratio for day, evening, and overnight shifts?
  • What specific, ongoing dementia-care training does staff receive?
  • How does staff handle challenging dementia behaviors (e.g., agitation, aggression)?
  • Will the same staff members consistently care for my loved one?

Safety And Security

Safety and security are the cornerstones of a secure memory care unit. From the early stages of dementia through more advanced stages, your loved one needs a safe and secure living environment. With the disease’s development, their risk of wandering, falling, and accidents increases, again necessitating them to choose a safe and secure living space.

Here are the key questions that you should ask the memory care community to evaluate their safety and security:

  • Is the memory care unit locked/secured, and how are exits monitored?
  • Are outdoor areas, such as courtyards, secured and accessible?
  • How does the community handle wandering or elopement risks?
  • What safety features are in resident rooms (e.g., safety locks, door alarms)?

Care And Daily Life

Memory care isn’t an institutional setting. While they do provide specialized support to residents, they also offer a socially engaging environment. They will make and maintain social connections while accessing care and support tailored to their needs. They will enjoy tailored meals, access leisure activities, and build friendships with peers.

Here are the key questions that you should ask the memory care community to evaluate what kind of care and daily life support they will receive:

  • What is the daily schedule of activities, and how do you encourage participation?
  • How are residents’ unique needs and personal routines accommodated?
  • What memory-enhancing therapies are provided (e.g., music, pet therapy)?
  • How are meals served, and can you assist with eating?
  • Family Involvement And Communication

A family’s role in caring for and supporting their loved one never ends with moving them to the memory care community. They need to remain engaged in their loved one’s community life, whether via regular visits or constant communication. Their regular involvement will help their loved one find emotional comfort, maintain their health, and receive proper care. However, not every community supports family involvement and communication equally; hence, it’s on the family to evaluate the details of this matter.

Here are the key questions that you should ask the memory care community to evaluate how well they support family involvement and regular communication:

  • How will I receive regular updates on my loved one’s health and well-being?
  • Are there on-site support groups for families?
  • Can family members visit at any time or join for meals?

Costs And Policies

Memory care isn’t a one-day trip where your loved one will go to access tailored treatment and return the next day. It’s a long-term care setting where they will receive regular care and support throughout their lifetime. Because of this, costs, services, and policies are structured to support consistent, high-quality care. They have their costs and policies designed that give this care setting a structure. Hence, it’s essential to evaluate the policies they have in place.

Here are the key questions that you should ask the memory care community to evaluate how well they support family involvement and regular communication:

  • What is the full range of services included in the monthly cost?
  • Is the community Medicaid- and Medicare-certified, and what is the process if funding changes?
  • What is the policy for room changes (e.g., if a resident’s care needs evolve)?

Access Person-Centered Memory Care Programs At Kingsley Senior Living

At Kingsley Senior Living, we understand that it’s natural for families to feel excited about their loved one’s transition to memory care and the life ahead. Feeling joyous about their loved one’s new beginnings, they can miss out on certain essentials about the community. However, with proper preparation, families can make a confident, informed decision.

The above questions briefly outline what the family should ask the community staff during a tour to determine whether it is feasible for their loved one. Doing so is essential, as memory care is a long-term care setting, and the least favorable scenario you would want for your loved one would be moving them to a different community just because the earlier one wasn’t ideal for them.

For those seeking a fully secured and safe memory care community for their loved one’s needs, they can contact us at Kingsley Senior Living. We specialize in offering tailored memory care programs tailored to residents’ individual needs and care preferences. Our care plans support residents’ holistic wellness and not just cognitive wellness. For more information, contact us to schedule a tour.