If you have a parent or another elderly loved one with dementia, then you may need to find a memory care facility to get them the best care possible. Due to work and family responsibilities, it can be difficult to also care for someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Here are three things you should find out before choosing a memory care facility.
Inquire about Patient Ratios
There should be a low patient-to-nurse ratio so your loved one can get the care they need. Some facilities do not have enough nurses or aides working in their memory care units, which can lead to patients not being toileted as needed, becoming malnourished, or not getting the simulation they need to help keep their brains active. Fortunately, senior referral agencies can help you find good facilities for memory care living in Fairfield County, CT.
Ask about Security
Some patients with advanced dementia tend to wander, which can result in them becoming lost. Ask the memory care living facilities you’ve been referred to about how they secure their patients. Some facilities have automatic locks on the doors of their units to keep patients from getting out on their own. Also, the door to the facility may require visitors to get buzzed in when they want to visit relatives.
Are Nurses Always Present?
Find out if there are nurses on duty 24 hours a day at the facilities you’re considering for your loved one. Staffing numbers are usually reduced at night when most patients are asleep, which may include nurses. However, a good memory care living facility will always have a nurse on duty to take care of any medical emergencies which may arise with patients.
If you need help locating a memory care living facility for a loved one, contact Oasis Senior Advisors – Fairfield County. You can also like them on Facebook for more information.
