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How to Compare Memory Care Facilities in Minnesota

If you’ve made the complex decision to seek memory care for your loved one, you now are faced with another choice: Which memory care facility is right for my loved one?

While many memory care facilities offer similar services and amenities, it’s important for prospective residents and their families to dig beyond what the pamphlets show. 

While many memory care facilities offer similar services and amenities, it’s important for prospective residents and their fIn this blog, we unpack six important topics that you should explore as you assess different memory care facilities.

Read on to learn how to compare memory care facilities Minnesota.

Policies and Procedures

As you assess memory care facilities, you want to have a firm understanding of the policies and procedures that are in place so no unwanted surprises occur.

As you explore different memory care facilities, keep these policy and procedure-focused questions in mind:

  • Is end-of-life care available at the facility?
  • Are family and friends able to participate in care?
  • Are visiting hours flexible or finite?
  • Is continuing care an option as your loved one’s needs change?
  • Is there an established discharge policy?

By asking these five questions, you gain a better perspective on the rules that govern memory care facilities.

Meals

While food may not be at the top of your list of priorities, it should be. Since memory care facilities deliver round-the-clock care nearly every meal your loved one is consuming comes straight from the facility’s kitchen.

And while the quality of food should be of concern, there are other questions that you should ask before committing to a memory care facility. 

These include: 

  • Are there standardized meal and snack times that occur daily?
  • Can family and visitors join memory care residents for meals?
  • Do staff monitor intake to ensure adequate nutrition?
  • Are there any meal-time distractions like television or music?
  • Are staff able to assist those in need of additional help during mealtimes?

These five questions allow you to gain a complete picture of what mealtimes look like so you can decide if a facility meets your loved one’s evolving needs.

Staffing

Before you choose a memory care community, learn as much as you can about staffing. After all, these individuals will be your loved one’s primary caregivers. Questions to ask include:

  • Is personal care provided if necessary?
  • What is the resident-to-staff ratio?
  • How often do staff check on residents?
  • Is there a registered nurse or physician constantly on the premises?

By understanding the level of care offered, you can make an informed decision about which memory care facility is right for your loved one’s needs.

Environment

Memory care communities should be as unique as their residents. As you assess facilities, you must determine if enough planning has gone into the creation of these spaces to help your loved ones orient themselves in their new home. To gain a better understanding of the facility’s environment, ask:

  • Do indoor spaces enable independence?
  • Are residents permitted to bring personal items?
  • Are there specific design details to signal location to your loved one?
  • Is there a specified area for family and friends visiting?

Armed with a full view of the environment, you can compare memory care facilities to find the one that best aligns with your loved one’s needs.

Family Involvement

Visitation and communication are both vital to your loved one’s care. To ensure that a memory care facility is the right fit, be sure to ask about the involvement of outsiders in resident care. Questions that can guide this conversation include:

  • Do families participate in care planning?
  • Are staff and families in close communication?
  • Is personal care and assistance available?

These questions will help illuminate the level of collaboration you can expect from a memory care facility.

Programs and Services

The activities at a memory care facility should look different than those at assisted living. Be sure to inquire about the offered programs and services as you compare memory care facilities to learn more about what your loved one’s day-to-day could look like. Questions that will help you gain a full picture include:

  • Are activities held during nights and weekends?
  • Are religious services and celebrations held?
  • Are activities designed for residents with specific needs?
  • What does a typical week look like activities-wise?

By asking these questions, you can learn more about how memory care facilities support their residents beyond their physical needs.

How to Compare Memory Care Facilities in Minnesota Conclusion

As you search for the right memory care facility Minnesota, keep the above six considerations in minid. By gaining answers to the lisited questions, you can develop a deeper understanding of each facility, one that goes beyond what is mentioned in the pamphlets.

If you’re looking for memory care that is innovative and dedicated to redefining care, explore the unique community at The Moments.

Contact us today.

Published On: January 18, 2022