10 Questions to Ask About Memory Care
October 25, 2024
Many surveys reveal that most people would like to live in their own homes as long as possible. But the reality is that some people will require assistance at some point in their lives for a variety of reasons. Family caregiving arrangements can fall apart. Circumstances change—sometimes quickly. Experiencing a stroke or heart attack can drastically reduce a person’s ability to care for themselves or others. So, whether it’s a long-planned move to an assisted or independent living community, or a hasty scramble to find care after an emergency, someday you may be looking for a high-quality care community for yourself or a loved one.
This can be a daunting task. There are so many different options. Senior living, assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities all offer different levels of care, assistance, and amenities. It’s important to see these communities in person and get your questions answered. When touring a senior living community, asking the right questions can help you evaluate if it’s the right fit for yourself or a loved one. Here are 10 questions to consider:
What levels of care are available?
Ask about the different care options offered, such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, and whether residents can move between levels of care as their needs change.
“Do they have a Hoyer lift? Can they do a two-person transfer? You want to understand the limitations of the care provided,” explains Maricel Halmo, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Marysville.
What does each level of care (e.g., assisted living, memory care) cost, and what does the cost include?
Understand the monthly cost and what is included in that price, such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, cable TV or Wi-Fi, and activities. Also, inquire about additional fees for other services. Find out if the community has arrangements with dentists, physical therapists, or other health care professionals who serve residents on-site.
What types of apartments or living spaces are available?
Ask to see different types of living spaces and ask about their sizes, layouts, and accessibility features.
Can I meet the staff and see them interacting with residents?
Observe the staff to gauge their friendliness and professionalism and see how they interact with the current residents. Inquire about staff credentials and how long they have been working in senior living.
“One of the big things we say is to listen to your instincts,” she says. “Go inside, pay attention to how the residents are appearing. Are they clean? Are they active?”
And she has more specific advice when it comes to a memory care community.
“It can be a bit of a shock if you’ve never been to a memory care community, because you know your loved one is on this path,” says Maricel. “When you see other residents who are further along in dementia, that shows that the community is prepared to care for residents at every stage. You can rest assured that we are qualified and capable of providing top-notch care for each stage of cognitive decline.”
What security and safety features are in place?
Ask about security measures, emergency plans, and the availability of staff. Ensure there are sufficient safety features for bathrooms, common areas, and throughout the community.
“At Fieldstone of Marysville, we have keypads on all the doors that go out of the building, and visitors sign in and sign out,” Maricel says.
The secure courtyard offers a community feel and time in nature while also providing safety. And caregivers always accompany residents when they are in the courtyard.
What types of activities and amenities are offered?
Check the community calendar for events and activities, and ask about amenities like fitness centers, outdoor spaces, libraries, and entertainment options.
Even with Maricel’s decades of experience in senior living, she’s never seen a community with so many activities to offer residents.
“Our activities staff is always keeping residents engaged, as independent as possible for as long as possible.”
What are the meal plans and dining options?
Inquire about meal plans, types of food served, dining hours, and seating arrangements. Consider asking if you can sample a meal during your visit. Are residents allowed to cook in their apartments?
How does the staff handle medical emergencies and health care needs?
Understand the protocol for medical emergencies, the proximity to hospitals, and how the outside community coordinates with health care providers.
Can residents personalize their living space?
Ask if residents can bring their own furnishings, decorate their rooms, and what restrictions, if any, are in place. Does the community allow pets?
What are the policies regarding visitors and overnight stays?
Learn about the visitor policies, including hours, overnight stays, and any accommodations for visitors or their pets.
These questions will help you get a comprehensive view of the community’s environment, care, and services, ensuring a good match for the resident’s needs and preferences.
Conact Fieldstone of Marysville to arrange a tour of our joyful memory care community.