Senior Living Specialists decided to scour the different social media outlets and pull some of the common questions we saw that were related to memory care. We looked at public posts made on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to see what people were wanting answered about memory care. Here is what we found.
Question 1: My father has begun to wonder and become too big of a challenge for his current assisted living facility. How will memory care facilities manage his wondering?
Memory care facilities are designed with secure features, such as locked doors and alarms, to prevent your father from wandering outside of designated areas without supervision. Memory care facilities often employ monitoring systems, including video surveillance and electronic tracking devices, to keep an eye on your father’s movements.
Question 2: What specific training and qualifications do the staff members in memory care have to better deal with my mom?
Staff members receive education about the various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and learn about the progression and impact of these conditions on cognitive behavior. They are also trained in using concise and clear language to avoid escalating agitation from your mom. The staff will be well-versed in de-escalation techniques like redirection methods to avoid your parent becoming disconcerted.
Question 3: My father has become very challenging with their behavior. What approaches do memory care staff take to handle his challenging behavior?
Staff members proactively identify potential triggers for challenging behaviors and take steps to prevent them. They create a predictable environment, establish routines, and provide engaging activities to redirect your father’s attention and minimize frustration or agitation. Memory care facilities may provide specialized therapeutic interventions to manage challenging behaviors. These can include music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, or sensory stimulation techniques that are aimed to reduce your father’s anxiety level.
Question 4: Are there support groups centered around caregivers dealing with a loved one that is currently in memory care?
The memory care facility that your loved one is currently in likely has references to several potential support groups you can join. Senior Living Specialists also has a list of resources for caregivers which include support groups and other educational material to help you in your caregiver journey.
Question 5: Will the memory care facility give me updates on my mother’s care if I live out of state?
Yes, memory care facilities understand the importance of keeping you informed about the well-being and care of your mother, even if they live out of state. They can maintain open lines of communication and provide regular updates to keep you informed and involved in your loved one’s care. As the care evolves, you may require changes to the level of communication you have with the memory care facility. Keep open dialogue with the staff about those expectations to ensure you are happy with the level of communication being given.
We hope that some of these questions we found and answered from different social media channels help guide you in your memory care journey. As always, if you live in Texas and have questions about memory care, contact Senior Living Specialists for help today!