Finding the right memory care center in Mandeville, LA, for your loved one is a difficult decision and should not be taken lightly. You want to ensure that you’re placing them in the best possible center that will meet all of their needs and make them happy. There are many things to consider when selecting a new residence for your parent with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but here are some tips to help guide you through this process:
Consider The Location And Proximity
Location is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a memory care community. While it may seem unimportant at first, being close to family and friends can greatly improve your loved one’s quality of life. If your loved one lives in their own home, ask yourself if they would have an easy time visiting their loved ones at the memory care center. Also, keep in mind that public transportation options should be convenient enough for them to get there and back on their own.
Another factor to consider is proximity to medical facilities such as hospitals and doctors’ offices, which are necessary for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia who require regular medical attention from specialists such as neurologists or cardiologists.
Look For A Facility That Has Been Licensed By State And Local Officials
It is important to look for one that state and local officials license. Not only will this show the place complies with all applicable laws, but it also shows the care staff is well-trained on how to handle any situation that may arise.
Another sign of quality is certification by an outside organization, such as The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). JCAHO is an independent agency dedicated to improving patient safety and quality care in health care settings across the nation. Certification from them indicates that your loved one can be confident his or her needs will be met at this facility.
Finally, if your loved one’s condition requires specialized care—and many do—it’s critical he or she receives it from a provider that has been certified by The Alzheimer’s Association. This organization was founded over 60 years ago as an advocacy group for people who have Alzheimer’s disease; today its mission remains focused on supporting those who live with dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment through research funding and community education initiatives like Dementia Power Hour®.
What Are Staffing Ratios?
Staffing ratios are an important consideration for any facility with special needs residents, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These conditions can put residents at risk for injury or abuse if left unattended or without adequate supervision.
The number of team members available per resident varies by state and community. In general, communities specializing in providing specialized care tend to have higher staffing ratios than other types of senior housing, such as independent living communities (ILCs). However, even among centers specializing in dementia care, there is a wide range of standards between states and individual nursing homes/assisted living communities (ALCs).
Can They Handle Challenging Behaviors?
After you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few memory care centers, it’s important to ask how they handle behavioral problems that are common in dementia patients. It’s important that the center has a plan for how they’re going to deal with residents who wander off or have aggressive behaviors. For example, if a resident is angry at another resident or team member and starts throwing things, what happens? Does the team intervene quickly? Is there someone on hand 24-7 who can help with medical emergencies and behavior management?
