Do you have a loved one diagnosed with a brain cell degeneration disorder like Alzheimer’s disease? If yes, proper medication and treatment are needed to slow its progress, as it’s the most common cause of dementia.
Dementia mostly affects the elderly, and when it developed into late-stage, simple daily activities like household chores and even wearing clothes can become difficult and frustrating for them. They will also experience instances of forgetting and confusion. Thus, their safety must be your utmost concern.
If you’re worried about an elderly family member that has Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially when responsibilities like work prevent you from providing them with constant company, long-term residential care service or private assisted living may be the suitable solution. In this guide, we will provide guidelines on how to properly choose a good dementia residential care service.
Expertise with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
When searching for a dementia care facility, it is important to determine if the establishment is actually run by qualified healthcare experts. Moreover, do check on the availability of equipment such as specialised dementia care units. Assessing the in-house staff or personnel of the facility is crucial as well. In addition, know if the facility is premeditated to handle common situations and encounters such as aggressive tantrums and wandering.
It’s recommended to ask the following questions listed below:
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Is the facility licensed and certified to operate?
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How many rooms are there, and are they fully air-conditioned or adequately ventilated?
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Are there any important policies regarding equipment, especially pieces for medical use?
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Is the process of managing medications appropriate?
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Is the staff properly trained and are their education updated?
The Quality of Care
You may feel anxious about the quality level of the care being delivered by the facility. Hence, when you visit, make sure to only talk extensively with the administration staff, but also to individuals who have entrusted their elderly loved ones under the care of the establishment. Furthermore, you must exert effort in understanding the operation. Evaluate its cleanliness, especially with the shared areas. Jot down notes about the pros, cons, as well as the features that make the facility stand out from others.
Knowing the Total Costs
Of course, the costs can play a major role. Be cautious if the expenses are too low or too high. It’s also best to have a detailed breakdown on exactly how much the facility’s services will cost, as well as the coverage of monthly payments. Furthermore, verify if heath cards and insurances are accepted. Additionally, don’t forget to ask about placement fees and their mode of payment.
Involvement of Family Members
As you will be consulting people who have family members in the facility, ask about how satisfied they are with the allowable level of interaction and involvement in the residential care service. Considering that you are the initial caregiver, you can provide valuable assistance with the continued care that your loved one will be receiving.
Moreover, your family member will stay in the facility for the long term, so you have to determine its openness to visits, as well as the policies being implemented, such as appointment-setting or restrictions on visiting hours.
Your loved one deserves the best possible care in order to stay strong and cheerful amidst the unfortunate issues that dementia brings. This being said, it’s important for you to be meticulous and diligent when selecting the right residential care service for your elderly family member.
