What To Look for In Alzheimer's Care Facilities

Understanding Your Loved One’s Needs

After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it can take up to three months for symptoms to appear. We recommend taking the time to visit multiple memory care facilities before choosing the one that best suits your loved one. Among the many factors to consider, staffing is paramount.

Adequate staffing is crucial, along with a diverse team capable of meeting the needs and personalities of all residents. These caregivers play a vital role in helping your loved one feel comfortable and at home during their stay. The demeanor and values of the staff can greatly influence the quality of care your loved one receives.

A reputable provider will employ certified nurse aides (CNA), certified medication technicians/aides (CMT/CMA), licensed practical nurses (LPN), and Registered Nurses (RN), with oversight and support from nurse practitioners (NP), physician assistants (PA), and physicians.

Additionally, the staff may include social workers and activities directors. Since your loved one's needs may change over time, it's essential to choose a facility with experienced staff capable of providing varying levels of care as needed.

Specialized Care and Experienced Staff

One of the most critical factors in choosing an Alzheimer’s care facility is ensuring the staff is specifically trained in Alzheimer’s care and experienced with the unique challenges these diseases present. At Placement Helpers, our team is highly trained in Alzheimer’s care and adheres to strict protocols for managing behaviors related to the condition. It's important to inquire about each facility's training programs and care protocols.

Adequate Staff-to-Resident Ratio

The number of staff members compared to residents is crucial in providing high-quality care. A lower staff-to-resident ratio means more personalized attention and care for each resident. Placement Helpers maintains an optimal staff-to-resident ratio to ensure individualized care for all residents.

Individualized Care Plans

Every resident has unique needs and preferences, which should be reflected in their care plans. A quality facility develops personalized care plans based on thorough assessments of each resident's physical, mental, and emotional health. At Placement Helpers, we regularly review and update care plans to adapt to the changing needs of our residents.

Nutritional and Dietary Support

Proper nutrition is vital to overall health, especially for those with Alzheimer’s. Access to nutritious and tasty meals is an important part of care. At Placement Helpers, our registered dietitian plans meals, and our full-time chef prepares them in a home-like dining environment.

Family Involvement

Family involvement is crucial for the well-being of Alzheimer’s patients. A good care facility will encourage family participation and keep open lines of communication through regular meetings and updates. Placement Helpers promotes family visits and ensures you are always informed about your loved one's condition.

Alzheimer's Care for Seniors with Physical Disabilities

Living with Alzheimer's disease is challenging, and it becomes even more complex when paired with physical disabilities. Fortunately, Alzheimer's care communities provide support for both able-bodied seniors and those with additional physical or medical needs. Common disabilities that these communities accommodate include:

• Difficulty walking
• Limited sight, hearing, or vision
• Use of a wheelchair
• Complete loss of sight, hearing, or vision
• Speech difficulties or impediments
• Need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL)
• Breathing difficulties or respiratory conditions
• Learning disabilities

Learn More About Our Skilled Nursing Facility!

Choosing the right Alzheimer’s care facility involves considering many factors such as specialized care, staff ratios, safety measures, personalized plans, and more. Contact Placement Helpers today to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care services and how we can support your loved one. We are dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your family's needs.