Top Questions to Ask When Searching for a Memory Care Community

Whether you’re just beginning your search for a memory care community for someone you love or have been looking for a while, there’s a lot to consider. Different care programs, accommodations, and community amenities make it easy to feel overwhelmed. Our team at Lakeshore Senior Living is here to help you and your family.

As a memory care community in Guntersville, Alabama, we understand that the key to finding the right community for someone you love starts with them. Instead of looking at all of your options, consider your loved one’s needs and what types of amenities would be important for them to have in a community. For example, if your parent or family member finds joy in art and crafts, you will want to make sure the memory care community you choose has a room or area dedicated to it.

To help you get started, our team at Lakeshore Senior Living is sharing some of the top questions to ask when searching for a memory care community in Guntersville, Alabama, and beyond.

What Levels of Care are Offered?

This question may seem obvious but ensuring a person living with dementia receives the appropriate care and attention is the purpose of a memory care community. Some communities offer one level of memory care, while others may have varying levels depending on a person’s health and abilities. 

You also want to understand what is included in the care. Most memory care communities customize care plans to meet the needs and goals of each resident, but you will want to make sure that is the case at every community you consider by asking questions such as:

• How are care plans crafted?
• How involved can my family be in Mom’s care process?
• Will we be kept informed regarding Mom’s health needs?

At Lakeshore Senior Living, our memory care community in Guntersville, Alabama, focuses on cultivating a welcoming and calming atmosphere that supports individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Through personalized programs and therapies, Lakeshore residents receive the support they need to continue leading active, fulfilling lives within a safe and secure environment.

What is the Resident-to-Caregiver Ratio?

A care community can say they offer person-centered care, but that might not mean the same thing to you as it does to them. Inquiring about the resident-to-caregiver ratio will help you get a better idea of the level of personalized care that is actually provided. For example, communities with higher resident-to-caregiver ratios won’t have as much time to spend with your loved one on a daily basis. 

Furthermore, you may also want to ask what type of dementia care training team members go through. If your family member has a specific type of dementia, you want to ensure that the staff is knowledgeable about that particular condition. 

During your tour of a community, note of how team members and residents interact, as this can tell you a lot about how your parent or family member will be treated. 

What Programs, Therapies, and Activities are Offered?

In addition to proper care, keeping the mind active and engaged is crucial for supporting brain health and delaying further cognitive decline. Because of this, inquire about the programs and activities that a community offers to get an idea of how they support a resident’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Some of the questions to ask include:

• How does the community incorporate resident preferences, interests, and personal history?
• How does the community encourage participation?
• How often are activities rotated or changed?

Memory Care Therapies in Guntersville, Alabama

At Lakeshore Senior Living, our all-inclusive memory care programs are designed to support the cognitive health of residents, provide daily assistance and attention, and allow them to find success and happiness. We develop care plans catered to each person’s needs, strengths, and goals and incorporate various therapies and activities that focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

These therapies and programs include:

• Music Therapy
• Reminiscent Therapy
• Intellectually Stimulating Activities (Sensory Boxes, Word Games, Puzzles, Trivia)
• Tactile Therapies (Pet Therapy, Activity Aprons, Mats, etc.)
• Occupational Therapy and Life Skills
• Physical Activity and Exercise
• Scheduled Outings and Shopping Trips

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Finding the right memory care community for your parent or family member starts with asking the right questions. In order to find the best care for your loved one, be thorough in your search. 

If you want to learn more about Lakeshore Senior Living’s memory care services in Guntersville, Alabama, we encourage you to contact a member of our team.