Month: December 2022

Categories
Alzheimer’s & Dementia

6 activities for dementia patients

Women playing the piano together

When it comes to dementia, boredom invites agitation, restlessness and increased confusion, especially in the evening. Engaging in hobbies, passions and interests promotes communication and uplifts the spirit.

You can create dementia-friendly activities that leverage your parent’s strengths, focusing on their abilities instead of deficiencies. This can provide a sense of structure and purpose to time, and also positively impact your parent’s cognitive, physical and emotional health.

1. Sing songs or play a musical instrument

Take a tip from healthcare professionals who prioritize music for dementia patients. Memories attached to music are the last to leave the brain and a powerful tool of expression when communication becomes difficult. Music decreases depression and anxiety, supports cognition, and improves overall well-being.

Musical participation groups are popular activities in memory care communities and have been clinically shown to boost memory in those with mild dementia. Was your parent a talented pianist? Join them at the keyboard.

Here are other musical instruments your parent may enjoy:

  • Drums or bongos
  • Tambourine
  • Harmonica
  • Ukulele
  • Mbira

Sing or play familiar songs and let your parent take the lead, or simply listen. Both will positively impact their well-being. Easily accessible headphones paired with a playlist of their favorite tunes invites joy and promotes independence.

2. Repair or build simple items

Was your parent handy around the house? Did they show interest in carpentry or woodworking? If so, they may find fulfillment with hands-on projects modified for their ability. Simple birdhouse kits, wooden model ships and similar projects may be ideal activities for dementia at the beginning and middle stages. If cognitive impairment is more advanced, consider tinker boxes or busy boards made with wood and metal. Avoid anything with childlike features.

“I used to work with a retired mechanical engineer,” says Catherine Schneider, Director of Resident Well-Being Curriculum at Atria Senior Living. “He was very smart, and very good with his hands. He loved to fix things. We purchased things from Goodwill and broke them, and he would fix them.”

3. Reminisce and share stories

If your parent loves to share stories from the past, encourage them to continue doing it! Open a photo album, look at keepsakes or prompt stories. While it may seem simple and passive, engaging long-term memory is actually therapeutic and helps your parent feel empowered, at peace and important. Maximize the effectiveness by following these guidelines for engagement:

  • Allow your parent to guide you
  • Ask open-ended questions when prompted
  • Allow time for silence
  • Share your own memories
  • If a sad memory occurs, give your parent space to feel the emotions that come with it
  • Listen to them; gently move on to a more positive memory when it feels appropriate within the conversation

Take your at-home reminiscence therapy beyond photo albums and keepsakes if you can. Consider books or other items centered around important past experiences. For example, if your parent worked on airplanes, show them a small replicate model and see what memories arise. If your parent was a doctor, keep an anatomy textbook on hand and flip through a few pages together.

4. Complete daily household tasks together

As menial as it may seem, cleaning and completing small household tasks are stimulating as well as rewarding activities for dementia. You may already have a schedule centered around care, meals and medication management – work in ability-appropriate tasks when possible and assist when necessary. There is power in routine when it comes to dementia. Use it to your advantage, and theirs.

Here are a few examples of familiar, dementia-friendly activities your parent can complete around the house:

  • Make their bed in the morning
  • Wash and dry dishes after meals.
  • Sort and polish silverware
  • Take the dog for a walk after dinner
  • Fold laundry or towels
  • Polish and shine shoes, and then put them away
  • Knead dough to make bread
  • Water house plants
  • Feed the cat in the morning

Those with dementia like to know what to anticipate next. Providing a flexible daily schedule with a variety of tasks provides structure and prevents idleness, which may exacerbate sundowners and sleepless nights. Completing these responsibilities may give your parent a sense of accomplishment and control over their environment.

5. Listen to favorite books and stories

Reading is a popular activity for seniors with dementia, and audiobooks are an excellent resource. Hearing the words of a favorite book or story engages the imagination and the mind. Audiobooks also help calm overstimulation. If your parent enjoys the sound of your voice, read to them instead. Either way, try not to exceed 15 to 20 minutes.

Look for opportunities to introduce sensory stimulation, which means using foods, aromatherapy and sounds to help your parent better engage with the story.

Researchers and healthcare professionals find sensory stimulation for dementia patients evokes positive emotions and memories, encourages relaxation, and improves mental well-being. Drinking warm cider and using autumn scents while listening to a story about fall or holding seashells while listening to a story set on the beach are examples of ways you can introduce sensory stimulation for your parent.

6. Create works of art through different materials

Creating art in any form is a meaningful activity for those with dementia. It is another method of sensory stimulation that allows for self-expression, which is important because dementia often impacts the brain’s ability to communicate.

Show your parent pictures of art to help their creativity flow. Take things slowly. You may have to assist them. Guide their hand as they paint a stroke of color. Work alongside your parent as they roll out clay. Help them cut pictures from a magazine to make a collage. String beads on a nylon cord for jewelry. Even if your parent never showed artistic skills before, you both may be impressed by what they create. More important, you may find your parent really enjoys the process.

We’re here when you need us

As dementia progresses, you will often find yourself managing the disease versus engaging with the person you know and love.

Finding meaningful moments to engage with your parent will help strengthen your relationship and help them live a healthier life – despite the cognitive impairment your parent is experiencing.

If you need more assistance navigating the challenges of dementia, we’re happy to share our expertise and senior care resources. Find a memory care community nearby and give us a call.

Our Guide on How to Engage a Parent with Dementia (PDF)

Categories
Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Is memory care the right choice for my parent?

Son visiting mother in retirement home
Son visiting mother in retirement home

If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may be wondering when caring for them at home may no longer be a sustainable – or safe – option. While every situation is unique and should be discussed with a physician, your parent should stop living alone if they’re experiencing injuries, wandering outside the home or putting themselves in dangerous situations.

You may have heard about memory care but may not fully understand what it is, what types of services are available, how much it costs and whether it’s a better option than in-home care.

Memory care is a term that refers to very specialized, long-term dementia care for people with memory impairment. Many assisted living communities, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes offer memory care services. Memory care communities may be a better option for your parent because they provide the type of daily care, attention and engagement that helps people with dementia live as fulfilling a life as possible.

Here are a few important things to consider when choosing a memory care community, along with some insights from Amber McDaniel, Divisional Engage Life Director at Atria, who not only advises families of parents living with dementia but is currently facing these same challenges with a member of her own family.

What makes memory care different?

Senior living community residents enjoy a host of amenities, services, programs and social events designed to make everyday life more convenient, fulfilling and engaging. Memory care communities offer a similar experience, but within a safe, structured environment with a specialized staff and programs designed to lower stress for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“Memory care residents receive whatever assistance they may need with the activities of daily living,” says McDaniel. “The staff guides daily programs, serves meals and offers personalized interaction and support throughout the day.”

Memory care programs are designed to improve cognitive function and, in robust communities, are tailored to residents and their specific stage of disease. Staff members understand each resident’s degree of dementia and provide the structure and support needed to navigate their day.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people with dementia are prone to wander. Memory care communities typically feature floor plans and enclosed outdoor spaces designed to keep residents safe while not restricting their freedom. In many communities, interior spaces are painted in soothing colors and apartment doors are personalized with photos and mementos that resonate with residents and help them more easily identify their apartment. To prevent residents from wandering out of the community, any exits or elevators require special access codes. Some communities offer tracking bracelets to monitor a resident’s exact location.

Is my parent ready for memory care?

Although many people diagnosed with dementia can live on their own during the early stages of the disease, at some point they will require around-the-clock supervision or more specialized care than an in-home caregiver can provide. Here are some questions the Alzheimer’s Association suggests asking to help you determine if it’s the right time for a move to a memory care neighborhood.

Consider memory care a reset

McDaniel says that many families struggle when placing their parent in memory care because they feel like they’re giving up and abandoning them.

“I help families understand that memory care is a type of reset,” she says. “While we love our parents deeply, we can’t care for them the way they’ll be cared for by specially trained memory care staff. These professionals understand dementia and know how to establish the routines and use programs that not only help your parent cope with their disease but are designed to slow its progression.

“The reset comes from understanding that memory care establishes the new normal. You hand off the caregiver responsibilities to a team that’s devoted to helping people with dementia – and you become a supportive family member who helps your parent live their best possible life in an environment that caters to their special needs.”

How much does memory care cost?

The cost of memory care depends on the level of care needed and varies from state to state. According to this AARP article, the average memory care monthly rent is $6,935. While this is more than assisted living, which averages $5,380 a month, it’s a lot less than the $10,562 average monthly cost of a nursing home.

A financial expert or elder law attorney can help you explore finance options, including life insurance policies, Medicare and veterans benefits. The memory care community you are considering can also provide more information and resources.

We’re always here to help

Atria’s memory care neighborhoods provide the same high caliber of amenities, chef-prepared meals and engaging programs as our senior living communities, but they are designed specifically with the needs of individuals with dementia and their families in mind.

We’re happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can. Let us call on our relationships with trusted senior living organizations and help find the best solution for you and your family. Reach out to your local Atria community director today and they’ll be happy to help.

Our Quiz to Determine if Memory Care is the Right Choice for your Parent? (PDF)

Categories
Caregiving

Your parent was diagnosed with cancer: Now what?

Mom and daughter hugging on a couch

Despite the fact that nearly four out of every 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, a cancer diagnosis is a bit like a sucker punch to the gut. It’s like it came out of nowhere, and the person who’s been diagnosed may feel shocked, confused and upset.

If your parent recently learned they have cancer, take time to research the diagnosis and proposed treatment. Learning the ins and outs of the cancer journey will lead to more clarity and, hopefully, less fear.

What to expect after a cancer diagnosis

It is impossible to predict exactly what you and your parent will face following a cancer diagnosis. After all, researchers have identified more than 100 types of cancer, each of which has its own treatment protocol.

Whatever type of cancer your parent has, it is natural to feel strong emotions – ranging from anxiety and depression to anger. Stress factors include side effects of cancer treatments, the costs of medical care and the abrupt (and sometimes permanent) change to your parent’s routine.

As you get your arms around your parent’s life with cancer, it’s best to be proactive. Here are some ways to start:

  • Learn. Learn as much as you can about the cancer. When possible, study the information together. Talk to your parent’s medical team about the diagnosis and treatment regimen. Understand the realities of life with cancer so you can tackle the disease with confidence.
  • Build a support system. Even though it’s your parent who has cancer, the experience can be overwhelming for the entire family. Put together a team of family, friends, caregivers and healthcare professionals who can provide emotional support or help care for your parent’s home (or pets) when they are in the hospital or not feeling well enough to maintain their home.
  • Talk. Confide in a family member, good friend or counselor. Consider joining a cancer support group, which can help you feel heard and understood. You can also ask your physician about support groups or where to find a medical social worker. Whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself or keep sadness, anger or confusion to yourself.
  • Gather your strength. Getting through cancer treatments can feel like running a marathon. It’s helpful to work on developing a mindset that is resilient as well as flexible.

10 things to do after a cancer diagnosis

Leading cancer treatments

Your parent’s treatment plan is based on the type of cancer and when it’s identified. Most people will receive more than one treatment. For example, some people may require surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Here are some of the most common treatments and therapies for cancer:

  • Biomarker testing is performed to assess the condition so a doctor can recommend the best treatment protocol.
  • Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that destroys cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments. Be sure to ask your parent’s doctor about side effects.
  • Certain breast and prostate cancers use hormones to grow and spread. Hormone therapy slows down or halts the growth of these cancers. Discus the pros and cons of this therapy with an oncologist.
  • Hyperthermia treatments heat up body tissue to damage and get rid of cancer cells – with little-to-no damage to normal tissue. This treatment is used on several kinds of cancers and pre-cancers.
  • Immunotherapy turns your immune system into a cancer fighter. Different types of immunotherapy are used against various kinds of cancer.
  • In photodynamic therapy, light is used to activate a cancer-killing drug. It’s typically used to target a specific area of the body.
  • Radiation therapy harnesses high doses of radiation to destroy cancerous cells. It can also shrink tumors.
  • Stem cell transplants restore cells that were killed during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Stem cells are the building blocks that grow every type of cell – from blood cells to breast tissue.
  • Targeted therapy works by targeting changes in cancer cells that interrupt their ability to grow.

Also, depending on your parent’s cancer type, they may be eligible to take part in a clinical trial. Ask your care team if this might be an option.

What to consider for older adults

Age is a major risk factor for developing cancer. In fact, people over 65 are 11 times more likely to get cancer than those under 65.

When doctors treat older people with cancer, they often temper the therapies based on the individual’s overall health. Sometimes, cancer experts avoid treatments that might help because they worry about the person’s safety.

However, there may be a sea change in geriatric oncology. A growing number of clinicians are basing treatments on a person’s physiological age rather than their chronological age. Ask your parent’s doctor if there is anything related to age that will limit treatment options ­– and how that might affect the prospects for recovery.

What to do about treatment side effects

On top of the side effects of the cancer itself, your parent might have to live with treatment-related side effects. They could lose their appetite, have diarrhea, lose their hair, feel sick to their stomach, experience nerve issues, have trouble sleeping and more.

Treatment side effects can be unpredictable. Two different people with the same cancer might react differently. On the other hand, two very typical treatment side effects are fatigue and pain. Fatigue is a nearly universal effect of cancer treatment. Pain is often associated with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Alert your parent’s doctor of any side effects – a treatment might be available. Work together with the healthcare team to help manage pain and find the right relief.

Side effects following treatment

People who survive cancer might experience side effects long after treatment ends. Oncologists refer to this as late effects, which may result from chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Many cancer survivors do not experience late effects.

Rehabilitation during and after treatment

Talk to your parent’s healthcare professional about cancer rehabilitation. These treatments may help your mom or dad improve physical vitality and emotional balance. Cancer rehabilitation specialists focus on enhancing endurance, building strength and increasing mobility. They also work to lessen fatigue and pain, reduce anxiety, and treat a number of cancer treatment side effects that tend to stick around. Managing pain and going through a rehabilitation regimen can lead to a faster, more effective recovery.

Staying connected with your parent

As if being diagnosed with cancer isn’t enough, your mom or dad’s illness could strain your relationship. When your parent is tired, stressed or in pain, they may not feel like talking much. They might also be worried about losing their independence and having their life turned upside-down. They could even insist they don’t need any help.

While it’s not easy, communicate regularly and honestly with your parent. Make sure they are involved in decisions about their treatment plan. Speak candidly about what’s going on while respecting how they feel.

Is it time for extra assistance?

Even when you have a strong, committed support team of family, friends and neighbors, there might come a time when your parent needs extra support.

If your parent becomes too weak physically to care for themselves, is making poor diet choices or has become withdrawn, don’t wait to reach out for professional help.

Some people who have had cancer do well with in-home care. Others get exactly what they need in an assisted living community. In fact, why not consider a short-term stay at Atria? This might make a perfect transition following hospitalization or a rehab stay. Locate an Atria community near you.

Atria Senior Living is here to help

With more than 25 years of experience serving families like yours, we are happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can to help your parent live a fulfilling life after a cancer diagnosis.

Let us call on our relationships with trusted senior living professionals to help you find the best solution for your parent.

Feel free to reach out to your local Atria community director today.

Cancer recovery checklist for seniors (PDF)

Categories
Caregiving

Your parent had a stroke: What’s next?

“You’ve had a stroke.” When your parent hears these words, their reaction – and yours – might include shock, denial and fear.

First? Take a deep breath – literally and figuratively. Acknowledge the uncertainty and anxious thoughts, and then steady yourself and know that many have traveled this road before. Modern protocols – based on decades of experience with millions of stroke survivors – inform us on best practices for treating a stroke and up the odds for successful rehabilitation.

What to ask if your parent is still in the hospital 

Be proactive. Ask your parent’s medical team to share important information, such as:

  • What type of stroke did your parent have? If it was an ischemic stroke, ask if clot-reducing medications have been used.
  • If your parent wound up in intensive or acute care, ask about the stroke’s severity and how that might impact recovery.
  • Before being discharged, be sure to ask the medical staff about the suggested rehabilitation plan. Make sure you understand their assessment of the likely long-term effects the stroke has caused. Major symptoms include:
    • Cognitive issues (memory challenges, having trouble speaking)
    • Physical issues (weakness, paralysis, trouble swallowing, trouble sleeping, extreme fatigue)
    • Emotional issues (depression, anxiety)

What happens after your parent returns home?

Once Mom or Dad gets home, make sure you are aware of the lingering problems that may persist following a stroke. The hospital team will share everything they’ve observed before discharging your parent. Some symptoms, however, might become noticeable as your parent settles in at home. Keep a watchful eye out for conditions such as:

  • Muscle weakness, paralysis or balance problems
  • Physical sensations including numbness, tingling and burning
  • Pain
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Incontinence
  • Speech issues
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Memory or attention problems
  • Eyesight complaints
  • Denial relating to the severity of the stroke

If you see any of the above, or your parent says they don’t feel right – which could range from any of the symptoms listed above to feelings of loneliness – don’t wait. Alert your parent’s care providers immediately. Just as time is of the essence when a stroke first happens, rapidly addressing any emergent issues will enhance the prospects for optimal recovery.

10 tips to support your parent after a stroke

What factors impact recovery?

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke recovery happens on multiple fronts. The degree of recovery depends on:

  • The location of the stroke in the brain
  • The percentage of the brain impacted by the stroke
  • How motivated the person is to get better
  • How committed and skilled the caregivers are
  • How healthy the person was before the stroke

When does recovery peak? The period of fastest recovery is typically in the first three to six months following the stroke. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Some people continue to get better one or even two years later.

Special considerations for elderly stroke patients

The older we get, the greater our risk of experiencing a stroke. About half of all strokes happen to people older than 75. Older adults often stay in the hospital longer and find recovery more difficult. Ask your parent’s medical team to identify any age-related challenges and how they might affect rehabilitation, and what the plan is to maximize recovery. You will also want to discuss any physical conditions that might change the course of rehabilitation, including cognitive impairment and incontinence.

While strokes may cause great harm to the body, research indicates that the brain can bounce back. Neurons may begin to regenerate just a few days after a stroke – even in the brains of older adults.

Make sure to compare notes with your parent’s healthcare team about the impact of their age on their recovery and quality of life.

Create the conditions for recovery while reducing the risk of another stroke

There’s a lot you can do to keep your parent safer and healthier as recovery continues. Follow these tips:

  • Review your parent’s prescriptions. Learn about possible side effects, some of which might increase due to the stroke. Make sure they take the correct doses of each medication at the appropriate times.
  • Assess whether their home should be “stroke proofed.” Consider your parent’s symptoms and whether any inconveniences or hazards need adjusting.
  • Stroke-related falls are quite common, and your parent might be at an increased risk. Be sure to address potential tripping hazards. Should your parent experience a serious fall with significant pain, bleeding or bruising, get them to a hospital immediately. If your parent falls repeatedly, consult with a doctor or physical therapist.
  • To lower the chances of another stroke, be mindful about your parent’s diet. If your parent is healthy enough to exercise, support them in committing to a regular program.

The role of physical therapy

A plan for physical therapy, if recommended, is established before your parent leaves the hospital. The discharge papers will outline a physical therapy protocol. The hospital staff may also share resources for physical therapy.

Look for a physical therapist who is experienced with stroke rehabilitation – ideally, a stroke recovery specialist who is skilled in helping people with coordination issues, balance problems and other conditions that impact quality of life.

Ask questions about the program and its goals, along with a therapy timetable. Make sure you and your parent understand the plan and are clear on how to follow it.

What about occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy might help your parent rebuild life skills following a stroke. When the connection between the brain, nerves and muscles is compromised, occupational therapy can teach alternative methods for completing daily activities. This might include speaking and communication, walking and getting dressed, eating, writing, bathing, and toileting. The overriding goal will be to help your parent regain as much independence as possible.

How to promote positive outcomes for stroke rehabilitation

Here are the main factors that contribute to a successful stroke rehabilitation program:

  • How badly did the stroke damage the brain?
  • How old is your parent?
  • What is their level of alertness?
  • How intense can the rehab program be?
  • Does your parent have other medical conditions? If so, how serious are they?
  • Can the home be outfitted for safety and independence, with additions like stair railings and grab bars?
  • Are family and friends on board and ready to be supportive?
  • How soon can rehabilitation begin?

How to keep the lines of communication open with your parent 

A stroke can be stressful, even for the best parent-child relationship. A decline in your mother or father’s physical abilities, changes to the way they live their life, and challenges to their independence may cause significant emotional turmoil.

The best way to address the situation is straight on. Regularly ask your parent how they are feeling. Involve them in their recovery and care decisions. Be respectful of their feelings – but always speak the truth.

If your parent is experiencing communication problems due to the stroke, follow these guidelines:

  • Practice patience
  • Create a quiet zone with a minimum of distractions (e.g., lower the volume on the TV or turn it off)
  • When possible, ask questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no”
  • Don’t raise your voice or speak too softly
  • Slow down and give your parent time to process what you are saying
  • Listen to what your parent has to say and make sure they know you understand
  • Don’t answer questions for your parent; give them time to respond 

The value of a strong social network 

The demands of a hospital stay and the initial weeks of a rehabilitation program may find you, your family and your parent stretched to the limit. That’s why it’s important to assemble a “home team” of family, friends and neighbors who are committed to your parent’s recovery.

The home team can also help your parent avoid social isolation. Even a short in-person visit or a phone call from a friend keeps your parent engaged and can help them maintain a positive mental outlook to strengthen recovery.

Don’t go at it alone

Your parent suffered the stroke, but you are going through this, too. It can be emotionally draining, and many children of older adults who’ve had strokes often shove their emotions to the side and power through the situation. Yes, develop your courage muscles as part of being a good partner for your parent. However, being strong doesn’t mean treating your emotions like a doormat. Acknowledge uncomfortable feelings, but don’t say “I’m fine” when you’re not. Keep in mind what flight crews always say: “Should we experience a drop in pressure, secure the oxygen mask over your nose and mouth before helping others.” Meaning: Taking care of your parent requires looking after yourself, too.

The long and winding road to recovery: Six months and beyond

 From here on out, further recovery is a possibility, but progress will likely be slower. Is full recovery possible? For some, the answer is yes. Others learn to adjust to their limitations and live happy, fulfilling lives.

While recovery might be more or less complete, staying in contact with your parent’s healthcare team is an essential part of remaining healthy and lowering the chance of another stroke. Team members might include:

  • Your parent’s primary care doctor
  • A rehabilitation physician (also known as a physiatrist)
  • Physical and occupational therapists
  • A neurologist
  • A rehabilitation psychologist

Speak with your parent’s doctor’s office to identify the right team of professionals for your situation.

When your parent needs more help

We all value our independence. If all goes well, your parent might bounce back to resume most or all of the activities they enjoyed prior to the stroke. On the other hand, the time may come when Mom or Dad needs more help than can be provided by you, family members or friends.

If your parent is no longer engaged socially, eating well or staying active, it might be time for professional assistance. Some people who have had strokes do well with in-home care; others get exactly what they need in an assisted living community.

Is assisted living the right choice for your parent? Try a short-term stay at Atria. This might make a perfect transition following a hospitalization or rehab stay.  Locate an Atria community near you.

Atria Senior Living is here to help

With more than 25 years of experience serving families like yours, we specialize in a well-rounded approach to healthy living – providing discreet, professional care. We are happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can to help your parent live a fulfilling life after a stroke.

Let us call on our relationships with trusted senior living professionals to put you in touch with the best solution for you and your parent.

Feel free to reach out to your local Atria community director today.

Stroke recovery checklist for seniors (PDF)

Categories
Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Questions to ask when choosing a memory care community

Senior woman and her adult daughter looking at photo album together on couch in living room
Senior woman and her adult daughter looking at photo album together on couch in living room

Having a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is an emotional experience – one that is often fraught with stress and anxiety. Despite your best intentions to care for your parent at home, at some point they will require around-the-clock assistance from a memory care community.

This list of questions – along with insights from Abby Figueroa, Atria’s Senior Vice President of Functional Operations – can help you choose a memory care community that is the best fit for you and your parent.

What are your parent’s needs?

The stage and type of dementia your parent has will determine the type of memory care services needed. Keep in mind that if your parent is in the early stages of dementia, you should consider a community that can provide more advanced care as the disease progresses.

When you visit memory care communities, let them know if your parent:

  • Needs help with activities of daily living (getting dressed, using the bathroom, eating)
  • Exhibits negative behavior (anger, agitation, aggression)
  • Is easily disoriented, seeks exits for no apparent reason, wanders off or gets lost
  • Requires a walker or wheelchair
  • Requires 24-hour supervision
  • Needs ongoing medical attention or treatments (dialysis, diabetes, colostomy care)

According to the National Institute on Aging, if your parent needs 24-hour supervised nursing care, a nursing home may be a better choice than a memory care community.

How does the memory care community approach resident interaction?

When Figueroa talks to families about choosing a memory care community, she says this may be one of the most important factors to consider.

“The memory care staff becomes a second family to your parent, so you want to really look closely at how the staff interacts with residents,” says Figueroa. “Does the relationship feel relaxed and comfortable? Does the staff know the residents’ names? Personal histories? Likes and dislikes?”

Figueroa emphasizes getting to know the staff and their approach.

“Ask what kind of specialized training they receive,” says Figueroa. “Along with the training, observe how they relate to the residents. Does their approach come from empathy, understanding and kindness? Do they relate to residents at their level of understanding? Are they able to smoothly redirect any negative behavior?”

Questions related to staff interaction:

  • What type of dementia care training do they receive?
  • What dementia techniques do they use?
  • Is a resident cared for by the same staff members every day?
  • How do staff members care for residents who are physically aggressive or those who exhibit disruptive behaviors?

As dementia training requirements vary by state, ask what kind of training or certification is required, and whether the staff receives ongoing training.

What is the memory care environment?

Figueroa advises that when visiting a memory care community, take note of the design and layout. Is it easy for residents to move from their apartments to common areas? Are the colors and textures soothing? Are the spaces warm and inviting? Is there a secure outside area for residents to enjoy a change of scenery and fresh air? Are residents’ apartment doors personalized so they can easily identify them?

How safe is the environment? Are the spaces free of clutter? Do the hallways and bathrooms have handrails? As people living with dementia are prone to wandering, any doors or elevators leading outside the community must be secure.

Check for these top safety features:

  • 24-hour supervised care
  • Emergency call buttons
  • Keypad entry
  • Alarms on emergency exits
  • Interior courtyard for secure wandering
  • Easily navigated hallways
  • 24-hour nurse
  • A visiting physician
  • Access to medical services
  • A good staff-to-resident ratio day and night
  • Automatic lights in the bathrooms
  • Low grab bars or handrails to improve stability

What memory care activities are offered?

Once the memory care community’s staff and environment pass your scrutiny, it’s time to take a closer look at programs for residents. Engaging the minds of people living with dementia not only brings them joy, but it can also stimulate cognitive function and slow the progression of their disease.

Learn what types of memory care activities the community offers. Are the programs passive or do they offer real opportunities for residents to engage? Do they provide a sense of purpose and enjoyment?

Memory care activities may include:

  • Puzzles and board games
  • Music programs
  • Sensory and tactile stimulation
  • Pet visits
  • Gardening
  • Painting
  • Cooking
  • Going on outings to parks or community events

“People with dementia can still grow and have fulfilling experiences,” says Figueroa. “Be sure that the community you choose offers a variety of programs and activities that stimulate the mind and the senses.

“Living in the moment is critical to successfully relating to someone with dementia. So, if that day’s particular program does not appeal to a resident, it’s important that the community can adjust or quickly pivot to a different program or activity they enjoy. It’s understanding the resident at that specific moment, and then customizing that moment to their current mood and needs.”

How is the overall resident well-being?

A soothing environment, professionally trained staff and engaging programs go a long way to fostering residents’ mental well-being – so take these all into account when comparing different memory care communities.

Learn how the community addresses the residents’ physical well-being, as well. Dementia can also affect a person’s appetite and how they relate to food, so learn how the community approaches resident nutrition. Are small bites available throughout the day? How does the staff help with meals? Do they keep track of how much each resident is eating and provide gentle reminders when necessary?

Well-being is also strengthened by personal relationships. Ask if the community provides opportunities for residents to connect with the world. Do they have multigenerational programs or invite grade school children to perform?

One final tip

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, ask the communities if any of the residents’ family members can contact you to discuss their experience – it always helps to hear what other families have gone through and what their experience is like.

We’re always here to help

Atria Senior Living is happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can. Reach out to your local Atria Community Director for assistance. If needed, they’ll call on their relationships with trusted senior living organizations to help find the best solution for you and your family.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Memory Care Community (PDF)