As our loved ones age, their needs and circumstances often change, making it necessary to revisit their living arrangements.

In cases where your mom is facing memory-related challenges, moving her into a memory care facility may be the best option to ensure her safety and wellbeing.

Here are three vital questions you should ask before deciding on a memory care facility:

1. What is the Staff-to-Resident Ratio?

A key indication of the quality of care at a memory care facility is the staff-to-resident ratio. A lower ratio means that your mom will receive more personalized attention and care.

Ask potential facilities about their staffing levels during different shifts, and find out if the staff includes trained medical personnel who can attend to your mom’s specific needs.

Smaller facilities usually have a better ratio of staff to residents. 

2. What Types of Therapies and Activities are Offered?

Engaging in stimulating activities and therapies can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals living with memory impairments. Explore the types of activities available, and ask how they are tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of each resident.

Music, Art, and socializing have been found to have beneficial effects on people with memory impairments. Ensuring that the facility provides a rich and varied activities program will help your mom maintain a sense of purpose and joy in her daily life and have friends to socialize with on a day-today basis.

3. What Safety Measures are in Place?

Safety is a prime concern when it comes to memory care. Individuals with memory impairments are at a higher risk of wandering, falling, and other accidents. Thus, it is critical to assess the safety features of potential facilities.

Ask about the safety measures in place to prevent wandering, including secured entrances and exits, monitoring systems, and wander guards. Also, inquire about the measures in place to ensure the physical safety of residents, such as handrails, non-slip flooring, and adequately lit spaces.

We’re Here When You Need a Place For Mom To Live

Moving your mom into a memory care facility is a decision laden with emotional weight and responsibility. Ensuring you ask the right questions can help you find a home that fosters joy and fulfillment in her later years.

It is vital to involve her in the decision-making process to the greatest extent possible, honoring her preferences and desires.

Despite the potentially difficult transition, with thoughtful consideration and planning, you can secure a home that affords her the necessary care, safety, and support, making her golden years as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Please contact us if you want to have an honest and empathetic discussion about how Mercy House can help.