Feature Article

Asking Proper Questions and Assessing Environment are Keys to Selecting the Right Dementia Care Facility

Millions of Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementing illness, and the numbers are expected to continue to rise. In response to this growing trend, long-term care organizations are developing dedicated, dementia care units.

The advent of dementia facilities has helped families find care suited to their loved one’s needs,” states Stephen Blend Executive Director of The Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center (www.seniorlifecenter.org), “yet the challenges of sifting through information and selecting the right care facility continue.” This will be made more complicated as more facilities open their doors.

Asking the right questions and assessing the environment are keys to finding the most appropriate care facility for a loved one. Calling admissions coordinators and taking tours are two methods families can use to get the information they need.

• Consider staffing levels. Ask questions about how many licensed nurses and aides are present during each shift.
   
• Consider the environment (lighting, color scheme, and flooring). Daylight quality illumination during waking hours is beneficial as it allows for the highest level functioning in residents. Color schemes should be calm, soothing and home-like. Flooring should be skid-resistant and familiar.
   
• Ask about group and individual activity programs offered. Request a copy of the activities calendar to see what is provided. This can also transition into asking about care plans and wellness programs for residents.
   
• Request information about room rates and services, and what is included in the daily fee. This will help determine whether residents and families are getting the most value for their money. 
   
• Evaluate how the facility gets to know its residents. Many places have families fill out questionnaires and family histories to better understand each new resident. This information helps caregivers tailor the environment to an individual’s needs.
   
• Ask about safety policies and procedures. When selecting a care unit, it is important to find a place that balances the need for a home-like environment with the need for dementia-specific safety

Families need to remember that the needs of individuals experiencing memory loss differ from other geriatric illnesses. As a result, the care facilities should be different too. Obtaining the information listed above will help families select the care that is right for them.

About The Life Center

For 75 years The Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center has been dedicated to providing outstanding long-term and rehabilitative care to its residents.  In October 2006, The Life Center opened Memory Care at Boulevard Place to better serve the needs of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.  For more information, go to www.seniorlifecenter.org.

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