When Mom or Dad has Alzheimer’s and the need for long-term care at a nursing home or assisted living facility is needed, all adult children worry about making the right choice. When financial limitations are thrown into the mix, it can become even more difficult to make a decision about where our elderly parents will spend their final years. Often, elderly parents with dementia or Alzheimer’s resist the change in living arrangements, and decisions may have to be made in their best interests that go against their current desires. Here’s a few tips for choosing the right facility for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Is the facility committed to Alzheimer’s care?
- What areas of improvement were cited on the most recent licensing inspection? Have the improvements been addressed?
- What is the facilities philosophy and mission? Does it address the special needs of Alzheimer’s patients?
- What types of care are available as a patient progresses through the stages of Alzheimer’s?
- Does the facility only serve people with Alzheimer’s?
- How will you be informed of changes in care?
- How are daily needs monitored?
- Does the staff address the spiritual and social needs of people with Alzheimer’s?
- How to staff members manage specific behaviors?
10. What are the facilities polices on using restraints or medications to control behaviors?
11. Are meaningful group and individual activities offered throughout the day?
12. Do activities include tasks for daily living (making the bed, brushing teeth, etc)?
13. What are the qualifications of the staff?
14. What type of training related to Alzheimer’s is provided to staff members?
15. Does the facility feel like a hospital, or a home?
16. What type of safety measures are put in place (tracking devices, door alarms, etc)
17. Is there a safe and secure outdoor area for residence to explore?
18. How is safety addressed while still promoting independence?
