We have visited several facilities. Two had memory care. All were nice but one that we visited that does not have memory care had the best living and dining facilities, and had very competent and caring staff. The staff assured us they have dementia patients as tenants and the only time there are problems are if the individual wanders. We are reluctant to select a facility without memory care in case it is needed in the future because we don’t want to have to move again.
What happens if they call and say...we can no longer safely care for XXX.
Where would you have them transferred to? Look at that place again.
There is a slight possibility that wandering might not be a problem but other things that a person with dementia might do can put themselves or other residents at risk.
Ask the facility that you are considering how many residents over the past 10 years have had to leave because of wandering or other unsafe or unacceptable reasons.
In a few cases when my brother was in ALF some of the residents needed another level of care. In some instances it was leaving the facility, but in many it was calling out, being in their rooms and/or disruptive to the entire communal setting. They had to be moved to memory care. In some cases the Resident counsel itself requested intervention; that is the elders in each cottage got together in their monthly meeting and petitioned. The staff was always aware when a resident needed more, and reported it, as they were responsible for care in each cottage.
If this place is housing patients unable to understand and live within certain boundaries with other more well residents, they are affected the atmosphere of the entire place.
There were times at my brother's ALF when the facility did all they could to accomodate keeping people in the lower needs areas because of cost factors; the families could not afford the increases in cost. It didn't usually work out. There may be others out there with better experiences. At my brother's place some time after his death (I was still in contact with his friend there) the facility did make one of the cottages a higher level of care, a locked cottage, and with more staff, as an intermediate care cottage. This was a good answer to be certain for all involved; it was a VERY dedicated facility overall in my opinion.
No, he needs memory care. It's a huge difference in care, and the AL's dining facilities aren't going to be of much value when he gets kicked out -- and he will.
Please get him the right kind of care for what ails him.
I'd be leery of this ''the only time there are problems are if the individual wanders.''
If it gets bad later, move then as the loved one won't remember any way once the dementia is bad.
Live for the moment and
Go for the Best place for now, as no one knows the future so choose the place that will make the loved one the happiest now.
We visited several facilities AL/MC with spa like atmosphere which were beautiful however, I needed to separate from what I thought was great if I lived there to what he would benefit from. They had a theater, pool, nightly happy hours, baby grand etc. These things mean nothing to him
Even though they had MC, if he needed a high level of care, he’d need to go to nursing home or I think if behavior worsen they would dismiss him
The strong contender is a MC only facility dealing only with the different forms of dementia . Staff and director are well versed in best practices. residents won’t be removed and individual care plans are evaluated 4x a year or more. They come furnished and director purchases new bedding etc and will decorate it based on his interests at no charge if you wish. You could choose to furnish it yourself if that would make your loved one more comfortable. They are designed thoughtfully with dementia needs at the forefront. There is no level of care cost as in Al/MC It’s inclusive with the exception of Depends (my husband doesn’t need need yet). The welcome pets and have an enclosed yard with walking paths that they can utilize whenever. The downside for me is it’s located in our old neighborhood which is 2 1/2 hours from our retirement home which will be a trek. I do have family about 40 min away and it’s in King of Prussia PA with a lot of amenities and hotels for my visits.
it is the most difficult decision if my life. I wish you well in this process but hope you will consider a MC placement.
memory care is best for dementia that’s going to progress …and there are some great ones with private room and bath… they’re more experienced dealing with dementia and frontal lobe is difficult !!!