ALL About Alzheimer’s Livestream – Ep 2 – Navigating Assisted Living Choices for Loved Ones

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Episode 02: Navigating Assisted Living Choices for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

Livestream Summary

When deciding between assisted living or memory care for a loved one, it’s crucial to prioritize their unique needs and preferences. This livestream covers essential factors to evaluate when selecting the right facility, including financial considerations, the quality of staff interactions, and the specific types of care each option provides.

Understanding a Loved One’s Needs

Finding the right care for a loved one involves much more than simply choosing a facility. It’s important to have a clear understanding of their needs, preferences, and priorities. Before diving into the specifics of available options, spend time discussing what truly matters to your loved one. This allows you to focus on finding a community that aligns with their expectations, ultimately improving their quality of life and satisfaction with the decision. 

Prioritizing What Matters Most

Before starting your search, discuss what is important to them with your loved one. This might include:

• Proximity to family and friends.
• Specific amenities they desire.
• The overall environment or atmosphere of the facility.

Taking these preferences into account ensures the chosen community aligns with their expectations.

Assessing Financial and Contractual Obligations

Understanding the financial aspects and contractual terms is crucial. Sit down with the facility’s sales or executive director to clarify:

• Fees and what they include.
• Services or amenities that might require additional payment.
• Potential annual increases and their timing.

This step helps families plan financially and avoid unexpected costs down the line.

Evaluating Staff and Resident Interactions

Observing Staff Quality

During your tour, take time to interact with the staff. Key questions and observations include:

• Do staff members address residents by name and engage in meaningful conversations?
• Are they approachable and willing to answer your questions?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

Turnover Rates

Inquire about the staff turnover rates at the facility. High turnover can indicate issues such as poor management or low staff satisfaction, which may lead to inconsistent care. Consistent staff, however, suggests a stable environment and a commitment to providing quality care. Familiar caregivers help foster trust and comfort for residents, ensuring a more stable and personalized experience. It’s also worth asking about staff training and any measures the facility takes to address turnover if it’s a concern.

Types of Senior Living Options

Senior living options vary not just in size but in the level of care they provide. Understanding these levels can help you choose the right environment for your loved one based on their specific needs. Some facilities may focus on offering basic assistance with daily activities, while others are equipped to provide more specialized care for those with conditions like dementia or memory loss. It’s important to assess your loved one’s health and care requirements to find the most appropriate fit.

Large Communities vs. Personal Care Homes

There are various types of senior living arrangements to consider:

• Large Assisted Living or Memory Care Communities: These facilities often house 50 to 300 residents and provide a wide range of amenities and activities.
• Board and Care Homes: Smaller, private residences designed for up to six residents. These homes offer a more intimate setting with individualized care.

Touring and Evaluating Facilities

When touring facilities, focus on care quality rather than just aesthetics. While beautifully designed homes may be appealing, the level of care and attentiveness to residents’ needs should be the top priority.

Food and Dining Options

Dining plays an essential role in a resident’s experience. Consider:

• Touring during mealtime to sample the food.
• Review the menu to ensure variety and alignment with dietary preferences.
• Observe how personalized the dining experience is, especially in smaller settings.

Handling Specialized Needs and Behaviors

Preparing for End-of-Life Care

If your loved one’s condition worsens, ask the facility:

• Whether they can provide end-of-life care.
• Which hospice agencies do they partner with, and what are their philosophies about hospice care?

Addressing Challenging Behaviors

For individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, challenging behaviors like anxiety or aggression can arise. Facilities should:

• Conduct detailed pre-move-in conversations to create a care plan.
• Understand the resident’s preferences, such as favorite foods, music, or TV shows, to provide comfort.
• Demonstrate specialized training in dementia care.

Activities and Engagement

While constant activity may not be necessary, it’s essential that the facility offers meaningful engagement tailored to residents’ needs and preferences. Ask about the variety and frequency of scheduled activities, ensuring they are diverse and suited to different levels of ability. Some residents may enjoy group outings or exercise classes, while others may prefer more solitary activities like arts and crafts or reading groups.

In addition to structured activities, inquire about opportunities for social interaction and mental stimulation beyond passive activities like watching TV. This could include communal dining, book clubs, or gardening programs that encourage residents to engage with each other and their environment. Thoughtfully designed engagement programs can significantly improve residents’ mental and emotional well-being, providing them with a sense of purpose and connection.

Questions to Ask During Tours

To ensure you’re making the best choice, ask the following:

• How do you handle residents with challenging behaviors?
• What training does your staff have in dementia care?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
• Do you have partnerships with hospice agencies?
• Can you accommodate dietary preferences?

DEMENTIA-CERTIFIED FEATURED EXPERTS

Mary Curtis Pizzano

Mary Curtis Pizzano (Tampa, FL) built her career around helping others. As a certified dementia care expert, she is deeply passionate about offering the best care options, resources, and information to those in need. A graduate of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, Mary Curtis began her professional journey teaching underserved students in Atlanta. Over the years, while raising her children and exploring various career paths, she most recently worked as an HR Manager in the healthcare artificial intelligence industry.

Jay Minor

Jay Minor, from Ladera Ranch, CA, spent 25 years as a pastor before channeling his passion into supporting seniors and their families. He specializes in guiding them through the often complex and emotional journey of finding the right assisted living or memory care options. A Certified Senior Advisor® and Dementia Care Certified, Jay lives in Ladera Ranch with his wife, Traci. They share their home with their beloved dog and take pride in their four wonderful adult children.

HOSTED BY

Angelica Olea

Angelica Olea (VP of Franchise Operations and Strategic Development at Assisted Living Locators) Over the last 12 years has played a pivotal role in transforming Assisted Living Locators into a nationally recognized leader in senior care placement. Angelica developed and executed strategies that contributed to the brand’s top rankings in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® and Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises Report.

ALL About Alzheimer’s is a livestream designed to provide families, caregivers, and professionals with practical insights, expert advice, and real-time answers to questions about Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

This event series is built to engage attendees by addressing common challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, offering expert-driven solutions, and exploring critical topics such as memory care options, financial planning, and long-term care strategies.

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