How Should You Choose Chicago Memory Care Facilities?

Senior Living Experts can help you choose Chicago memory care facilities for your loved one. It’s important to keep our loved ones who suffer from memory problems due to aging or dementia related diseases safe and as active as possible.

FAQs on How to Choose Chicago Memory Care Facilities

Our services are free and offer guidance to help you choose Chicago memory facilities or a memory facility just about anywhere in the United States.Who qualifies for memory care?

In order to qualify for memory care the patient has to have problems with at least 2 ADLs (as they are described here). They do not have to have dementia but most will be suffering from some type of health problem that interferes with their ability to think properly and remain safe when left alone.

Is a memory care facility an in-patient or out-patient care?

memory care facilities are long-term living facilities. In most cases the inability to care for themselves properly stem from degenerative health problems that will require a long-term care living facility.

How is memory care different from a nursing home or standard long-term care facility?

In some cases the type of housing can be very similar; however, the main difference is the ability to keep the resident safely inside (what used to be referred to as a lock-down unit). The care itself is very similar and focuses on stimulating the mind and memories, along with overall health care while keeping them safely in place.

Do only Alzheimer’s patients live in memory care facilities?

A memory care facility can often be a part of a larger assisted living facility; offering specific types of care as it is needed throughout the facility. memory care units house many Alzheimer’s patients but can also include those who have traumatic brain injuries, non-Alzheimer’s dementia, lasting effects from a stroke, cerebral palsy and more.

Are there only seniors in memory care facilities?

It’s most likely that memory care facilities will have more senior citizens than any other age group. Some facilities may choose to use certain sections of a facility as a unit that is targeted towards specific types of residents (seniors, dementia patients, brain injury patients, TIA & stroke patients, cerebral palsy patients, etc.) in order to help keep them socially active.

Are all memory care facilities “lock down” units?

All memory care facilities will provide locked and limited exiting for safety. Many memory care facilities are units within another facility and may vary on how limited the residents are able to ‘move about’ depending upon need.

Other units within the facility may choose to place those who aren’t considered wanderers or who may no longer have the ability to walk or move without assistance in a slightly less secured area but it will still be locked.

In some cases electronic arm or leg bands are used to keep track of  residents; allowing for a little more freedom of movement.

What to Look for When You Choose Chicago Memory Care Facilities

• Safety – Because the majority of residents in the facility are not able to take care of themselves if alone, all memory units will be secure. However, you may prefer to choose Chicago memory care facilities that offer a varying degree of roaming ability within a larger, locked & safe unit.
• Programs & Activities – You will want to think about quality of life when you choose Chicago memory care facilities that meet your needs. Make sure that there are a number of events, programs and activities scheduled specifically designed to enhance memory and stimulate thinking.
• Continuous Care – As the residents likely have degenerative health problems; you want to be sure that the facility offers various levels of care that can include the changes that will occur as your loved one continues to reside in the facility. Remember that this is a long-term care living facility; chosen to keep your loved one not only safe and healthy but active for as long as possible.
• Staff – Once you have your choices narrowed down take the time to meet the staff in the facilities you prefer. Visit at a variety of different times throughout the day, during dining hours, and on weekdays as well as weekends. Take note of the residents and what they are doing, where they are and if they seem to be getting the care they need.
• Outdoor Access – Even though you want your loved one safe and unable to go out wandering throughout town you also want them to have access to the outdoors. It’s important that clearly visible, safe, enclosed areas such as courtyards are available to encourage some fresh air and sunshine.

A Difficult Decision Made Easier With Our Help

There is no question that making the choice to place a loved one into a memory care facility will be difficult. However, you have to remember that by the time it’s time to choose Chicago memory care facilities your loved one will have most likely had frightening times when you weren’t sure they were safe.Photo by michaelpremo