In 2024, almost seven million Americans age 65 and older had Alzheimer’s, which explains why memory communities are so popular.
Knowing what to look for makes it easier to find a community that fits your loved one’s needs. But if you’ve never considered memory care communities, you likely won’t know where to start.
Sounds like your situation? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right spot. Here’s what to look for in a memory care community in Royal Palm Beach, FL.
Expertise in Memory Care
Focus on senior living communities in Royal Beach that offer memory care. Staff must be trained to handle the unique challenges associated with the difficult process of memory loss.
At The Capstone at Royal Palm, we take a scientific and personalized approach with memory care. As a result, we accommodate residents with memory loss and ensure they are properly cared for.
Strict Safety Measures in Place
On your hunt for Royal Palm Beach dementia care, it’s important to consider the safety measures in place.
Patients with memory-related conditions are at risk of injury because they’re often not aware of their surroundings or may have mobility issues. The best memory care community will have grab bars, guard rails, and non-slip surfaces. Corridors and hallways should also be clearly labeled so residents can easily find their way back to their rooms.
Further, the memory care community building should be pristine. Cleanliness is crucial for protecting residents and reducing the spread of illnesses. The only way to check is by scheduling a tour and noting how clean the communal and personal spaces are.
Memory Care Amenities
Another huge consideration is the memory care amenities. It’s important to note that this will depend greatly on your loved one’s condition and their needs. For instance, many memory care communities offer extra medical support and emergency services. Not only does this protect residents, but it gives their families peace of mind too.
Or, if your loved one doesn’t need that, you can find communities with senior living in Royal Palm Beach that focus on lifestyle. You can expect fitness centers, communal dining areas, and outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy their daily exercise.
Caring Staff Members
A reputable memory care community will have a qualified team. These professionals should have worked extensively with memory care patients to provide the ultimate support.
Senior living communities that offer Alzheimer’s care have a low staff-to-resident ratio, so employees can help patients with daily tasks. This includes assistance with meals, sorting out medication, and personal care tasks.
Regularly Scheduled Memory Care Activities
Memory care communities should have programs that focus on stimulating residents mentally and physically.
A recent study has found that older adults who play digital puzzle games have the same memory abilities as people in their 20s, which shows how effective it is in boosting cognitive function. Aside from puzzles, patients with memory loss can benefit from other activities like drawing, pottery, and reading.
Regular exercise is crucial too. Physical activity engages residents and promotes blowflow to the brain, which can slow cognitive decline over time. Because of this, memory care centers encourage residents to take daily walks, garden, and other forms of low-impact exercise to protect brain health.
Memory centers also provide reminiscence exercises, so residents can relive past experiences. Common examples include listening to old music and looking through photographs in the hope that it will spark their memory and encourage recounting life stories.
At the Capstone at Royal Palm, for example, residents are encouraged to partake in memory-boosting activities that suit their capabilities and focus on physical activities to keep that mind-body connection strong.
Positive Online Reviews
As with any major investment, reading through reviews is essential, especially because your loved one will be living in the community. If you haven’t already, ask any friends or family members you have in Royal Palm Beach, FL, for recommendations.
Once you’ve narrowed down the list, read through reviews on each candidate’s website and third-party pages like Google or Yelp. Keep your loved one in mind as you sift through the comments to find relevant details. For instance, if your older relative needs specific care, previous residents should mention this in their review.
If you notice any reoccurring negative comments, continue your search as that’s a major red flag. Remember, this is your loved one’s well-being, so you don’t want to take a risk with it.
Cost
Ideally, check out the cost of each memory care community before scheduling a visit. Look at the center’s pricing structure and added fees to decide whether you need financial aid options, such as Medicaid or long-term care insurance. Note that the price depends on the level of care needed, the location, and the memory center’s amenities.
Your Gut Feeling During the Tour
Scheduling a tour lets you experience the community first-hand. Staff members will guide you through the building and answer any questions you have regarding memory care.
During the day, consider how knowledgeable employees are and how the residents seem. Do community members appear happy and well cared for? You could even ask residents how they feel about the memory community if you’re intrigued.
Ideally, you should tour the community with your relative to see how they feel. If you can’t, ask yourself whether your loved one would be mentally engaged and safe in the community. Listening to your gut is essential, and if it feels slightly off, continue your search for a memory center in your local area.
Find a Memory Care Community in Royal Palm Beach Today
During your search for a memory care community in Royal Palm Beach, FL, consider how the community will accommodate your loved one’s needs.
At Capstone at Royal Palm, we have years of experience working with memory care residents and ensuring they provide the necessary care. If you’re searching for a memory center in Royal Palm Beach, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us or book a community tour where we can show you around and answer any queries you may have.