For those with dementia each journey is unique and individual. Some
are able to remain in their home with services and family support
while others find their needs may be best met within an assisted
living facility.
Families often ask, “How do I know when it is time to seek
placement?” The answer to this question varies from family to family
and is often based on existing support systems and financial,
emotional, physical and spiritual conditions. When families question
placement Cognitive Care Coaches can help.
Cognitive Care Coaches
is highly recommended if you are:
Unsure your loved one should be left home
alone
Questioning your loved one's abilities
and daily safety
Struggling with your loved one's
undesirable behaviors that interfere with day-to-day activities
Struggling with how to complete daily
care for an individual
Looking for activities for your loved one
so they experience gratification and success
Emerald Crest’s team of professionals can help answer you questions
and assist in facilitating a smooth transition when care at home is
no longer the best option. Below is a questionnaire to use when you
are determining the best placement option.
“Having Mom at Emerald Crest has meant having the assurance that she
is cared for in a safe, loving, nurturing environment. It means that
all her needs are managed and coordinated by a variety of
professional staff whose focus is on the residents. Safety is
primary at Emerald Crest.” - Dorothy Ellerbroek
Facility Questionnaire:
Even when circumstances make the decision inevitable, there are many
considerations. Here are some questions to ask before selecting a
memory care facility.
Yes No
Is memory care
education mandatory for all staff?
Are staff
pleasant and encouraging to residents?
Are belongings
safe and available for personal use?
Is the facility
convenient to family and friends?
Are state
inspection reports favorable?
Is the facility
clean and free of unpleasant odors?
Are residents
clean and well groomed?
Are the services
covered by Medicare or Medicaid?
Does the food
look to be of good quality?
Are special
diets available?
Do families of
residents have positive comments?
Is the
staff-to-resident ratio acceptable?
Is the facility
calm and restful?
Is the facility
on a quiet street?
Is the
environment secured?
Do residents
bring their own furniture?
Does the
facility have an awake night staff?
Are residents
personally invited to activities and meals?
Have measures
been taken to ensure safety?
Are the units on
one level?
Are there
circular areas for wanderers?
Are visual cues
used to orient residents?
Are there
private rooms?
Does the
facility prohibit restraints?
Are activities
appropriate for memory loss residents?
Is private space
respected?
Can friends and
relatives visit any time they want?
Are religious
services available?
Are most
residents alert and engaged in activities?
(Worksheet can be printed either before or after checking
boxes.)
For additional resources on selecting a memory care
facility, check with the Alzheimer’s Association or log on to
www.alz.org.
