3 Steps to Find a Senior Community for Older Adults with Alzheimer’s
September is World Alzheimer’s Month. And, that means it is time to raise awareness about this condition as well as the challenges faced by caregivers and loved ones in supporting and providing for their loved ones. Today, we’d like to talk about a significant decision – finding a long-term care option for a senior with Alzheimer’s Disease.
It Is All About What’s Best for Your Loved One
Making the decision to move your loved one into an assisted living community is a very difficult one, and many family caregivers and loved ones feel guilty or upset about making this choice. It is important to realize that whatever your reasons for making this decision, it may be the best choice, not only for them, but also for you. It is all about finding a place that gives you the peace of mind knowing that their needs are being expertly and compassionately met, which gives you more opportunities to spend quality time with them.
Step One – Research
Speak to your loved one’s doctor as well as neighborhood support groups to get recommendations for long-term care facilities in your area. Go online and take a look at their websites to get an idea of the spirit of the community and the services they offer. Call up the different CCRCs and assisted living communities to get an idea of how they charge for their services so you can develop a budget. It is also a good idea to write down a list of priorities, so you can narrow down your options.
Step Two – Visit
Once you have a shortlist prepared, visit the facilities in person. Pay attention to how the associates interact with the residents, how friendly they are, and how well-cared-for the residents look. Ask to see a room like the one your loved one will be staying in, and ask about mealtimes. Get the details, for example, what is the food like, can you or visitors join in for a meal, and so on.
While it is important to focus on your loved one’s medical care and assistance with daily tasks, it is also a good idea to ask about social events and activities. Are there gardens for your loved one to enjoy? What activities might he or she be able to participate in? How are companionship and spiritual care provided?
Of course, it is also important to ensure that they are equipped to support Alzheimer’s residents and their specific needs, and that their staff are experienced in assisting residents with dementia conditions. They should also have the facilities to care for your loved one’s future needs as they change.
Step Three – Costs
Every assisted living community structures the costs differently. Therefore, it is important to get a clear breakdown of the costs involved so that you can plan ahead financially. This is also a good time to speak to your eldercare lawyer and get all your loved one’s finances and legal needs in order, as you may be planning to sell property or assets to fund your loved one’s care. You may even need to obtain guardianship over your loved one to ensure that you can manage their finances and medical needs effectively.
Compassionate Care from Experienced Professionals at Beautiful United Methodist Communities in New Jersey
United Methodist Communities’ network of CCRC and assisted living communities in New Jersey is dedicated to compassionate, comprehensive care for seniors that promote independence and quality of life. We offer scalable services so residents only pay for services they need.
Through Tapestries Memory Care, we provide comfortable accommodations and support for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia conditions. Each resident enjoys a private studio apartment, spacious communal areas, and programs designed to meet each resident’s individual capabilities and aptitude. We accept seniors of all faith backgrounds.
Our communities include Bristol Glen (a CCRC in Newton, NJ), Collingswood, The Shores (Ocean City, NJ) and Pitman. Each community offers a unique setting and a different range of services, including assisted living, memory care, respite, rehabilitation, hospice, and senior housing.
To find out more about our CCRC in Sussex County, NJ, assisted living in Sussex County, NJ, or our other New Jersey communities, please contact us today or visit our website. https://umcommunities.org/senior-living-options-nj/
