It is a tough task to care for a patient with conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia and it is a fact that they are better in the care of experts such as in an assisted living facility for such people. They are referred to as special care units. The main advantage of such facilities is that the staffs are well trained and experienced in administering care for people with Alzheimer's or Dementia etc.
Special Care Units
Special care units provide the residents with an environment where they are safe and comfortable. The facility also specializes in providing care and initiating activities that will benefit people with such conditions. The services offered in the facilities differ as some take care of such patients only during the early stages of the disease where as others will continue to care for them until they qualify for nursing home care due to debilitating condition.
You may do some research and ask certain relevant questions to learn all you can about the facility. Find out if the institution is certified and registered. You may ask about the range of activities offered and the number of people in each group. People with Alzheimer's tend to fare better in small groups. Another important aspect is security. Determine how safe inmates are indoors as well as outdoors. Check if the facility has circular pathways as people with Alzheimer's have difficulty in negotiating right angles.
Determine if the facility offers tactile stimulation, subdued lighting, as well as relaxing techniques such as aromatherapy etc. that are said to calm the patients.
Determine who runs the facility, their experience as well as the experience of their staff. Check out the staff to resident ratio. Make sure the facility is located in a quiet residential locality. Smaller units are preferable, as people with Alzheimer's tend to get confused and lost. Enquire if they will be provided with three balanced and nutritious meals.
Look at the facility and note if it is clean and well maintained. Check the size of the public areas as well as the rooms. Check to see if they are neat, clean and that they have a dustbin that is emptied regularly. If you are opting for a shared room ask about who the resident will have to share the room with and ask if they may opt for another room if they cannot get along with the resident.
Ask if family may visit the resident, can take them for visits and if privacy is ensured during the visits. Ask about the fees and get it in writing in order to minimize chances of being surprised with a hefty bill later. Determine the annual rate of increase in the fee and find out the various payment options available. Make sure that the facility works with Medicaid or other long-term care insurers.
If you are not very clear about the kind of assisted living facility that is right for people with Alzheimer's or Dementia you may always consult the patient's physician or a geriatric care manager. Select a facility that offers quality service, where you may safely admit your loved ones to receive the care and attention that they need. It would be a good idea to use a professional checklist so that you do not miss any important factor.