What is Alzheimer’s Assisted Living and what does it offer?

Alzheimer’s assisted living is a type of housing for elderly residents who have Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The staff undergoes special training in order to specifically work with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.

Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities offer:

• A safe and stable environment for your loved one
• A secured facility to ensure your loved one does not leave the establishment
• A specialized staff that can deal with difficult situations and behaviors, such as wandering
• Activities for each person living in the facility, structured to reflect their daily routines that they established during their life
• Indoor and outdoor activities
• Medical and personal care
• Regimented dining schedules
• Music and Craft Therapy 

Why choose Alzheimer’s Assisted Living?

One of the most important benefits of Alzheimer’s assisted living is knowing your loved one is in good hands and their quality of their life isn’t reduced due to their condition. This may be an even bigger concern if your loved one suffers from memory loss. Naturally, you want to find a San Diego memory care facility that has the knowledge and compassion to work with people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

At a specialized Alzheimer’s assisted living facility that has years of experience with memory loss patients, you can be assured that your loved one will be attended to by trained professionals who understand the needs of an Alzheimer’s disease patient.

Finding the right San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility

If you decide that an Alzheimer’s assisted living is the right choice for your loved one, start by making a list of the facilities that you want to visit. These resources might help you find some:

• The Choose Well San Diego website has a list of facilities in San Diego County that you can sort with a lot of different ways, like license, city, zip code and capacity.

• Conduct a search on Google using keywords like “dementia care facilities San Diego.”

• You can also find information by consulting friends and neighbors.
• Keep in mind; all these facilities are licensed and regulated by each state.

Make sure all Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities in San Diego on your list are licensed.

Finding out more about the facilities

After you decide on a few Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities you are comfortable with, call them and ask a few general questions about their facilities. Ask about the programs they offer for their seniors, how willing they are to accommodate dietary restrictions, what are the residents’ most popular activities and other questions that will help you get a better feel for the environment.

If you are still interested in the facility after the call, ask for some information to be mailed to you, such as brochures, a price list, map and the rights and rules of the residents. Don’t forget to ask about any documents that will need to be signed upon admittance and of course, the contract. You need to review them on your own time before you sign anything.

After you receive all the materials, review them carefully and write down your questions or concerns. Strike out the places that don’t meet your criteria.

If your loved one can choose for herself or himself, make sure to include them in the process.

Visiting a San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility

Now, you have a list of the places you want to visit, so book appointments for tours. Make sure to take your loved one with you so they can take part in the decision process.

Have your questions and the material that was sent to you in hand and make sure to get as much information as you can from the tour.

Your first visit is important

When you get there, a guide will show you around the facility, explaining the programs the offer and how your loved one will benefit from their stay there. Keep in mind that the person talking to you is an employee and their job is to turn you into a customer.

Ask to meet other members of the staff and a few residents as well. When you talk to them, pay attention to their body language, if they are happy and comfortable working or living there. Find out how long the staff members have been working in this facility. Long-term employees are unlikely to be unhappy or bad at their jobs. Ask the residents how they feel about the place, what they do for entertainment and if they like the staff.

Apart from asking questions, pay attention to how people behave when they think you are not looking. If someone told you that they are happy in this facility but when you turned around their facial expression said otherwise, you should reconsider.

Also, check if the facility is clean and tidy. Are there any weird smells? Is the building well maintained? Are the staff’s uniforms clean? What about the residents? They should be clean, without emitting any bad odors and, most importantly, look (and be) well cared for.

Make sure to pay them one more unannounced visit after a few days. You may find out important information by making that second visit.

How you feel is important too

Asking questions and noticing behaviors is crucial in deciding on a facility, but it’s very important to bring your own feelings into this decision.

Be aware of how you feel when you are on the facility’s premises; do you feel comfortable, is this really a safe place for your loved one? Trust your gut–it’s usually right.

Aarp.org has a very helpful checklist you might want to print out and take with you.

Deciding on a facility and signing the contract

After visiting the facilities, reviewing all the information you received and having your questions answered, choosing your favorite memory care facility in San Diego is the most important step. The contract you will sign is the legal document that states what kind of care will be provided to your loved one, regardless of what was promised verbally or mentioned in the brochures. Make sure everything you want is written down; the more details, the better. Compare the information you received before with what is in the contract and pay close attention to fees, services provided and discharge policies.

Tips

• Make sure you understand what the contract says. Ask questions and get answers before signing anything.
• Ask about anything not included and make the changes you want.
• Don’t sign the contract until you see everything you want in it.
• Take the contract with you and review it with other family members and make sure to consult a lawyer.

The cost of a San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted  Living Facility

Paying for a high-quality Alzheimer’s assisted living center can be quite costly. Before you decide on searching for a facility for your loved one, make sure that you (or them) can afford it long-term. Expect that you might need to pay for extra services as needed and don’t forget that the price might go up due to the increase of the standard cost-of-living.

At Lakeside Manor, our San Diego Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility offers a caring, nurturing environment for our residents. Take a look at our testimonials and contact us for more information and a chance to see for yourself! Our staff will be happy to answer any questions or needs you might have.

The post How to Choose a Memory Care Facility or Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Facility in San Diego appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

Nine Top Risk Factors for Dementia

Age 

Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. Although it is possible to develop dementia at a younger age, the vast majority of cases occur in individuals aged 65 or over. In fact, once you pass the age of 65, your risk of dementia doubles roughly every five years. While there is nothing you can do to stop the ageing process, you can focus on ageing well to help stave off physical and cognitive decline. 

Family History and Genetics 

Scientists have discovered numerous genes that play a role in whether or not a person will ultimately develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. Some of these genes are considered risk genes, meaning they increase the likelihood of developing the condition while not directly causing it. There are also a few deterministic genes that guarantee a person will develop dementia at some point in their lives. If you have others in your family with the disease, your risk is greatly increased as well, multiplying for each additional family member with the condition. 

Frequent Head Injuries 

Researchers have found a strong link between head injuries and cognitive decline. The risk is increased even more when head injuries occur frequently and when the person loses consciousness. The best way to minimize your risk in this area is to employ basic safety practices, like always wearing a helmet when riding a bike and a seat belt when driving. If you have experienced head trauma in the past, all hope is not lost. Do your best to prevent it from happening again in the future, though. 

Cardiovascular Conditions 

There are a variety of cardiovascular conditions that can increase your risk of developing dementia later on in life. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity all boost your risk. To help combat this risk, do your part to stay healthy by reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, and practice physical fitness on a regular basis. Your doctor can advise you on the best diet and exercise choices to meet your needs and help prevent these common conditions. 

Sedentary Lifestyle 

In addition to increasing your risk of developing the cardiovascular conditions listed in the previous section, leading a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk of dementia. While the specific reasons behind this are not entirely clear, researchers believe that it is due to the changes physical exercise creates in your brain. A lack of physical activity reduces blood flow to your brain, which can lead to damage over time. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, even if it is just a leisurely stroll. 

Smoking 

Smoking has major effects on your entire body, not just your lungs. Smoking also affects your heart, brain and entire vascular system. Not only that, but it also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. The combination of all of these effects significantly increases your risk of dementia. It is never too late to quit smoking. When you quit, the positive effects on your body begin almost immediately and continue to increase over time, so get the help you need to quit right away. 

Lack of Cognitive Stimulation 

Your brain needs ongoing stimulation to stay sharp. If your lifestyle doesn’t provide much in the way of mental stimulation, you’ll need to go out of your way to get it for yourself. This is common among retirees who no longer have their jobs to keep their minds active. Activities like crossword puzzles and other word games can help stave off cognitive decline. Try to remain socially active as well; interacting with others helps to keep your mind active. Playing games, either in person or online, can help too. Basically, anything you can do to keep your brain as active as possible will help. 

Alcohol Abuse 

Consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis can have far-reaching effects, not just on your body, but on your brain as well. Frequent drinking can lead to short-term and long-term memory loss, as well as difficulty forming new memories. Excessive alcohol consumption over a period of many years can also increase a person’s risk of Korsakoff syndrome, an extreme form of dementia. In the past, some scientists believed that occasional drinking could help to prevent cognitive decline, but that notion has fallen by the wayside in recent years. 

Depression 

People who have experienced bouts of depression in the middle of their lives have increased risk of developing dementia. Scientists are unsure of what exactly causes this connection, but it may carry over into a person’s latter years as well. There is a possibility that depression is a byproduct of dementia in the later stages of life rather than a risk factor, but it is undeniable that the two often go hand in hand. More research will be needed to determine the specific reasons for the connection between depression and dementia. 

Caring for Yourself or Your Loved One 

If you or someone you love have one or more of the risk factors outlined here, it is never too late to make changes to your lifestyle to help prevent the onset of dementia. However, there may come a time when your loved one needs full time care. Here at Lakeside Manor, we offer best in class Alzheimer’s Care in a cozy residential facility.  Reach out to us today to learn more about what we have to offer and how we can help care your loved one.

The post Nine Top Risk Factors for Dementia appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

It can be difficult to create a dementia-proof living situation at home. The cost, time and knowledge required to incorporate necessary safety precautions in the face of Alzheimer’s are overwhelming. Most homes, as well as homes’ surroundings, simply have too many pitfalls. Even the biggest budgets, hired design experts and best of intentions can fall short. In many cases, dementia’s safety requirements can best be met by the attention of a dedicated, alert, full-time, around the clock staff, along with a tenet of tried and true procedures based on years of experience.

Most Alzheimer’s dementia patients will be safest and best attended to in a professional, well-designed, high-quality dementia care facility. But where this is concerned, not all dementia care facilities are the utmost in professionalism, design or quality.

When touring and interviewing dementia care facilities, there are dozens of things you can look for (and ask) that will indicate a facility’s safety and care standards. Below are five important safety precaution areas to consider. These are the basics, in no particular order. They’re of equal importance. If these areas don’t pass muster, don’t waste your time. Do take a few moments to let someone know. Below this article are links to California Assisted Living facility resources.

1. THE BASICS – SECURITY, CALL SYSTEMS AND GENERAL EMERGENCIES

Emergency and nurse call systems should be plentiful and working in all public and private areas. In resident suites, call systems should be accessible from multiple points, including bedsides, kitchenettes, bathrooms (toilet and shower) and living room areas. It is also recommended that you provide a wearable safety monitoring system for your loved one, along with an identification bracelet. Though good facilities are aware of and equipped to prevent wandering, there have been residents who’ve gotten out of even the most secure facilities.

Security cameras should be present throughout hallways and common areas. Outside doors should be properly locked and attended (unless they lead to safe areas such as gardens that residents might come and go from independently). Windows should have safety locks. There should be ample emergency exits with alarms. Check for locks and peepholes on resident doors.

Check for smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms as well as sprinklers. Find out how often they’re tested. Ask about emergency drills and procedures. Are there emergency plans in writing in the event of fires, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and so on? Are there emergency supply kits? Power generators? Where do residents evacuate to and how will families be notified? How will medication and care be handled in the event of an evacuation?

Security measures should be in place, including a visitor check-in desk requiring photo identification.

All health and safety inspection certificates should be up to date. Licenses should be available to view upon request.

The facility should be open and welcoming to visitors, even when they make unannounced visits.

2. FACILITY DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE

Public spaces should be easy to navigate. Pathways are clear of wires and objects. Flooring materials are non-slip, non-chipped, well maintained and wide enough to accommodate at least two-way wheelchair traffic. Any carpeting should be very flat, wall to wall and shouldn’t have any loose edges, pulls or rips. Wherever possible, handrails should be present in all areas. Lighting should be plentiful, pleasant and devoid of harsh bright spots and shadows.

All common and private bathrooms should be fully handicapped accessible. Showers should be walk-in accessible and include a bench or safe shower chair, along with a non-slip flooring surface.

Furnishings, particularly beds and chairs, should be at a height that makes them easy for elderly patients to get in and out of. Chairs should have armrests. Furniture should be stable, clean and in good repair, without sharp corners, splinters or edges. Residents’ cupboards and shelving should be reachable.

A facility should look and smell clean. It should have procedures in place to pre-empt the spread of common illnesses and infections. Hand washing and sanitizing stations should be accessible.

A facility should look well-maintained, from the grounds and outer building on in. Look for signs of oversight or neglect.

Reflective tape or lighting should be present to indicate stairwells. Bottom and top steps should be clearly demarcated. Handicapped accessible elevators should be easily accessible.

Ask about cooling and heating. Can residents control the temperature of their rooms? Are there central systems or individual units?

3. MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND BASIC NURSING/MEDICAL

Ask about a dedicated staff and system for administering resident medications. Find out about backup if it becomes necessary.

Find out if first aid and nursing services are provided. Are any additional medical services provided? What procedures are in place for emergency care? What procedures are in place for annual medical checkups or dental care?

Are there doctors, physical therapists or other medical personnel that visit on site? What is the procedure for arranging appointments? Is transportation provided for seeing doctors and therapists off site?

4. STAFF

Does staff appear to be plentiful, present and approachable? Are they interested in and involved with residents? Are they interested in meeting your loved one? Do you feel welcome? Look for signs of over-stressed, over-hurried staff members. Ask about staff to resident ratio, staff member specializations and training, staff turnover rates and staff/management relationships.

5. Alzheimer’s Dementia Care RESIDENTS

Residents should appear clean and freshly dressed. They should look, at least, content and comfortable. At most, they should look engaged and involved.

Residents should have easy access to snacks and water between meals.

Ask a director or manager about how residents are interviewed and accepted to the facility. Are residents permitted who have contagious illnesses? Are residents accepted that have a history of harming themselves or others?

Take time in viewing facilities, getting informed and choosing a facility that meets your standards. We keep an active blog, and provide many articles about caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s dementia, along with information about the disease itself. Also, below are additional resources that can be helpful:

California Assisted Living Association (Information on Assisted Living Laws and Regulations):

http://caassistedliving.org/provider-resources/laws-regulations/

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform:

http://www.canhr.org/factsheets/rcfe_fs/html/rcfe_needtoknow_fs.htm

OSHA Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities:

https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/osha-requirements-assisted-living-facilities-16183.html

The Joint Commission and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality:

https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/talkingquality/resources/initiatives/joint.html

Resources for Alzheimer’s dementia caregivers:

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-resources-in-helping-elderly-parents-with-dementia

The post Alzheimer’s Dementia Care | 5 important Safety Precautions appeared first on Lakeside Manor.