This comprehensive guide will arm you with the right questions to ask your prospective San Diego Dementia Care Facility. Take the time to clearly write down the specific needs of your loved one.  What type of environment do they need to thrive, what specific medical needs they have and what areas would be a good fit for your family.

Conduct a search in your area for available facilities. Ask your friends or neighbors, conduct some searches on Google, Yahoo and Bing and utilize a local directory like Choose Well.  Note all the residences you want to contact and proceed on your outreach mission.

First Contact With The Prospective San Diego Dementia Care Facility

When you are calling the facility for the first time, you may only get general information and the chance to ask for brochures to be sent to you. Below are some great initial questions to ask the facility:

• How long has this facility been open? If the facility is newly opened, then you know that their buildings are also new. If they tell you that the center is more than 20-30 years old, ask if they do maintenance and how often. You don’t want your loved one to end up in an old place with bad plumbing and cracked walls.
• Are you licensed? Make sure they are licensed. Keep in mind that all assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by each state and not the federal government. If they are not straightforward with answering this question, they are probably not, so cross them off your list.
• What kind of services do you offer? Learning about what they offer will help to give you a clearer idea if you’d like to learn more or not. For example, if the say they are an Assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s Dementia patients you need to ask for clarification. It’s important to understand if they are a general Assisted Living Facility for the elderly that also caters to residents with Alzheimer’s Dementia. Or, if they are an Assisted Living facility dedicated exclusively to residents with Alzheimer’s Dementia. Obviously the latter is a smarter choice for your family. I can’t stress how important it is to understand the difference between general assisted living vs a Memory Aid Facility.  You want a facility that was built around the disease and has the sole purpose of providing the highest level care and compassion to residents with Alzheimer’s a Dementia.

After asking your questions, request a package with brochures or an email with pertinent information relating to  price, the rights and rules of the residents and activities for the residents.

Your On Site Visit To The San Diego Dementia Care Facility

When you have narrowed the field and identified which facilities are a potential fit, call to schedule a time for a tour.  Make sure to write down any questions that arose from reading the material they sent you. Make a list of other questions you want to ask during your tour and take it with you. This list might come in handy. The idea here is make the most of the visit. Spend the time to prepare yourself to ensure you ask all of the pertinent questions during your schedule tour.

Here are some great questions to ask to help you out with your due diligence:

• What level of care does the facility provide? There are several types of care facilities. Here, you can read about them and find the one that is most suitable for you.
• Can I see your license? They told you with confidence on the phone they are indeed licensed, but it never hurts to see for yourself.
• What type of training has the staff received? Make sure the facility is staffed with trained nurses and a team specifically trained and experienced in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• What is the monthly rate for housing and care? What services does that rate include? What is the rate for extra services? It’s important to know that the community is within your price range. Make sure you can not only afford the standard fees, but also the occasional extras that may arise every month.
• Are rooms private or semi-private? How do prices vary for each? Depending on the needs of your loved one, you can choose the level of privacy you will get them, always making sure it’s withing your budget.

• What level of personal assistance can residents expect? You should know if someone will be helping your loved one with daily necessities, like eating, bathing, dressing and taking medication. If not, ask how they can help you provide to your loved one all the help they need.
• What is the policy for handling medical emergencies? Is there a stand-by doctor for that? Will they call an ambulance or you in case of emergency? Knowing these details will help you plan for emergencies accordingly.
• How is the community secured? It’s very important that the facility’s security is tight. A resident might wander off and their relatives should be assured they won’t be getting lost or leaving the premises and chance getting hurt.

• What kind of meals are provided? Make sure all the meals are balanced and nutritious and dietary requests, such as kosher meals, are accommodated.
• How often are housekeeping and laundry services provided? Clean space and clothing are important. Make sure your loved one’s living space will be constantly clean and their clothes often laundered. If not, you might consider another solution for that.
• What programs (exercise, physical therapy, social and other activities) does the facility offer? Socializing is very important. Residents must be active and energized, engaging in fun activities.
• What is the ratio of staff to residents during the day/night? Having a substantial amount of staff working is important because they can attend to the needs of every resident without being pressured by time or another task.
• How does the facility communicate with families about a resident’s well-being? It’s very important for you to know how often and the way the facility will communicate with you. Choose a place that will keep you informed about all the aspects of your loved one’s life and will communicate with you often, at least a couple times per week.
• What is the discharge policy? You need to know the reasons a facility might discharge a resident. Knowing that will help you prepare to care for your loved one in case of a sudden discharge.

Choosing the ideal San Diego Dementia Care Facility is a huge task. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have in addition to these to help you find a resident community that you and your loved one are comfortable with.

At Lakeside Manor we understand how difficult it can be to transition to a San Diego Dementia Care Facility, which is why we’re here to help you through the process. We’re happy to answer any questions and invite you to tour our community. Please contact us to schedule your tour of our lovely facility. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Doctors often use the Reisberg Scale, often called the GDS, to separate the seven stages of the disease. Although this scale includes multiple stages within the categories of “No Dementia” and “Mid-Stage Dementia”, it further separates the symptoms for a more accurate diagnosis. This is essential for developing the right treatment plan since there is no specific test for diagnosing it. Also, there are medications that help to slow the progression of the disease but symptoms cannot be reversed.

Medications are used to treat the different symptoms of dementia. Some treat memory loss while others are used to treat behavioral changes or sleep disorders. Most of these drugs are only effective during the early stages and for a short period of time. The most valuable thing you can do for your loved one is to get quality San Diego memory care that will keep their mind active as long as possible.

The Seven Stages of Dementia:

Stage 1

People who experience no memory loss and are mentally healthy are considered stage 1. According to the scale, every person without dementia is classified as Stage 1.

Stage 2

Those in Stage 2 have very mild cognitive decline. They experience occasional forgetfulness that appears to be normal for their age. You aren’t likely to notice these symptoms and neither is their physician.

Stage 3

This stage of cognitive decline includes more frequent forgetfulness and the beginning of a decline in concentration. The person in Stage 3 dementia often performs normal tasks less efficiently. They may have problems finding the right words or get lost when going places they are familiar with.

The people who live with the person may notice the symptoms during this stage. It is more difficult to realize the decline in their cognitive abilities from a distance. On average, Stage 3 lasts for seven years before progressing to actual dementia.

Stage 4

During Stage 4, the person experiences a moderate cognitive decline. They begin to forget attending recent events and have problems managing their finances. They may be unable to travel to new locations without getting lost.

It isn’t unusual for people in Stage 4 to withdraw from their loved ones because of the difficulties they have socializing. Loss of memory and problems recalling names or finding the right words makes it difficult to socialize. Physicians can detect a decline in cognitive abilities by examining the patient and interviewing them. Denial of their symptoms sometimes makes them resistant to doctor’s appointments. Stage 4 lasts an average of two years.

Stage 5

During this stage, loss of memory is more pronounced. Most people require help performing normal daily activities such as preparing meals and bathing. During Stage 5, the need for professional and compassionate San Diego memory care may be necessary. People who live alone often stop doing daily tasks like bathing. They may wear the same clothes day after day and have difficulty distinguishing day from night.

Stage 6

People in Stage 6 dementia often forget the names of those closest to them. They can’t remember recent events and often recall some details of events from the past. They are unable to complete simple tasks and their ability to speak diminishes. Loss of bladder and bowel control often occurs and personality changes begin to take place. Stage 6 dementia patients often believe things that aren’t true, begin to show compulsive behavior, and they may become anxious or agitated. Caring for the person becomes difficult to impossible for loved ones as the person becomes more resistant to performing normal activities.

Caregivers in a specialized San Diego memory care facility know the special needs of dementia patients in every stage. They have the skills and the experience to provide their residents with the physical care they need while also providing activities that bring them greater happiness and quality of life. Taking care of a loved one with dementia is more than a little challenging. Getting the advanced level of care they need from a memory care facility is the best choice for the patient and for their family members.

Stage 7

The final stage in the scale is very severe cognitive decline. During Stage 7, the person is no longer able to speak or communicate and they often can’t walk. They need help with almost everything they do including eating and using the toilet. Stage 7 lasts an average of two-and-a-half years.

The Need for Dementia Care

As you can see from these stages, dementia is more than simple memory loss. Although the time period of each stage varies among patients, the disease progresses over a period of several years. Although many people continue to care for themselves during the first two stages, obvious changes in their abilities and behaviors begin to take place during Stage 3. By the time they enter Stage 4, their abilities decline. How long they are safe in their own homes depends on the individual and their rate of decline in cognitive abilities.

In addition to memory loss, dementia also increases the risk of falls. The patient may forget to take medications or forget that they have already taken their medications. They could forget to turn off the stove and may leave food cooking unattended.

During the earlier stages, the person will be able to prepare and eat nutritious meals, take safety precautions while walking and showering, and even take care of their finances. Over time, these simple tasks become overwhelming and put them at risk of fires, falls, and other health and safety risks.

Once your loved one is no longer safe in their own home, it’s time to look into San Diego memory care. Contact Lakeside Manor to schedule a tour of our facility and get the special care you need for your loved one and for your peace of mind.

The post San Diego Memory Care and the Seven Stages of Dementia appeared first on Lakeside Manor.

If you struggle with the decision of when to put your loved one into a dementia residential care home, you aren’t alone. More adults find themselves facing the fact that in-home care is more demanding on them than they ever imagined. Most adults have other responsibilities that prevent them from giving the round-the-clock care that dementia patients eventually need. Instead of taking on a burden that isn’t good for you or your loved one, focus on choosing the right home for their dementia care.

Dementia Residential Care Home

Do They Offer Specialized Dementia Care?

People with dementia require very specific types of care. They need to have activities available that will stimulate their brains and extend their memories for as long as possible. A facility that specializes in dementia care does more than provide shelter and a safe environment. They also provide activities and therapy to help their residents enjoy a better quality of life.

Music therapy increases the release of chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce stress and agitation. The response to music continues to provide benefits even after the music stops. Most impressive of all is that listening to music can evoke old memories. Providing activities such as crafts also helps. Look for a dementia residential care home that spends time with their residents doing the things that will prolong their memories.

Where Are They Located?

For many adults, it is better to find a care home close to them and not close to the loved one’s former home. Once your loved one leaves home, their condition will only grow worse over time. You and your family must face the reality that they will not return to their home.

What is most important to your loved one is to have family members around them. The support family members provide is vital to the patient’s physical and mental health. They also need support outside of the home, such as taking care of financial needs or managing their property. Having your loved one close to you will also reduce demands on your time if they should become ill and need to go to the hospital.

What Is Their Approach to Dementia Care?

There are different types of dementia and the symptoms vary among different people. Taking the same approach to dementia care will leave some people shortchanged of the personalized care they need. Make sure a care home offers individualized care instead of implementing the same types of treatment for everyone.

What Is Their Policy for Going Outdoors?

There’s a lot of difference between keeping residents safe and keeping them locked away. Dementia patients benefit a great deal from being outdoors. Working in a garden provides even greater benefits as long as the staff monitors gardening activities to ensure safety. Find out if the dementia residential care home you talk with encourages residents to spend time outdoors. Also, ask if they have interactions with their community and/or what types of outdoor activities they provide.

What Is Their Visitor’s Policy?

 Ask who you will need to communicate with to get updates about your loved one’s care. Do they have limited visiting hours and, if so, when are they? Keeping track of who comes and goes is an important step in keeping all residents safe and secure. You don’t want your loved one to be “off limits” but you do want a home with a reasonable policy that makes it convenient to visit your loved one.

What Do They Do to Keep Your Loved One Safe?

How is the home set up and what types of security do they have in place? Is there supervision around the clock? How far can your loved one go without getting out of the range of view? An estimated six in ten dementia patients wander. Dementia is a progressive disease and your loved one will continue to decline in their ability to find things and places that they know. You need to know they are protected in case they suddenly try to go somewhere.

Request a Tour

Calling a home on the phone is a good start to having your questions answered and getting some of the information you need to help you make a decision. For example, what kind of living quarters will the home provide to your loved one? Does it have a cozy, at-home feel or more of a clinical one? Ask the home if they provide tours. If not, it isn’t the right place for your loved one. If they are confident in the services they provide, they should agree to show you what it is they do.

If they do offer tours, take along any questions you have about the care they offer for dementia patients. Pay attention to the setting, the workers, and the patients. This is your chance to see firsthand the environment the home provides to dementia patients.

Read Reviews

You aren’t the first adult who has struggled with the decision of which dementia care facility to choose, and you won’t be the last. Reviews offer a window into the care the home provides and can enlighten you about some of the issues you hadn’t thought about before.

Choosing a dementia residential care home for your loved one is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Knowing what to ask and what to look for will give you the confidence that you made the right choice. Contact Lakeside Manor today to schedule a tour at a time that’s convenient for you. We specialize in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in San Diego.

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