Looking for an Assisted Living Facility with a Dementia Unit

You needed help. You researched, asked questions, toured a few communities and you think you found an assisted living facility that can provide the level of care that you feel comfortable with.

You struggled with the reality that you could no longer care for your loved one alone.

The early stages of dementia can be so deceiving for families. Everything on the surface may look the same, but you know deep down it's not. You also know that your loved one needs a safe, secure environment that offers assistance, with a trained staff that is available around the clock.

Since assisted living facilities are not nursing homes, they are considered to be non-medical residential communities. The residents that live there are partially independent, but need some level of assistance with certain tasks. Often, the family sees their loved one as being more competent than they really are. The dementia resident needs an extra level of care at all times. Be sure to ask the following before choosing a facility.

Is the Dementia Unit Separate and Secure?

If the dementia unit is not in a separate building, or wing from the rest of the facility, with a coded keypad at the entrance...keep looking for a facility. Dementia patients have a tendency to wander. Often trying to "go home". You don't want your family member in a facility that has dementia and non-dementia patients sharing the same common areas. An "escape" would be inevitable.

Is The Staff Trained to Work with Dementia Residents?

In addition to the staff having a background and drug test, ask about staff qualifications. Are they trained in CPR? Do they know how to obtain vitals? Must they regularly attend training and update sessions? But most important are they trained to work with the dementia and their special needs?

Are Scheduled Activities Available?