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A memory care unit may be a dedicated unit in an Assisted Living Facility or Skilled Nursing Facility.
Memory care units are typically locked and designed for people with memory impairments who require assistance with dressing, going to the bathroom, taking a shower, remembering to eat, etc. AND are at risk of wandering to unsafe locations or at risk of becoming lost.
The overall average ability of the residents within the memory care unit can greatly vary from facility to facility. It is important the older adults abilities and preferences and a good fit for that particular memory care unit.
It is possible that the older adult may be agitated by other residents. Some residents also become friends and find it comforting to see a familiar face each day and even just have someone to sit with each day.
Table of Contents
Questions and Considerations
(in addition to CCRC questions. See Questions to ask a CCRC here.)
- Ask about staff and schedule consistency
- Ask about philosophies or approaches to patient care: Is there an abilities focused care where staff focuses on what someone can do vs. what they cannot do?
- Will they assist with self feeding/eating if needed?
- Are wheelchairs allowed? What level of assistance will they provide for transfers?
- Are there special protocols for items including locking in a closet?
- Consider if the environment is optimal for someone with dementia: are the exit doors camouflaged to discourage elopement? Is the layout circular to decrease exit seeking? Are there major surface changes and threshold that can be a problem? Are there interactive or wearable decorations and other sensory activities available?
Ideal Residents
- Residents that cannot be left without 24/7 care and must be more closely supervised than a standard ALF setting offers
- Residents that experience an improved quality of life with consistent schedules and staff with training in the best approaches to those with memory deficits, confusion and / or dementia *Note asking about staff consistency is highly recommended as this greatly improves the interaction between the resident and staff
Residents that should consider a different level or type of care
- Residents that do not require close supervision may feel this is an invasion of space and be resistant to the setting and care
- Residents with specific needs and restrictions. Some memory care units have restrictions such as NO wheelchairs, modified diets, 2 person transfers, aggression towards other residents and staff, etc.
Pros
- Access to caregiver staff 24/7 *Note: may vary by facility, ask about staff to resident ratio
- Increased likelihood of consistent staff and routines
- Some medical and nursing services * Note: most do not provide 24/7 access to a nurse
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options and fees may go up yearly
- Residents may be unable to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of infections
- Missing items due to older adult misplacing items or other resident’s moving items.
Related Posts:
What is a Continuous Care Retirement Center (CCRC)?
Questions to ask a Continuous Care Retirement Center (CCRC)
Transitions during Older Adulthood Presentation
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