Over 120,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s in Indiana, so the need for quality memory care is clear.
No matter how far along your loved one is in their journey with Alzheimer’s, there will likely come a time when the need for senior care becomes obvious. The challenges of cognitive decline are constantly evolving, which can be extremely overwhelming for everyone involved, including your loved one.
The stability of a memory care community can bring your entire family a bit of solace. Finding the best memory care in Indianapolis requires you to do a bit of due diligence. Once you find the right community, however, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief knowing your loved one is getting the care they need.
Today, we’ll give you some helpful tips for finding the best memory care community near you. Keep reading and you’ll know what to look for in high-quality memory care and what to avoid.
What Is Memory Care?
There are different types of senior care communities available. Independent living communities are best for healthy seniors who just want a simpler lifestyle. Assisted living communities give those suffering from age-related health issues 24/7 help to deal with whatever they need.
Memory care is a specific type of care offered through some assisted living communities, but not all. It involves specialized care from highly qualified staff members who understand the unique challenges that Alzheimer’s poses.
Each day in memory care takes a different approach depending on how residents are feeling. They’ll engage in daily activities with their peers to manage their symptoms and socialize with fellow residents. Activities are also in place to improve their physical and mental health.
Different memory care communities offer different perks. It’s important to do your research before choosing a community to ensure your loved one’s needs are met.
Finding Memory Care in Indianapolis
There are dozens of memory care communities in Indianapolis alone. You need to separate the best from the rest using a variety of factors, so here are some Indianapolis memory care tips.
Location
The location of the memory care community is important for multiple reasons. Firstly, it’s crucial to choose something familiar to your loved one so they don’t feel completely like a fish out of water. A community near familiar landscapes and landmarks will help them acclimate to their new surroundings.
Secondly, it eases the transition when family and friends can easily visit the community. If you choose something too far from home, they won’t get as many visitors, and feelings of isolation can set in.
Reputation
Start your search by typing, “memory care services Indianapolis” into Google. The easiest way to separate the best from the rest right away is to look at reviews.
Ratings and reviews from loved ones of current and former residents can tell you a lot about the community, staff, and the overall environment. Choose 3-5 of the top options and schedule tours.
Staff Qualifications
When it comes to memory care, staff qualifications are everything. You need to know that the staff is equipped to handle the challenges of Alzheimer’s treatment.
At Rittenhouse Village at Northside, we use the SHINE® Memory Care program. Our treatment program is nationally recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for its personalized approach that makes use of science and data.
Residents also have access to healthcare professionals to give them the care they need day in and day out. You’ll never have to worry that your loved one isn’t getting the care they need.
Activity Calendar
A community’s daily activity calendar can tell you more about how it values the health and wellness of residents. Daily activities should prioritize physical fitness, as well as cognitive and emotional health.
Seniors need around 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, 5 times per week to meet health goals. At the same time, they need to have fun and spend time around their peers. Social isolation is a major issue among our senior populations.
Our daily activities rotate continuously so that residents can try something new on any given day. They include things like Tai Chi, yoga, walking, and more laid-back things like bingo, puzzles, and musical performances.
Amenities
Every memory care community offers unique amenities. Some value outdoor amenities, like nice gardens and walking paths. Others value things like entertainment rooms and fitness centers.
Where your loved one’s interests lay will dictate which amenities they value. Often, amenities are what can tip the balance when deciding between a few different communities.
In-House Dining
Physical fitness is indispensable to senior health, but so is nutrition. One of the things that becomes very difficult for those suffering from cognitive decline is eating well. When seniors fail to get the nutrients they need from their diet, they become susceptible to various illnesses, from diabetes to osteoporosis.
Look for a memory care community with a rotating in-house dining menu full of tasty and nutritious items. This will make it easy for your loved one to look after their diet and remain healthy long-term.
Security
Lastly, the safety and security of the community’s grounds are integral for all residents. 60% of Alzheimer’s sufferers wander at some point in their lives. In the wrong situation, this can put them at risk of injury or getting lost and traumatized.
A good community will mitigate the risk of wandering by keeping an eye on residents. Staff should be attentive to memory care residents’ whereabouts and the building should be equipped with features that help residents move around safely.
Get the Best Memory Care for Your Loved One’s Needs
Choosing memory care homes can make living with Alzheimer’s much easier for not only your loved one but also the entire family. Now that you understand the ins and outs of these kinds of communities, you can find the right memory care in Indianapolis.
Rittenhouse Village at Northside is one of the top memory care communities in all of Indiana. Our SHINE® Memory Care program is one of the top in the country and our community is full of engaging and fun activities and amenities to give your loved one the best possible environment.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community and see all of its perks with your own eyes.
