Questions I should ask the home about my Moms potential move to memory care unit?
Hi, My mom is in assisted living. We are discussing with the home if she should go to memory care. Her ADLs are slipping, along with nearly no short term memory. What should I be considering? Thank you.
Hi Lisa, each scenario differs but (to me) the big reason to move from AL to Memory care is when the resident is a 'flight risk'. In my area, the ALs provide all assistance for residents on a sliding scale --- the more help you need, the higher the monthly fee.
If your mom is already in the AL unit, and the MC unit is in the same complex, I would think that you could visit the MC unit for more information and a tour. However, if you are asking whether she should go from AL to MC, I would definitely listen to the staff at AL and also your mom's doctor. If the staff at AL can't manage her needs, then the MCU should be able to.
I had to move my LO from regular AL to a Memory Care facility. The AL did not have one on their premises, but, the move was a positive thing.
I would think that the facility could complete the form that says why she needs Memory Care. I suppose that each state has their own regulations about how that works, but, in my state, a Doctor has to sign off on the placement into Memory Care. There is usually a state form that is completed, either by the facility or the doctor, and signed by the doctor. Also, the doctor can state if there is wandering, which is another reason for Memory Care. The cost is usually more and if she receives any state benefits, they will likely be increased accordingly.
I noticed that the staff was just not able to meet my LO's needs in regular AL. Lots of phone calls, she was stressed out, falling a lot, didn't want to eat, etc. She needed things done for her and regular AL was only able to remind and assist. She would forget where she was going on the way to the dining room, so, she needed to be escorted. At some point, you can tell it's just not enough care in regular AL. You might ask for a team meeting at the facility and discuss your and their concerns and develop a plan.
Lisa, usually the Assisted Living will contact you saying it is time to move Mom into the Memory Care section.
I know with my Dad, the Staff called me in for a meeting and said it was time for Dad to either move to their Memory Care section, or for him to hire around the clock care as he was living in their Independent Living. It really took me by surprised. This was my first rodeo so I took their recommendation.
I joked with Dad saying he will be downsizing again, this time into a room the size of a college dorm room :) And I told Dad a "therapeutic fib" saying the cost would be less expensive... as soon as he heard that he started packing :)
What was a relief for me was the fact that the Memory Care floor closed off their elevator at night fall so that it wouldn't go down to the first floor... whew, no worry if Dad would go out the front door of the building.
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I would think that the facility could complete the form that says why she needs Memory Care. I suppose that each state has their own regulations about how that works, but, in my state, a Doctor has to sign off on the placement into Memory Care. There is usually a state form that is completed, either by the facility or the doctor, and signed by the doctor. Also, the doctor can state if there is wandering, which is another reason for Memory Care. The cost is usually more and if she receives any state benefits, they will likely be increased accordingly.
I noticed that the staff was just not able to meet my LO's needs in regular AL. Lots of phone calls, she was stressed out, falling a lot, didn't want to eat, etc. She needed things done for her and regular AL was only able to remind and assist. She would forget where she was going on the way to the dining room, so, she needed to be escorted. At some point, you can tell it's just not enough care in regular AL. You might ask for a team meeting at the facility and discuss your and their concerns and develop a plan.
I know with my Dad, the Staff called me in for a meeting and said it was time for Dad to either move to their Memory Care section, or for him to hire around the clock care as he was living in their Independent Living. It really took me by surprised. This was my first rodeo so I took their recommendation.
I joked with Dad saying he will be downsizing again, this time into a room the size of a college dorm room :) And I told Dad a "therapeutic fib" saying the cost would be less expensive... as soon as he heard that he started packing :)
What was a relief for me was the fact that the Memory Care floor closed off their elevator at night fall so that it wouldn't go down to the first floor... whew, no worry if Dad would go out the front door of the building.