Deciding which placement matches the needs of your loved one with Alzheimer’s can be daunting. Here’s a checklist designed to help you evaluate the information you gather when visiting different facilities. In tandem with your impressions, the results will help you identify the facility best suited to care for your loved one.

After you’ve met with the Director of Admissions and toured the facility, memory care valdosta ga assign a number from 1-5, 5 being the highest, to each item. Then add the numbers. The higher the number, the greater the chances that you and your loved one will be satisfied with that facility’s care and treatment.

1. The Admissions Director and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. temazepam 20mg

2. The Admissions Director helps determine whether and/or how your loved one could afford the facility.

3. The Admissions Director is interested in your loved one. She asks about: the level of care your loved one requires and how it is currently provided? Your loved one’s daily highs and lows? Likes and dislikes? Favorite foods or TV programs? Hobbies and interests? unitedlyft Daytime and nighttime routines?

4. The Director of Admissions asks you to complete a written history, called a “storybook,” describing your loved one. The facility uses this information to tailor its programs to fit your loved one’s preferences and needs.

5. The staff is trained to make a new resident feel welcomed and comfortable, Cake carts especially during the first few weeks and months.

6. The facility takes precautions to keep a newly admitted resident from falling. The facility lets the family know that the Power of Attorney has the right to ask to sign a waiver giving permission to use bed rails and/or alarm mats to help keep your loved safe.

7. The staff are trained in methods of addressing difficult behavior.

8. The person who prescribes medications has experience with the Alzheimer’s population.

9. The doctor or Advanced Practitioner Registered Nurse evaluates a new resident within twenty-four hours of admission. Until the evaluation occurs, worldofkink the newly admitted resident continues taking their current meds.

10. The person administering medication has a RN degree. That person also checks your loved one’s reactions to the meds.

11. The family member or friend who holds the Power of Attorney is contacted as soon as the staff notices a change in your loved one.

12. The doctor or her representative gathers input from staff before making the decision to change your loved one’s medications. That person then contacts the Power of Attorney to discuss the risks and benefits of adjusting or changing medications.

13. When making important decisions, family input is sought and welcomed.

14. The facility maintains a high staff to patient ratio during day shifts, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays. When “regular” staff take vacations, weight loss their replacements are experienced in working with persons with Alzheimer’s.

15. Annual staff turnover is low and staff morale is high.

16. The current residents are busy and appear happy and contented.

17. The facility is clean, clutter-free, and well-lit.