Memory care in Los Angeles is a specialized form of care offered to seniors struggling with memory loss due to conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments. At a senior living community, seniors receive personalized care from specially trained staff to keep them comfortable, engaged, and safe.
Memory Care Services And Activities
A key part of memory care is cognitive stimulation and physical activity. Staff offer activities that provide appropriate levels of stimulation, depending on the senior’s health and capabilities, to avoid causing undue stress. These activities may include:
- Art therapy to promote self-expression
- Specialized exercises to maintain balance and muscle strength
- Music therapy to boost mood and emotional well-being
- Crafts such as knitting, coloring, collages, and ceramics for sensory stimulation
- Mental health therapy to treat depression or anxiety
- Group walks to promote social interaction
- Games such as bingo, dominos, or checkers to maintain fine motor skills
What Is The Average Length Of Stay In Memory Care?
On average, residents stay in memory care for two to three years. However, memory loss is a progressive disorder that affects each patient at a different pace. This means the length of stay in memory care can range from a few months to a decade. A senior’s need for memory care will depend on the severity of symptoms, their overall health, and the caregiver’s ability to care for their loved one.
Questions to Ask When Touring a Memory Care Facility
As you visit facilities offering memory care in Los Angeles, ask the following questions:
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and at night?
- Does the facility have a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, on staff 24/7?
- What type of memory care training is staff required to complete?
- Does each resident have an assigned staff member? Or does the personnel rotate?
- Does the facility offer on-site medical services? Emergency care?
- Do you offer different service packages? How are they priced?
- What types of daily activities does the facility offer?
- How is the facility secured?
- Are residents grouped by cognitive level?
- How do staff members respond when a patient becomes confused or combative?
- What’s included in the meal plan?
- How often do you provide updates on the resident’s physical and cognitive health?
- Are employees required to pass a background check?
A few memory care red flags you should never ignore include:
- The facility is unclean, dimly lit, or difficult to navigate.
- The residents appear unhappy or distressed.
- The staff seems to lack compassion.
- The residents are poorly groomed and dressed.
- The staff doesn’t actively engage with residents.
- The facility has been cited for violations.
- The admissions policy and facility pricing are unclear.
- The facility lacks proper safety protocols, such as window locks, smoke alarms, exit signs, handrails and non-slip flooring material for fall safety.
- The facility doesn’t offer activities and residents spend too much time watching TV.
- The staff evade difficult or probing questions.
Seniors needing memory care in Los Angeles deserve the highest quality of care. Visit Total Senior to find quality senior living facilities in the area.
