Seniors needing memory care in Ventura County typically struggle with memory loss due to conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments.
Memory Care Services And Activities
Memory care includes cognitive stimulation and physical activity. Staff at senior living facilities offer activities that provide appropriate levels of stimulation, depending on the senior’s health and capabilities, without causing undue stress. These activities may include:
- Group walks to promote social interaction
- Exercises to maintain balance and muscle strength
- Crafts such as knitting, coloring, collages, and ceramics to stimulate the senses
- Mental health therapy to treat depression or anxiety
- Music therapy to boost mood and emotional well-being
- Art therapy to promote self-expression
- 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 receive memory care for two to three years. However, because memory loss is a progressive disorder that affects each patient at a different pace, the length of stay in memory care can range from a few months to a decade. To determine whether a senior needs memory care, their physician will evaluate the severity of symptoms and their overall health, and take into consideration 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 Ventura County, ask the following questions:
- How many residents does each staff member care for during the day and at night?
- Does the facility have medical professionals on staff 24/7?
- Is staff required to undergo routine memory care training?
- Are staff members assigned to a few residents, or does the personnel rotate?
- Do residents receive on-site medical services? Emergency care?
- Do you offer levels of memory care? How are they priced and what is included in each package?
- What types of daily activities do residents enjoy?
- Does the facility have a security system?
- Are residents grouped by cognitive level?
- When a patient becomes confused or combative, how do staff members respond?
- What kind of meal plans do you offer?
- Do staff members provide updates on the resident’s physical and cognitive health to family members and their physician?
- Are employees required to pass a background check?
A few memory care red flags you should look out for:
- The facility is dirty, dimly lit, or difficult to navigate.
- The residents appear unhappy or distressed.
- The staff seems to lack compassion.
- The residents are poorly groomed and not well dressed.
- The staff largely ignores residents.
- The facility has a poor reputation.
- The admissions policy and memory care pricing are unclear.
- The staff doesn’t adhere to proper safety protocols and the facility lacks window locks, smoke alarms, exit signs, handrails and non-slip flooring material for fall safety.
- The staff doesn’t offer activities on a daily basis and residents spend most of their time watching TV.
- Staff members are unable to answer difficult or probing questions.
Seniors needing memory care in Ventura County deserve the highest quality of care. Visit Total Senior to find quality senior living facilities in the area.
