Top 7 Amenities To Look For In Memory Care Facilities

According to Caring.com's 2024 dementia care study, 16% of surveyed dementia caretakers opted to use a memory care facility. Finding the best memory care facility for a loved one with Alzheimer's or another type of memory loss is not a small task. When researching potential providers, consider each memory care facility's features and amenities.

How do you know what your loved one needs and wants? How do you know what to expect from a memory care facility, and when is memory care a better option than independent living or assisted living? Caring.com created this guide to help you assess available amenities if you are looking for care for one of the nearly seven million seniors living with dementia in the U.S.

Every person has unique preferences, including those living with cognitive challenges. Identifying your loved one's needs can make finding the right memory care facility easier. The right memory care facility can adapt to your loved one's changing needs and preferences, making them feel secure and comfortable even as the disease progresses.

When considering potential memory care communities, it's important to consider the following questions, some or all of which may apply to your loved one:

• Do they need help with their activities of daily living (ADLs)? These may include dressing, toileting, or other common everyday activities.
• Do they thrive with a steady daily routine, practicing the same activities at the same time each day, or do they prefer a lively and varied schedule?
• What activities do they enjoy — gardening, perhaps, or reading? Memory care issues do not eliminate the need and desire to engage in well-loved pursuits, if possible.
• What sort of medications do they require? Are they able to manage their medications themselves, or would they do better with assistance?
• Is your loved one an introvert or extrovert? Do they enjoy interacting with others or require time alone to rejuvenate and rest?
• Do they enjoy cooking, baking, or household tidying tasks?
• Are they a falling risk? Do they struggle with stairs?

Once you have identified what your loved one needs to thrive, it is easier to find a good fit in a memory care facility. Answering the questions above can give you a checklist of factors to consider when visiting potential facilities.

Just as every person is different, memory care facilities vary by institution. In most states, some elder care standards are governed by state law. For example, facility administrators in California must take eight hours of dementia-specific training every two years. 

Other elements of care differ among facilities and may include memory care programming like music or art therapy, senior-accessible gardens, or color-coded hallways to help with wayfinding. It is largely the caregiver's responsibility to choose a facility that their loved one with dementia will enjoy and thrive in.

Here are some top amenities in memory care facilities and why they might matter to you.

Memory care facilities use various safety features to ensure that residents are not likely to hurt themselves or leave the environment. These may include in-room monitoring, video surveillance at doorways and hallways, perimeter access control with carded or keyed access for staff, and robust fire prevention systems that can include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire sprinklers. 

Proper lighting and fencing at property perimeters are important. Some facilities may use medical alert systems to give them instant information in the event of a resident falling or experiencing a medical emergency.

Research has demonstrated that the design of a person's environment contributes to their well-being. Simple, intuitive floor plans, adequate lighting, robust signage, and the strategic use of color and graphic displays can help a person with cognitive challenges stay oriented and support wayfinding. 

For example, a study of memory care services in the Netherlands concluded that facilities with wide, spacious hallways that are fairly short transition from public spaces (a living room, in most cases) to private (bedroom and bathroom) and with few doorways leading off of them, are best suited to those with who may be easily confused.

Modern memory care facilities offer a full schedule of extracurricular activities that aid in wellness while offering enjoyment and physical and mental exercise for residents. Games such as puzzles, pet therapy with dogs, cats, or other animals, and meditation classes that increase oxygen flow and improve focus may all be part of your loved one's day. These activities engage the whole person and focus on their individual preferences and abilities.

Extracurricular activities may also be opportunities for socialization. Still, many memory care facilities offer more: performances by local musicians or theatre groups, special celebrations for birthdays or holidays, and group exercise or sports activities. These activities can combat social isolation among elders, which is a real possibility for those with memory issues. 

Group events allow residents to make new friends and share memories, stories, and laughter with peers. A vibrant social environment turns a facility from a sterile living situation into a true community and may lead to family-like friendships among residents. 

Memory care facilities offer help with residents' personal needs. These services include assistance with ADLs, medication management, and laundry and housekeeping needs but may extend beyond that. Some facilities, for example, have in-house salons or spas offering haircuts, massages, and more to help residents relax and feel good about their appearance. 

Staff may receive training in dementia care practices, which teaches them to maintain a calm and reassuring presence when interacting and working with residents, even if they exhibit signs of irritability or anxiety. 

Those living with dementia or memory care issues may find mealtimes challenging. Chewing and swallowing may be compromised, and food preferences can change over time. Predictable dining routines can help provide consistency and give residents a sense of comfort and autonomy. 

Facilities may offer a range of dining locations, from restaurant-like dining halls to meals delivered to individual rooms. Since dementia may impact depth and color perception, brightly-colored dishware can be helpful. Some people with memory issues may eventually need to be fed, and most memory care communities have a dedicated staff to feed residents with this need.

Outdoor spaces at memory care facilities must be carefully designed and managed to help residents with wayfinding and maximize their ability to enjoy the broadened outlook that time spent outdoors can offer. Outdoor trails or walkways must have consistent signage and checkpoints to help residents orient themselves. 

Color coding and other visual cues can help, as well. The presence of gardens may bring joy to residents and, in some cases, may offer them the opportunity to get their hands in the dirt to nurture plants themselves. Outdoor spaces should be secured and supervised to prevent residents with Alzheimer's or dementia from wandering.

Taking the time to find the right memory care facility for your loved one is essential. No single facility is the right option for everyone, and you will need to consider your loved one's needs and wishes as you research available amenities for potential facilities. Here are a few steps you may want to take when looking for the best match for your loved one.

• Determine the Level of Care Needed: Along with your loved one's medical team, assess their needs and abilities to ensure that memory care is the right choice for them.
• Evaluate Personal Needs: Does your senior have mobility issues? Do they need help with ADLs? Does their spouse also need housing options? Make sure any facility you consider can handle their needs.
• Research Available Facilities: Look for facilities close enough for family visits and have the right licensing, accreditation, and staffing availability.
• Visit Potential Facilities: Look for general cleanliness, safety features, and a warm atmosphere. Observe how staff interact with residents. Ask about available programs, activities, and amenities. Inquire about emergency response systems and safety protocols.
• Review Cost Considerations: Make sure you understand all the costs involved, including fees for transportation, medication management, or other additional care. Review your loved one's financial assets and determine their ability to pay all costs.
• Allow Your Loved One to Participate in Decision-Making: You want your senior to be happy in their new residence, so consider their desires when making a decision.

Finding the right memory care facility for your loved one is a big decision. One factor to consider is the top amenities in the memory care facility you choose, including safety features, dining choices, and extracurricular activities. Making the right decision ensures that your senior will receive the appropriate care and will be able to thrive in their new residence.

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