A small assisted living home is what many seniors need for better quality care. This is especially true when there is a low ratio of residents to caregivers.
For Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, their lives become increasingly more difficult as the disease progresses. Patients most often tend to enter assisted living home facilities between phases one and two of Alzheimer’s disease because it becomes incredibly difficult for the family to care for the individual.
By the end of phase two of Alzheimer’s, most senior patients’ health has declined far enough to require twenty-four hour care. When patients are in a lucid state, they will almost always protest against assisted care. This can make them appear normal, and family members might be tricked into taking their loved ones back home, which is clearly a mistake.
There are many difficulties for families of dementia patients, but one thing in particular that can help families is for them to accept the situation and to view a long-term care facility as the only way in which to keep the patient safe. If you or family members perform a lot of research online, you can find an appropriate small assisted living home for your loved one.
What to Look for in the Best Type of Small Assisted Living Home for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients
The best type of small assisted living home that’s available today is a facility, which caters exclusively to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. However, assisted living facilities are not created equally. Therefore, you need to compare each facility before making a final decision.
* Check Staff Credentials – You always want to check the facility’s and the staff’s credentials. Make sure each staff member who’s going to treat your loved one is a professional and meets every state standard. Don’t be afraid to request a copy of their license, or ask for references.
* Know the Staff-to-Patient Ratio -The best way to maintain a small assisted living home is to make sure the staff-to-patient ratio is low. You should look for a small assisted living home that gives more personalized care and attention to your loved one.
* Certified Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients – Look for facilities, which employ professionals who have taken special classes on how to deal with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Employees who regularly keep up-to-date by attending professional education classes are more apt to provide the best care, because they are more dedicated to the profession. At Applewood Our House, we are one of the few homes who are Certified Leaders in Dementia Care through the Alzheimer’s Association.
* Inspect the Home – Once you’ve found a place where the staff meets your criteria, you can begin to research the amenities offered by each facility. Look for places which have healthy diets for residents, daily activities, such as a physical fitness, group activities, and arts and crafts classes. Find out how often patients are monitored and how secure the facility is.
Small Assisted Living Home for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients – Conclusion
Finally, the best benefit from a small assisted living home in the Lakewood, Colorado or Golden, Colorado area,like Applewood Our House, is that you won’t need to choose another location at a later date as they can age in place with us. As Alzheimer’s and dementia progresses to stages 3 and 4, you won’t have to move your loved one to another facility as e have the resources and care to see them through the end of their lives. At Applewood Our House, our house is a home and our residents and their families are a part of our family. Should you ever have any questions or concerns please feel to call us or stop by for a visit – we would love to have you.
