Searching for the right memory care facility can be daunting. There are many things to consider—your loved one’s needs, routine, personal preferences, medications, level of care needed, and the list continues. Above all, you want your loved one to be safe and have the highest level of care. When looking for memory care, find the right facility by considering these things:

Your Loved One’s Needs

Memory care is personalized and unique to each individual. Needs can vary greatly, depending on the progression of your loved one’s disease. Many seniors with early-stage dementia can continue to live independently or with the help of family, but as their condition progresses, circumstances may change. Your loved one may need memory care if they:

• Get lost on familiar routes, such as taking a walk around the neighborhood
• Have trouble remembering to eat or drink
• Miss taking their medication regularly
• Struggle to get dressed or bathe regularly

Discuss your concerns with your loved one’s doctor. They can give you information to share with the memory care facility that can help assess their level of care.

The Environment

Where is the memory care facility located? Consider the surrounding area and the facility itself. Where will your loved one stay? Is the building easy to navigate?

Familiar settings help improve memory care and recall. At the Oasis Neighborhood at Grand Oaks, we provide a calming atmosphere that feels like home. Your loved one’s private suite allows residents to be surrounded by their favorite art, photos, and belongings. Our open-air courtyards are secure and allow your loved one to get fresh air and spend time socializing with other residents.

The Staff

These people care for and interact with residents every day. It’s important that you and your loved one both feel comfortable with them. Memory care can be challenging, so knowing the staff’s level of training is crucial. Observing and gathering feedback on how the staff responds to dementia-related behaviors—like resisting care, anger, and aggression—is also vital in considering memory care.

When touring, ask these questions:

• How is the memory care staff trained differently than those in assisted living?
• Are residents assigned to the same people daily, or do they work with multiple staff members?
• How does the team deal with physical aggression or other disruptive behaviors from residents?
• How often does the staff receive training?

The Grand Oaks team attends ongoing monthly training, discussing the distinctive stages of dementia as it relates to resident care and advances in Alzheimer’s treatment, in addition to formal annual training. Ongoing training empowers them to tailor care to the needs of each resident.

Safety

When it comes to memory care, safety is a top priority. Extra safety measures and protocols help prevent wandering, a potentially dangerous behavior in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Look for safety features such as:

• 24-hour supervised care
• Emergency alert systems
• Keypad entries
• Alarms on emergency exits
• Interior or enclosed courtyards

The entire Oasis Neighborhood residence is self-contained, with 24/7 security and monitoring. Our amenities are designed for ease of use, allowing your loved one to move freely throughout the neighborhood, knowing someone’s always available to help.

Amenities

Each day is different for memory care residents. It’s vital to have amenities that are personalized to your loved one’s needs and allow them to succeed in their daily life. Look for a memory care facility that has:

• Medication monitoring, management, and administration
• Hands-on assistance with daily activities like eating, incontinence care, bathing, laundry, transportation, and dressing
• Daily schedule reminders to keep your loved one on track
• A variety of activities designed to support and maintain brain fitness for overall cognitive health
• Easy access to a hospital

Memory Care at Grand Oaks

When you or your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s or other memory-related disorders, you deserve a residence that specializes in memory care. Come home to the Oasis Neighborhood at Grand Oaks, where our experienced staff provides attentive support grounded in respect and compassion.

Visit us on the campus of Sibley Memorial Hospital in Northwest D.C., with a nurturing and peaceful environment that helps to calm residents and give family members peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are safe and receiving the memory care they deserve.