At Bayshire San Dimas, we recognize that caring for a loved one with dementia whose care needs are constantly evolving is never easy. There comes a time when memory care with skilled nursing becomes necessary, as complex care needs can only be managed by professionals. But finding the best care option that reliably supports and cares for them can be overwhelming.
Despite understanding how effective memory care with skilled nursing services is, families may still feel uncertain about their choice. They don’t know how to evaluate a care provider, as there are so many credible options to choose from. The best approach is to ask specific questions to determine whether the care option is the best choice for their loved one.
When evaluating memory care with skilled nursing, it’s recommended to focus on clinical capabilities, staff qualifications, and emergency protocols. One must know who administers medication, how the care facility manages complex medical needs, and what the specific caregiver-to-resident ratio is during day and night shifts.
Here are questions you, as a family, can ask a memory care community with skilled nursing to assess its expertise and suitability. We’ve categorized the questions for easy reference, so you know exactly what you’re evaluating as you tour a community.
Care And Clinical Support
Whether your loved one with dementia is recovering from surgery or an injury, the right care and clinical support can make all the difference in their recovery. Here’s what you can ask to assess how effectively the care option can support recovery and dementia care.
Are Registered Nurses (RNs) On-Site 24/7?
Many memory care communities only have nurses on call or during the day. By contrast, skilled nursing units are required to have continuous RN or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) coverage 24/7. Ask the community what level of coverage it provides.
How Are Complex Medical Needs Managed?
Clarify whether the staff is qualified to provide wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, or feeding tube care. Know that all of these are essential in skilled nursing, so your chosen community must offer them.
What Is The Staff-To-Resident Ratio?
The right community should maintain a lower staff-to-resident ratio of around 1:6 to 1:10 to manage advanced cognitive decline and physical assistance needs.
Can Residents Continue Using Their Current Physicians?
Ask whether the resident must switch to the community’s medical director or if current geriatricians and neurologists can continue overseeing their care.
Dementia Training And Approach
Dementia isn’t a disease itself, but rather a term for a group of symptoms. As there isn’t a single type of dementia, it’s crucial to determine how effectively a community can handle your loved one’s specific care needs.
What Specific Dementia Training Does The Staff Receive?
During tours, meet the staff and ask them about their qualifications. Ensure they are trained in managing different behavioral symptoms like “sundowning,” agitation, and resisting care. Also, see how they tailor their approach to each resident’s care needs.
What Is The Staff Turnover Rate?
Residents need familiar, consistent faces to receive better care and overcome care-related anxiety. So, ask about the community’s staff turnover rate.
How Do They Balance Medical Care With Memory Support?
Confirm whether the environment is appropriate for managing both memory care and skilled nursing. It must provide engaging activities and opportunities for stimulation rather than functioning like a typical clinical setting.
Safety And Environment
A tailored environment is essential for a senior to recover properly and manage challenges related to cognitive decline. So, determine how safe and secure the community actually is by asking the following questions.
Are The Units Secured?
Check for enclosed courtyards and secured, monitored entrances and exits that prevent wandering while allowing safe, unrestricted movement within designated areas.
What Are The Emergency Protocols?
An emergency can arise unexpectedly, whether it’s due to a fall or any other mishap. So, ask the community staff about their protocols for power outages or medical emergencies.
How Are Falls Prevented?
As memory loss affects one’s depth perception and mobility, ask what proactive fall-prevention measures the community has in place.
Costs And Licensing
As you are opting for a combined care model—memory care with skilled nursing —it’s crucial to know what costs you can expect and whether the community is licensed to offer both types of care.
How Is Care Billed?
Determine whether there is a flat rate or an “a la carte” pricing model that increases the cost as health declines and care needs increase.
What Is The Community’s State Licensing?
Verify if the community is appropriately licensed for both memory care and skilled nursing.
What Is Included In The Base Price?
Ask what is included in the base price and what costs extra. Typically, the base price includes standard memory care assistance and basic skilled nursing care, while advanced care, such as rehabilitation, is charged as an add-on.
Bayshire San Dimas – A Premier Memory Care Community With Skilled Nursing And Around-The-Clock Support
At Bayshire San Dimas, we understand the specialized support that memory care communities with skilled nursing offer to individuals with dementia facing chronic health challenges. Seniors with advanced cognitive decline receive tailored dementia support combined with 24/7 medical care. Whether they need physical therapy or complex medical treatments, such as wound care or IV therapy, they receive comprehensive support.
Families seeking a trusted option for memory care with skilled nursing can choose Bayshire San Dimas. We provide person-centered care programs designed to promote whole-person wellness. Our team of skilled care professionals is available 24/7, offering around-the-clock care and support to those recovering from injuries or surgery while also living with dementia.
Interested? Schedule a visit to learn more about our premier senior living community.
