Working Caregiver- Caregiver Articles

Demential Care - Alzheimers Caregivers - What to look for

Questions to ask when looking for nursing home dementia care.

1. Does the nursing home have a specialized dementia unit?
2. Do the dementia unit staff have specialized training in dementia care
3. What kind of specialized dementia services are offered?
4. Does the nursing home have an activity director with specialized dementia training?
5. Does the activity program offer specialized activities for individuals with dementia?
6. Are staff that are not trained in dementia care ever brought into the unit to provide care in the event of a staff shortage?
7. Is any special assistance or education offered to families regarding dementia?
8. Are there any special precautions taken on the dementia unit to ensure resident safety?
9. What is the staff to resident ratio on the dementia unit?
10. Does the same staff routinely care for residents or is there frequent turnover?
11. What are the policies regarding incontinence and is there a toileting schedule?
12. Is there a time or situation when a resident may be asked to leave the nursing home or dementia care unit?
13. What sort of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) is provided?
14. What is the policy regarding bringing personal belongings and furniture?
    

If there is not a specialized dementia care unit, the above questions still apply to the nursing home in general.

Seniority Counseling & Consultation
Dawn Lakamsani, LCSW
Seniority Counseling & Consultation seniority counseling & consultation