Memory Care Facility

Russinator

There are so many MC facilities in So Cal that I just don't know what to do.

Are any of you able to recommend a MC (or several MCs) to me in SoCal.

Happy holidays, Russ

CaliforniaGirl-1

Visit them and see how you feel. Is it a cheery warm atmosphere or is it depressing? Talk to the staff. Ask about staff longevity. See if the residents are treated as individual members of a community with likes and dislikes . How much training in dementia care does the management have? Also pay attention to whether your LO will be able to stay there when their need for care increases. I don't just mean care level, but medical care. It is no joke to have a LO get out of the hospital and the SNF and be scrambling to look for care because they need more help than the current place can provide. Think about what happens as your LO ages.

Final tips: You don't say whether your LO is Medicare or Medi-Cal. If they are on Medi-care and you think they may be transitioning to Medi-Cal at some point, find out if the place is certified for Medi-Cal and whether they have Medi-Cal beds so you don't have move your LO abruptly.Will they work with you if you will need to move to a different facility for financial reasons.

See if they have a doctor who will see patients in place and take your LO's insurance. MC is for the long haul and it can save a lot of stress if your LO can be seen there rather than having to go to the doctor's office or hospital for care.

You might be able to find a local Senior Care Advocate who knows your local places and has connections. That usually doesn't cost you anything and they can help you get a list to visit and help you obtain promotional prices etc. They will know the scoop on staff turnover etc.

That is all I have.

SDianeL

I looked at online reviews and chose 3 to tour. Of those, I chose the one I liked best that was closest to my home.

Michele P

If there is an Oasis Senior Services in your area, contact them. The service is free. Our local representative was excellent and educated us in the process and set up tours of facilities with us that met our needs. We spoke to family members of residents as well. As others have mentioned, make sure your loved one can stay in that facility if more care is needed. Ask if they have skilled nurses, which doctors are on rotation, if physical therapy is available onsite. The facilities have different licenses that dictate the level of care that can be provided. Ask which level license they hold and what services are provided under that license.