Memory care wait list

Ditto what Dio said. Some years ago, I was researching MCF’s for DH “just in case”. I put a $500.00 refundable deposit on a room in a MCF very near our home; it wasn’t my first choice, but apparently attractive enough to warrant a wait list. A room became available shortly thereafter, but I was not ready to place him yet and refused the offer. Eventually, I placed him, several years later, in a MCF 44 miles away, but solely devoted to Alz/dementia care and my first choice. It was the best decision for all involved. It’s all in the rear view mirror now; he passed after 17 months in MC. But at the time, it was mind boggling, confusing, and heart wrenching. Do whatever your heart and mind tell you; you can always change your plans. Best wishes.

There aren't too many choices in our area for memory care but I visited the two we have and picked out the one I wanted him to go to when the time came. They did not have a waiting list but if they had I would have put him on it. Like Dio said, ask lots of questions. I made out a list of questions before touring each facility to make sure I didn't leave out anything.

Katcat, I visited a dozen MC places in my city and nearby, starting 18 months ago. Now I have selected my preferred place, and in less than two weeks, DW will move in. It has been a long process, fraught with indecision and guilt; but I am worn out from being at home with her, and now I hope for a new set of worries that might be easier to handle.
Tyrone

Any other questions we should ask or be aware of for future visits would be appreciated.

Thank-you

So many things I would look for if I was looking for a MCF. I placed my DH 4/1/2024. The administrator knew how to say all the right things when she gave me a tour. Extensive activities with the residents, supervised at all times when in the outdoor courtyard, bathroom checks every 2 hours for those not completely incontinent, and especially that they were qualified to work with FTD patients. All of these things have turned out to not be true. Here are some of the things I wish I had done: 1. Take a wet wipe and bend down and wipe a spot on the floor. I have discovered that DH's facility very seldome cleans their floors and they are disgusting. 2. Look around at the staff to see how they are spending their time. Are they engaging and/or helping patients, or are they standing around chit chatting. I see the staff often congregating in the med dispensing room, not paying attention to anyone in the facility. 3. What is the layout of the facility. This facility has all of the resident rooms around the outside of the building, with several group used rooms in the middle. All of the walls on the inner areas make it very difficult for staff to see the residents when they're in the living/common room areas, and in the hallways where many of the residents like to do laps and walk around. I'm constantly being told an incident occurred, but they never seem to know what happened because they can't see! 4. check the background and credentials of the administrator and any other staff members that are in charge. Ask how many staff have CNA, or just care assistants, etc. Is there a staff nurse on site? 5.) Randomly go during dinner time to see what kind of meals they are fed, and how the residents are attended to during dinner.

These are just a few of the things I wish I had known to ask.