Page 45 - Indulge June/July 2016
P. 45
t tocloookmformin aunity Memory Care:
How tofcohroyoosuertlhoevecdaroenteh.at’s right
By Linda Doell
The effects of memory
Choosing a facility for a loved one with Alzheimer’s loss can vary greatly, so
disease isn’t a simple decision. it’s important to nd the
There are so many factors that go into such a move, it can care level that your
be overwhelming. loved one needs. Our
specialized memory care
The Alzheimer’s Association says at the minimum, loved provides personalized care plans to meet the
ones need to take into consideration the safety, health, social needs of the individual that:
engagement and care needs of the person. Whenever possible, • Support early- through late-stage dementia
make sure to include the person with dementia in the decisions. • Focus on the person, not the diagnosis
• Provide reassurance for better days
“First and foremost, you want to make sure that you have • Help re-connect loved ones with families
a very thorough understanding of your loved one’s needs so Our approach ensures support for the whole
you can determine whether or not a community is a good fit,” person, creating a happier environment for your
said Country Meadows Retirement Communities’ Senior Vice loved one and the opportunity for your family to
President of Marketing Tom Baker. “You have to understand re-connect.
what your loved one is interested in, what makes them happy Download our free guide “When is it Time for a
and fulfilled, what acuity (ability level) he/she has, ask yourself Memory Support Program?” at
‘is he/she active and social?’ If so, you don’t want to take a high- Countr yMeadows.com / W henIsItTime.
functioning person to a community that is very low functioning
and has residents who aren’t at the same level of socialization 410 N. Krocks Road, Allentown
or don’t get out and move around physically.” (minutes from Route 22 & I-78) • 610-395-7160
4035 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends getting referrals (close to Routes 22 & 33) • 610-865-5580
for potential communities from the local agency on aging, NEW! 175 Newlins Road West, Easton
community caregivers, area Alzheimer’s chapters and your (opening this summer in Forks Twp) • 484-544-3880
doctor. Once that list of potential communities is whittled down,
then start in on screening the providers. Independent Living | Assisted Living & Personal Care* | Memory Care
Restorative Care* | Skilled Nursing** | In-Home Services*
Some things to ask include: Does the community offer the
services and social programs that your loved one needs to be *Forks campus offers Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care only.
content? What is important to him or her? **Skilled nursing is available at our Bethlehem campus only.
“You want to go into that community and see for yourself
that the community is offering those things,” Baker says.
Country Meadows operates nine retirement communities in
Pennsylvania, including locations in Allentown, Bethlehem
and a soon-to-be-open location in Forks Township, as well as a
community in Frederick, Md.
A thorough visit to a potential community includes spending
time with the personnel who oversee its programs and services.
“You don’t just want a sales pitch or a tour; you want to
know that after you make a decision, after he or she moves in,
are you going to get what you’re paying for?” Baker says. “You
want to observe what is going on while you are there and take
note of how many staff members you see and how engaged
the residents are ... make at least two visits to the community
and be sure you get introduced to other residents and the staff
members in charge of the programs, to make sure that what
was presented is, in fact, reality.”
Another important consideration is the cost of care.
“When visiting, be sure to ask the marketing director
questions about the pricing structure so you understand what is
included to be certain that your loved one’s needs are going to
be met,” Baker says.
How tofcohroyoosuertlhoevecdaroenteh.at’s right
By Linda Doell
The effects of memory
Choosing a facility for a loved one with Alzheimer’s loss can vary greatly, so
disease isn’t a simple decision. it’s important to nd the
There are so many factors that go into such a move, it can care level that your
be overwhelming. loved one needs. Our
specialized memory care
The Alzheimer’s Association says at the minimum, loved provides personalized care plans to meet the
ones need to take into consideration the safety, health, social needs of the individual that:
engagement and care needs of the person. Whenever possible, • Support early- through late-stage dementia
make sure to include the person with dementia in the decisions. • Focus on the person, not the diagnosis
• Provide reassurance for better days
“First and foremost, you want to make sure that you have • Help re-connect loved ones with families
a very thorough understanding of your loved one’s needs so Our approach ensures support for the whole
you can determine whether or not a community is a good fit,” person, creating a happier environment for your
said Country Meadows Retirement Communities’ Senior Vice loved one and the opportunity for your family to
President of Marketing Tom Baker. “You have to understand re-connect.
what your loved one is interested in, what makes them happy Download our free guide “When is it Time for a
and fulfilled, what acuity (ability level) he/she has, ask yourself Memory Support Program?” at
‘is he/she active and social?’ If so, you don’t want to take a high- Countr yMeadows.com / W henIsItTime.
functioning person to a community that is very low functioning
and has residents who aren’t at the same level of socialization 410 N. Krocks Road, Allentown
or don’t get out and move around physically.” (minutes from Route 22 & I-78) • 610-395-7160
4035 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends getting referrals (close to Routes 22 & 33) • 610-865-5580
for potential communities from the local agency on aging, NEW! 175 Newlins Road West, Easton
community caregivers, area Alzheimer’s chapters and your (opening this summer in Forks Twp) • 484-544-3880
doctor. Once that list of potential communities is whittled down,
then start in on screening the providers. Independent Living | Assisted Living & Personal Care* | Memory Care
Restorative Care* | Skilled Nursing** | In-Home Services*
Some things to ask include: Does the community offer the
services and social programs that your loved one needs to be *Forks campus offers Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care only.
content? What is important to him or her? **Skilled nursing is available at our Bethlehem campus only.
“You want to go into that community and see for yourself
that the community is offering those things,” Baker says.
Country Meadows operates nine retirement communities in
Pennsylvania, including locations in Allentown, Bethlehem
and a soon-to-be-open location in Forks Township, as well as a
community in Frederick, Md.
A thorough visit to a potential community includes spending
time with the personnel who oversee its programs and services.
“You don’t just want a sales pitch or a tour; you want to
know that after you make a decision, after he or she moves in,
are you going to get what you’re paying for?” Baker says. “You
want to observe what is going on while you are there and take
note of how many staff members you see and how engaged
the residents are ... make at least two visits to the community
and be sure you get introduced to other residents and the staff
members in charge of the programs, to make sure that what
was presented is, in fact, reality.”
Another important consideration is the cost of care.
“When visiting, be sure to ask the marketing director
questions about the pricing structure so you understand what is
included to be certain that your loved one’s needs are going to
be met,” Baker says.
