Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be extremely demanding on family members. When you’re no longer able to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to find a nursing home or other residential care facility that will provide the highest-possible caliber of care, catering to the particular needs of someone with this challenging disease. There’s more to choosing the right facility for your loved one than simply finding a licensed Memory Care Community. Learn more below about how to choose the right facility for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Ensure that the facility has been designed with the needs of Alzheimer’s patients in mind
The State of Oregon requires that facilities catering to persons with Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases comply with rigorous licensing requirements to receive the designation of Memory Care Community. These facilities must meet basic requirements such as providing a secured, controlled-access environment for residents, staff members who are trained in working with patients with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other memory issues, and a minimum required amount of outdoor space for each resident. These facilities must also use lighting that conforms with certain intensity levels and reduces glare.
Beyond the minimum requirements, there are other features and qualities that a facility can employ to improve a resident’s quality of life. Since Alzheimer’s patients can easily become lost or confused, look for a facility that uses simple color-coding on doors and hallways to indicate where the resident can find the kitchen or bathrooms. Look for a facility that uses memory boxes outside of a resident’s room, which provides a space for residents to display mementos that can help them identify which room is theirs. Ask staff about what sorts of activities they organize for residents, such as ways for residents to celebrate their religious beliefs, musical activities, entertainment, or physical activities. Patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia often like to wander for prolonged periods. Look for a facility that provides sufficient space for your loved one to take walks.
Abuse of Alzheimer’s patients troublingly common
Unfortunately, even in facilities with good reputations, nursing home abuse still occurs regularly. Patients with Alzheimer’s are particularly vulnerable to abuse. These individuals may become confused about the identity of an abuser or whether the abuse is really happening, or, even more tragically, aren’t believed when reporting abuse. If you or a family member has been the victim of abuse in an Oregon nursing home, contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal options to get justice for your loved one.
For compassionate, caring, and dedicated legal help after an incident of nursing home abuse in Oregon, contact the knowledgeable and seasoned Bend elder abuse lawyers at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorneys, PC for a free consultation at 541-617-0555, with additional offices in Eugene, Portland, Roseburg, Medford, and Grants Pass.