How To Choose A Memory Care Facility In Denver

To schedule a free consultation with a Senior Advisor, call Marnie Biln, (303) 222-5281 or e-mail marnie@seniorgevity.com. The consultation is free to seniors and their families and the senior advisement, and placement services are also free.

Because people with memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s are vulnerable and often unable to accurately communicate what’s going on, it’s important to find the right memory care setting.

Memory care is offered at assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, multi-level care communities, and continuing care retirement communities.

Below are some major factors to consider and questions to ask when choosing a memory care facility in the Denver area.

Safe And Secure Environment
Most memory care facilities and units have safe and secure environments, and some are even employing the latest technology to make “locking” down rooms and common areas unobtrusive.

Levels Of Memory Care
Some memory care facilities offer tiered levels of memory care, in Levels 1-4. In Level 1, the lowest level of supervision and assistance is provided; in Level 4, the highest level of supervision and assistance is provided. Ask about the different levels of care, whether they’re offered in separate areas, and what criteria is applied when assessing residents for appropriate levels of care.

Cost
In memory care, the cost per month can vary dramatically, according to the level of care that’s needed.  Find out the cost and what’s included.

Caregivers
Ideally, caregivers in a memory care facility will be specially trained and experienced in working with people who are experiencing memory loss.

Activities And Amenities
Find out what types of amenities (such as movie theatres or beautiful grounds) are available at the memory care facility. Also, get a sense of what activities and outings are available, and whether they’re specifically tailored to people with memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.

Socialization
It’s important to know what (if anything) the memory care facility does to encourage and supervise socialization among residents, including how caregivers handle potential conflicts or behavioral issues.

Meals And Snacks
Memory care facilities provide all meals and snack, so that question’s answered. But is the food prepared on-site? Are there ample meal choices? Are substitutions available? Are dietary needs accommodated? How’s the food taste? Ask these questions when you’re touring a memory care facility, and consider staying to enjoy lunch or dinner.

Size And Composition Of The Facility
How many residents are in the memory care facility? If the memory care area is part of a broader senior living community, how many residents live in memory care, compared to the independent living and assisted living areas of the community? Is skilled nursing available at facility?

Accommodations
What types of rooms, suites, or apartments are available in memory care? Ask about private options (private apartment, room, and/or bath), as well as shared options.

Smoking Or Non-Smoking Facility
Is smoking allowed at the memory care facility? If so, where are the designated, outdoor smoking areas? Is there adequate supervision for residents who smoke?

Transportation
Is group transportation (with supervision) available for shopping, eating out, activities, and events? Can individual transportation, with an escort, be arranged for doctor’s appointments and other trips?

Accepts Medicaid
Does the memory care facility accept Medicaid? If so, is there a private pay, spend-down requirement?

Ratings By The Colorado Department Of Health
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment licenses and regulates assisted living facilities (which memory care falls under) and nursing homes. The CDPHE conducts annual health surveys and tracks occurrences and complaints, and it’s a good idea to look up this information for the memory care facilities you’re considering. Click here to find out health department ratings for memory care facilities in Colorado.

Lease Terms
Most memory care facilities in the Denver metro area have month-to-month leases, check to make sure this is the case.

Contact A Senior Advisor For Help In Finding The Right Community Or Facility
If you would like help finding the right community or facility for yourself or a loved one, please contact Senior Advisor, Marnie Biln, (303) 222-5281. Her senior advisement and placement services are free.

Marnie helps seniors and their families find communities and facilities in the Denver metro area and Front Range, including: Denver, Aurora, Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Denver Tech Center, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Rock, Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, Louisville, Longmont, Lafayette, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.

Please click here to see a listing of memory care facilities in the Denver metro area.

For more information on senior living options in Denver, see these related topics:
How To Choose An Independent Living Community In Denver
How to Choose a Residential Care home in Denver
How To Choose An Assisted Living Facility In Denver
How To Choose A Multi-Level Care Community In Denver
How To Choose A Continuing Care Retirement Community In Denver
How To Choose A Nursing Home In Denver
How To Choose An In-Home Care Agency In Denver