If your loved one is in a memory care facility, you will be pleased to know that the staff meets on a regular basis to discuss the residents' treatment plans. During these meetings, the staff discusses your loved one's medical needs, dietary recommendations, and psycho-social needs.

They also review the resident's current medications to determine if the person is experiencing any side effects or if they need a dose adjustment. Furthermore, staff discussions are always ongoing regarding ways in which to enhance the quality of life for their residents with dementia. Here are some ways that the staff at the memory care facility work to enhance your loved one's quality of life.

Activities Calendar

The Activities Director at the facility prepares a monthly calendar of activities. These activities can include trivia games, spa days, cooking classes, craft activities, and even day trips. Your loved one can participate in any or all activities, based on their likes and abilities.

Fun activities bring residents together, provides them with a sense of accomplishment, encourages socialization, and alleviates social isolation. Also, if you think your loved one might want to participate in a day trip, you will need to sign a form, giving the staff permission to take the resident off the facility grounds. You may also be allowed to accompany your loved one if they are not comfortable traveling on the bus with the other residents. 

Promoting ADL Independence 

Another quality of life intervention is promoting ADL independence. ADLs refer to activities of daily living and include bathing, dressing, eating, and grooming. It is essential that your loved one be as independent as possible with their activities of daily living because it can greatly enhance the quality of the person's life when the individual feels capable of taking care of themselves.

If the staff notices that the resident is struggling with their ADLs, they will intervene. Interventions may include physical rehab to manage weakness in the arms so that the individual can feed themselves. Giving the resident special forks and spoons with built-up handles can also help promote independence when eating because built-up handles make it easier for the individual to grasp the utensil. 

To learn more about quality of life interventions at the memory care facility, call the administration office or nursing supervisor. During your call, the staff member will address your concerns and answer any questions you may have regarding your loved one's care.