For many families caring for a member of their family at home seemed to be the only real option.  This normally causes great stress upon a family on many levels. However in Utah, as across the United States, Assisted living facilities have become an attractive alternative in recent years, for seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  Utah Assisted Living communities have carefully designed living spaces that are safe, secure and provide those with memory loss a dignified lifestyle with a secure and supportive environment.

The Assisted Living facilities that provide Alzheimer’s care are often referred to as Special Care Units.  Assisted Living facilities are often considered the best choice for those who are in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s.  The areas of living are designed to suit the needs of Alzheimer’s patients, particularly by employing staff that is expressly trained to work with people with dementia. Staff  members often take pride in getting to know the specific and special needs of the residents in their care, so that daily activies catered to the individual can be integrated into their days.  As you visit facilities be attentive to the interaction of the staff with the residents.  Ask about the level of care of the residents presently in the facility.  Will they be able to provide the level of care your loved-one needs?  Some Alzheimer’s care units within Assisted Living facilities only accept patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, others care for people until they require skilled care in a nursing home,  in addition some communities will provide hospice services.  

The Alzheimer's Association of Utah has taken a progressive and insightful step toward providing a training program for facility staff .  Realizing that more than half of the residents in long-term care are living with some form of dementia, the Association took the stance that caring for them requires specialized skills. The Association’s training helps long-term care staff better understand dementia and how to relate to an individual resident’s needs, abilities and wishes. Studies show that “person-centered” dementia care creates a higher quality of care and brings greater satisfaction to residents and their families.  As you tour facilities, ask if they have utilized the training provided by the Alzheimer's Association of Utah or what specialized training is provided on an ongoing basis.

The staff of The Senior Care Guide also encourages you to support your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  Their work and research will affect us all.   Click here for the Utah Alzheimer's Association website.