7 Ways to Identify the Best Memory Care Communities in Colorado Springs

Here at The Retreat at Sunny Vista, we understand how important it is for you to find the right community to provide the kind of memory care support your loved one needs.

If you look online, you’ll sees lots of memory care communities offering this specialized support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. You might be wondering what things you should be looking for when picking a new home providing this kind of care, so we’ve come up with a list of factors to weigh as you’re considering memory care communities.

7 Ways to Identify a Good Memory Care Facility

1. A low staff-to-resident ratio

Inquire about the staff-to-resident ratio to ensure there are enough caregivers to provide personalized attention and assistance to all residents. Ask about the qualifications, training, and experience of the staff members, including nurses, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals. A low staff-to-resident ratio in memory care facilities ensures personalized care, maintains safety and security, assists with daily activities, manages behavioral challenges, and provides emotional and social support. It allows staff members to devote adequate time and attention to each resident, resulting in improved outcomes and a higher quality of life for individuals with memory impairments.

2. A caring staff

Look for a dedicated staff with the proper training to provide this specialized care. A good memory care community should focus on providing individualized care that recognizes each resident’s unique needs, preferences, and abilities.

Here at The Retreat, we consider every resident a part of our family, and we strive every day to provide them fulfillment and joy as they live their lives. Our highly-skilled and experienced staff appreciates that each person we care for is unique and has strengths that are much more important than their challenges. Inquire about how they create personalized care plans and involve residents in the decision-making process.

3. Comfortable apartments

You’ll want a community where a loved one feels at ease while eating a meal in their own dining room or relaxing on the couch in their living room. Comfortable living spaces contribute to the overall well-being of individuals with memory impairments. People with memory loss often experience anxiety, confusion, and agitation. A well-designed and comfortable apartment can help minimize these negative emotions by providing a familiar and soothing environment. Familiarity with surroundings can be especially helpful for individuals with dementia, as it can reduce feelings of disorientation.

We offer 32 single and shared living apartments designed to provide sensory engagement while supporting each resident’s unique sense of self. Our safe and accessible apartments feature large walk-in showers and spacious layouts. Plus, there are plenty of floor plans to choose from.

4. A safe and secure home

At The Retreat, we value the peace of mind that comes from knowing each resident here is safe and secure. Visit the facility and assess the safety measures in place, such as secure entrances, monitoring systems, and appropriate lighting. Observe the cleanliness, organization, and overall comfort of the living spaces, including bedrooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces.

Residents have the flexibility to enjoy activities throughout our community while also providing them with devices that they wear to alert our team when they have ventured outside their normal area. Our goal is to promote independence within our community while keeping tabs on each resident here to ensure they’re safe.

5. Delicious dining options

You want to be sure a community has top-notch cuisine that adds the spice of life to each resident’s experience. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining the overall health and well-being of individuals, especially those with memory-related conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Providing nutritious meals and dining options tailored to their specific dietary needs can support their physical health, enhance cognitive function, and improve their quality of life.

There are two dining venues at The Retreat: the full-service Pike’s Peak restaurant and the more casual atmosphere of the Culebra Café. Our chef-prepared dishes are made with the finest ingredients, allowing residents to savor local and organic options. There’s also an Open Dining menu with made-to-order burgers, omelets, fried fish, and salads.

6. Amenities

Look for communities offering plenty of top-notch activities and amenities to elevate each resident’s lifestyle. Memory care communities should offer a range of stimulating activities and programs that cater to the cognitive, social, and physical abilities of residents. Look for communities that provide structured activities, memory-enhancement programs, and opportunities for social interaction.

Memory care residents at Sunny Vista meet up in the bistro, relax in the garden in our enclosed courtyard, or head to the spa and jacuzzi. Residents also have linen and laundry services, housekeeping, a 24-7 emergency call system, specialized life enrichment opportunities, and more.

7. A family-centered approach to care

Finding a community that values each family’s connection to their loved one’s memory care is essential. A good memory care facility should encourage family involvement and support residents’ families. Ask about their communication practices, family visitation policies, and opportunities for family education or support groups.

We know that when a resident joins our community at The Retreat, their family does as well. So we support you and include you in all key conversations about your loved one’s care.

Families should also consider reading reviews and testimonials from current or past residents and their families to gather more insights into the quality of care and services provided by the memory care community. They should trust their instincts and choose a community where they feel confident about the well-being and comfort of their loved one.

Contact us to learn more

Do you want to learn more about memory care at The Retreat at Sunny Vista? Reach out to us, so we can arrange a tour and answer all your questions. You can call us at 719-824-2605 or you can contact us at this link.