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If you are no longer able to care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s at home, they may need around-the-clock care. Finding a facility that meets your loved one’s needs is important, but it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we cover options, questions, and resources to help you find long-term care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Residential Care Options to Choose From

  • Continuing care retirement communities. This can be a home, room or apartment in a retirement community where people living with Alzheimer’s can get care and support. Residents here can transition from independent living to assisted living to the most specialized, high level of care on one campus.
  • Assisted living facilities. This is also a facility with apartments or rooms for individuals requiring help with daily tasks. Some of these facilities have special Alzheimer’s units. The staff in these facilities check on and care for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
  • Group homes. This is a home where people who can’t care for themselves live. In these facilities, two to three caregivers live there.
  • Skilled/Nursing homes. They are also homes for individuals who cannot care for themselves. You can find nursing homes with special Alzheimer’s care units. These facilities are a more specialized, high level of medical care.

Steps to Find the Right Place

  • Gather Information. Discuss with friends, social workers, family members, support groups or the doctor attending to your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
  • Pay Visits to Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. Take time to visit prospective memory care facilities to find out for yourself:
    • If the staff is friendly
    • If the place feels comfortable
    • How their residents look and how the staff cares for their residents
  • Ask questions from the staff about:
    • Activities planned for residents
    • Number of staff members
    • Whether they have doctors who check up on residents regularly

If you are no longer able to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, an assisted living facility is the next best place for them to be. Assisted living facilities are staffed with caring and supportive caregivers who are trained in how to handle people with memory disorders. Look for a memory care facility that offers all-inclusive pricing, making it easier to budget for the care your loved one needs.