Receiving a dementia diagnosis can feel unsettling for seniors and their families. Life suddenly changes, so it’s natural to feel a storm of emotions.
But you’ll find that it’s best to take control of the situation from the outset. You don’t have to do this yourself; medical professionals and support groups are two sources of help. Another way to find direction is by touring senior memory care units.
Communities like Laketown Village have tours that allow you to compare options and feel more equipped to make informed decisions for loved ones. Visiting New Orleans-area memory care facilities is like other new experiences; preparing ahead of time will make you more comfortable, and you’ll know what to expect.
Preparing for Your Tour of Memory Care Units
Before reaching out to these communities, identify your loved one’s specific needs. Their physician can walk you through your family member’s medical concerns; you can consider their favorite hobbies, routines, and moments when they feel most at ease. This insight provides a clear foundation for evaluating different memory care options.
When searching for the best memory care facilities near New Orleans, it is important to note that some are only designed for residents with cognitive impairment, while Laketown Village also has assisted living. You can also ask other families and support group members who have walked this path for recommendations.
When you contact a community, express your interest in their memory care services and inquire about scheduling a tour.
Should I bring my mom on memory care tours?
That answer depends on your situation. If your parent is unsure or anxious about moving into a community, taking them along might be risky. Should a community obviously not be the right fit, it can make them afraid of moving. So, while you want your mother to feel like part of the decision-making process, screening out communities that don’t seem to be a good match is probably helpful.
Another factor to consider is your parent’s health. If they have mobility problems, for example, limiting the number of assisted living communities you tour together might be the best approach. They will still feel involved in the process and have an opportunity to see a few without being overly taxed.
In addition, you can research the communities’ websites to view photos, virtual tours or floor plans right from your smartphone or computer.
What to Expect During Your Memory Care Tour
When you arrive at a senior memory care unit, expect a warm welcome as you begin your tour. The atmosphere should feel clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Observe the interaction between residents and caregivers—that will reveal the level of compassion and attentiveness provided.
Within the dementia care unit, open and accessible spaces should create a calm environment. Note the available amenities that promote socialization and activities and options for individual engagement. These can significantly enhance your loved one’s quality of life.
Pay attention to the community’s programming; it should be designed to engage the minds of residents in meaningful ways. Arts and crafts, music sessions, and exercise classes can stimulate cognitive functions and promote joy. Finally, discuss how the community protects its residents. Ask how they manage wandering or confusion, as a structured environment is vital for maintaining peace of mind for families.
Should I bring a list of questions when touring dementia care units?
We recommend writing a list of standard questions to ask during the tour. Ask the same ones at each community; you can compare the answers later. Here are some suggestions:
- Can you show me a memory care apartment?
- What types of activities and programs do you offer residents?
- How do caregivers handle wandering or confusion?
- What is your caregiver-to-resident ratio?
- Can you describe the training caregivers receive in dementia care?
- How do you facilitate communication with families regarding their loved one’s care?
- What protective measures does the unit have?
The responses will serve as your guidelines for locating the best memory care facilities near New Orleans.
The Laketown Village Memory Care Program
If you’re researching New Orleans-area memory care facilities, you’ll likely come across Laketown Village. We’re in Jefferson Parish, about 13 miles west of New Orleans. Kenner’s population is about 62,000; this friendly town is home to the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts and Pontchartrain Center.
Known for its compassionate approach and modern dementia care units, Laketown Village creates a supportive environment that emphasizes comfort and dignity. We treat each resident with kindness and integrity through our Connections program.
What is the Connections program?
Our Connections program makes Laketown Village one of the best memory care facilities near New Orleans. We have non-stop care, with Connections Academy graduates and a licensed nurse on our team. They manage our beloved residents’ medication monitoring assistance with activities of daily living.
Connections is an evidence-based memory care program that promotes neuroplasticity through the Connect, Move, Learn sequence. The program’s founder, Dr. Sandra Petersen, designed this approach. It leverages the brain’s ability to keep producing healthy brain cells despite memory loss and also uses adapted fitness and engagement programs.
Our team members can explain Connections in detail during your tour and show you how our caregivers engage residents through its methodologies.
Alzheimer’s and dementia do not only affect memory care residents. It also impacts family members’ lives, and the Connections program is here to offer support with a range of resources designed to help you navigate this journey with compassion and understanding. Once you experience our approach in person, you’ll see why we differ from other memory care units in the area.
Tour Laketown Village and Take the Next Step Towards Comfort and Clarity
Touring memory care units can transform the uncertain journey following a dementia diagnosis into a more manageable path. By gaining direction through firsthand experiences, you’ll make confident decisions regarding your loved one’s care. Contact us to schedule a tour and see how we celebrate and enhance all lives with kindness and integrity.