If you are in the process of moving your loved one into a memory care Norwood, NJ community, you may not know where to start. You will ideally want to tour different communities and consider the amenities and safety features they provide, because when it comes to caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is crucial that the community you consider has a safe and secure living environment.
In this article, we will be discussing the most common security features you should look for when touring Norwood memory care communities and why they are so important.
Surveillance Systems
A Norwood, NJ, memory care community needs to have 24/7 security systems and protocols in place that monitor what is happening in the community, especially because wandering towards danger is a common concern in memory care.
Surveillance systems keep caregivers and residents safe and help give family members peace of mind. If you ever have concerns for your loved one, you should be able to request to view security footage at any time concerns arise. Continuous monitoring also helps staff spot potential security threats and respond if a resident needs emergency assistance.
Emergency Call Systems
One of the biggest benefits of transitioning your loved one to a top memory care Norwood, NJ community is the constant care available. These communities should have an emergency call system in place that allows residents to get immediate emergency care. This system is also crucial for staff in the case of an emergency where additional medical assistance is necessary.
In many situations where a senior requires emergency care, a quick response time and access to medical professionals will have a significant impact on the outcome. This call system, paired with the surveillance system, ensures that the staff will address emergencies promptly.
An example of why emergency call systems are so important is if a resident has fallen and needs assistance getting up. This is a very common risk among those with memory related conditions, especially those with limited mobility or cognitive decline.
Secure Doors
A big concern for those who are navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s or dementia is that they have a tendency to wander as mentioned previously. Especially in New Jersey’s temperamental climate, wandering when it’s snowing outside or when there is other severe weather present is a significant concern. As memory-related conditions progress, many seniors will become unaware of their surroundings and may try to get out of the community to explore outside.
Norwood, NJ, memory care communities prioritize this risk by having access control systems that secure entrances and exits. This control system requires a key card or a code to get in and out. Not only does this protect the residents from themselves, but it also ensures that only authorized personnel will get into the building.
Tracking Devices
Some memory care communities may provide tracking devices for additional security with each resident. Oftentimes, these tracking devices are wearable and use GPS technology to monitor where each resident is. For those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, being able to track them quickly is often very necessary. Staff can more efficiently locate them to ensure they are not in any danger or trying to get out of the building.
Senior-Friendly Design
Memory care communities have a very specific layout design meant to keep residents safe no matter where they go. This includes having plenty of open spaces and large print signage for those who have mobility issues and may use wheelchairs or walkers. Banisters and grips are installed in any areas where there is a higher risk of residents tripping and falling. All of the spaces are also level with features to reduce the risk of slipping or tripping.
Regular housekeeping services ensure that each resident’s living space is kept clean and free of any clutter that could pose a tripping hazard.
Other Methods Memory Care Communities Use to Promote Safety
Aside from the standard security features Norwood, NJ, memory care communities use, there are other methods that can help improve safety. Here are some examples of safety measures that you should keep an eye out for when touring different communities.
Staff Training
Security features are essential, but they can only do so much. The bottom line is that the staff also needs to be highly qualified and aware when it comes to caring for those with memory-related conditions.
A memory care community should have thorough training that ensures every staff member is on the same page and can provide quality care. They should learn skills like recognizing certain behaviors, de-escalating situations, responding to emergencies, and providing medical assistance.
Personalized Care
Caring for those in a memory care community isn’t just about cognitive care and medical assistance. Those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia also require personalized care as this gives them the best care experience.
Personalized care helps the caregivers to immediately recognize if something isn’t right with one of the residents. It also creates a better environment where residents feel safe and heard.
Medical Supervision
Residents in a memory care community often require more extensive care on a daily basis than in other kinds of communities. Part of this includes medical supervision, which is also an essential part of ensuring their safety.
Staff should have extensive medical training and certification that equips them to properly manage things like medication for each resident. This is often done by a registered nurse who oversees medication administration from the caregivers.
Medical professionals are also available in the instance of an emergency or if there is a medical concern a caregiver has for one of the residents.
Are you trying to find the best memory care Norwood, NJ community for your loved one? Arbor Terrace Norwood provides extensive security features as well as a secure and personalized approach for each resident. Contact us today to schedule a tour to see if this is the right fit for your loved one.
