Before choosing a dementia care facility for your loved one, ask these important questions

By Patricia Nugent

With the holidays and annual family get-togethers in the rearview mirror, people might be finding themselves traversing uncertain territory—dealing with a parent who is showing signs of slipping.

According to Chrissy Grude, executive director of Symphony at Olmsted Falls, the earlier the signs of dementia are recognized, the better the outcome.

“If adult children notice that Mom or Dad might be misplacing everyday items, not able to come up with commonly used words, wandering, getting lost while driving, having difficulty solving simple problems, forgetting to take their medications, or exhibiting uncharacteristic mood swings…it’s time to have ‘the talk,’” she says.

Asking the Right Questions
When the time comes to find a best-fit place for your parent or loved one, asking the right questions will lead to making the best-informed decisions.

Here are a few recommendations from Chrissy on how to go about your search:

• First, do your research and check out online reviews of different places.
• Narrow your search down to three top places to tour. “It sounds like common sense, but proximity matters,” she says. “Be sure to only look at places that are very near your home or place of work to make frequent visits convenient for you. Questions to ask during a tour would include: What are the staff-to-resident ratios? What is the longevity of staff in place? Have they been there for a long time? What are the actual fees? Is there an entrance fee? What’s the history of pricing? Have there been significant increases over time? Are there a la carte fees for different levels of care? Is this a place where a person can age in place?”
• Ask if you can stay for a program and try out a meal while you are there.
• Before making the decision, you may wish to “test-drive” a place via day care or respite care. “If your loved one is already comfortable with the environment, that’ll make the ultimate transition much easier,” she says.

A Full Continuum of Care
“Our innovative programming and having two on-staff physicians and a behavioral health nurse practitioner allows us to navigate every stage of dementia,” says Chrissy. “We are uniquely designed and dedicated to serve those suffering from the disease, with security measures in place and apartments specialized for those with dementia. And with our In the Moment memory program, we make the most of each moment, getting to know residents and nurturing them.”

A Peaceful Oasis
Symphony at Olmsted Falls is tucked back into a quiet, tree-lined section of Elm Street near downtown. Residents live in 44 spacious studios to enjoy time by themselves, or social time. The apartments are currently undergoing a refurbishment, with new granite counters, flooring and fixtures.

A host of services, from physical therapy to physicians, beauticians, rehab services, therapy dogs, cooking demonstrations and hospice are also available.

Ultra-Convenient Care by Day
Arranged with caregivers in mind, Symphony is one of the few facilities on the west side to provide an Adult Day Club. It’s available seven days per week, half-day or full-day, or even by the hour if necessary. And to make it even more convenient, they can also provide care services such as administering baths or showers, or resting accommodations for naps.

Attendees come at least two to three times a week and are fully integrated in all of the activities the full-time residents enjoy, including meals and snacks, crafts, field trips, entertainment and group classes.

Symphony at Olmsted Falls is located at 25880 Elm Street in Olmsted Falls. The facility offers monthly support groups for families and caregivers. For more information, call 440-230-3591, or visit SymphonyAtOlmstedFalls.com.