Husband (83) with beginning dementia was told he belongs in assisted living. Is this the correct facility for him?

When I was exploring facilities for my mom, the facilities told me that an assessment would be done for them to determine her level of care.

I had it narrowed down to two places. One had independent living, assisted living and memory care. The other facility had assisted living and memory care. One was part of a group, a chain so to speak. The other was owned jointly by several individuals.

They were beautiful places that reminded me of an upscale hotel. The individually owned facility though was more like a suite with a full kitchen which I liked the best.

I felt like I could cook for mom right in her own apartment as a treat if I chose to. The menus looked good at both places. They both offered additional services if needed. Pricing was a la carte, if you will.

I think you have to look at each facility in person and try to picture your family member living there.

If you feel like you will need memory care in the future then select one that offers that. Not all do. Many have all sorts of activities to participate in. They have hair salons, lounge areas, dining rooms, some even have private dining rooms to use for holiday meals with your family. The list is endless.

Do some research yourself. I realize Covid has changed everything. Ask as many questions as you need to.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Only his doctor can really say what type of facility that would be the best solution for your husband.

Facilities require a needs assessment and they do one to ensure that they are able to care for the person. If you have already placed him then you can communicate with the facility to ensure that they are able to take care of him with his specific needs and behaviors.

His key behavior here is his wandering. AL is for those who can essentially care for themselves other than meds management and mobility help. They can pretty much come and go as they please. For someone who wanders, AL is not for them. They could easily elope from the facility. Your husband requires monitoring his whereabouts so the security of MC would be more appropriate. When he needs to be placed is ASAP. At his level of decline, his perception of time is compromised. He could leave the house at 2 AM and be gone. You can't control this. For his sake and yours visit some MC facilities.

Just looked at your profile. Yes, you asked 2 questions before this one and they were answered. Click on ur Avatar and then profile. Click on "following" and you will see your questions and replies.

Honestly? I think he is beyond an AL. Maybe a MC . And I say this because he wanders. ALs are not lockdown facilities. They are limited in aides and can't watch someone all the time. If you can't afford Memory care, then he may qualify for Medicaid. You can become the Community spouse and will have enough money to live. Assets will be split.