If you have a parent who has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia, you may be worried about them living on their own. However, you may decide an assisted living facility is better for them than a nursing home at this time. If so, use the following three questions to guide you when starting the process of selecting a facility for your loved one.

Is Supervision Available Around The Clock?

Although your loved one is in the early stages of their disease and can still participate in some activities of daily living, there may still be times when they become forgetful and unable to perform certain tasks. Because of this, they will need someone who can check on them throughout the day and help when they need it.

Ask the facility if they provide supervision for the residents around the clock. While some facilities only have staff on hand during regular business hours, your mother or father will need someone available day or night. The facility you choose should have this service available.

Does The Facility Have Trained Nurses On Staff?

Your parent may need help from time to time with medications or emergency assistance if they fall. Ask the administrator at the assisted living facility if they have trained nurses onsite to help with the care of your parent.

Ideally, there should be at least one nurse at all times who is available to help your loved one. However, it may also be acceptable if they have an on-call nursing staff who can be there quickly if the need arises.

Are There Supervised Activities Available For The Residents?

Because you want your parent to have some independence and also enjoy themselves, ask the facility if they have activities available for the residents. These could be anything from on-site mixers and dances to crafting classes. You might also want to ask if they ever plan off-site activities, such as trips to the movies or a picnic at the park.

However, you also want to make sure these activities are supervised by one or more staff members. As your loved one's condition progresses, they may need to be watched to keep them from wandering away from the group.

Asking the above questions can help guide you in finding out information about a facility for your parent. If you have other questions or concerns, make sure to discuss them with the administrator at the assisted living facility you are considering for your loved one with early-stage dementia.