Dementia in Aged Care: 10 Vital Questions to Find The Right Aged Care Provider

Dementia in Aged Care

Dementia in Aged Care

Finding the right aged care provider for your loved ones can be quite a challenge. Not every care provider gives the same quality of service and their philosophies and values might differ from one another. It’s important that you’re able to distinguish which care provider has the best intentions of providing the care and attention your loved ones need for their overall health and well-being.

Entrusting your loved one’s safety and quality of life with the right kind of professionals gives you a sense of ease knowing that their needs are being met. When narrowing down your options on choosing the right aged care provider, it helps to ask these 10 vital questions that’ll help you figure out if they are the right fit.

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Question #1

What is their philosophy on aged care?

Aged care providers have their own ways of taking care of people with dementia. It’s important to make sure that their values and philosophies are in line with your expectations in terms of caring for your loved ones. How do they respond to aggressive behaviour? Do they engage in regular conversations with their patients and keep them entertained with regular activities? Knowing that they have the best intentions possible for your loved ones will help you make a confident decision on choosing the right aged care provider.

Question #2

How often is the care plan evaluated?

Professionals will know that each patient with dementia has different needs and it’s important to know if they’re following up on their care plans. Do they evaluate it regularly? Do they stick to the care plan for a set period of time? Or do they adjust it accordingly depending on the personality and behaviour of their patients? A good aged care provider knows when to make regular adjustments to their care plans so the needs of their patients are always being met. Ask your potential care provider about this and they should be open to discussing it in further detail.

Question #3

What are their policies for recommendations/concerns?

Another important question to ask aged care providers is what are their policies for complaints/concerns? Do they cater their care plan to any recommendations you may have? Do they make sure to listen to your concerns and address them accordingly? These questions play a huge role in selecting the right aged care provider for your loved ones. Don’t be hesitant to ask their other clients as well. Listen to their feedback and find out if the care provider does a good job of making sure your loved ones are in the hands of the right professionals.

Question #4

How will the caregivers communicate with you?

Open communication is an important aspect when it comes to choosing the right aged care provider. Caregivers should always provide you with regular updates regarding the condition and well-being of your loved ones. They should be transparent by answering any questions and concerns you might have. Feel free to ask them about the frequency of communication between all the parties involved to make sure that your loved one is receiving proper care and attention.

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Question #5

What are their plans in case an emergency happens?

Aged care providers must be prepared at all times in case an emergency occurs. Do they provide insurance coverage in case any accidents happen within their premises? What are their emergency plans for their patients? Your potential care provider should be able to outline all of their contingency plans not only for the safety of your loved ones but for your own peace of mind as well. 

Question #6

How long have they been in the aged care industry?

Choosing an aged care provider with a proven track record means that they’re experienced at handling with people who suffer from dementia. Ask them how long they’ve been working in the aged care industry and how successful have they been in meeting the needs and expectations of their clients. If you do decide on choosing a care provider that’s relatively new in the industry, ask feedback from a few of their clients about their care plans and services. From there you’ll be able to decide whether or not the potential care provider is a good fit.

Question #7

Are there varieties of meal choices available?

The types of foods aged care providers serve should be taken into consideration as well. After all, good food contributes your loved one’s overall health. Do they serve a variety of different meals? What does their menu look like? Do their patients have a say on what kinds of foods they’d like to eat? They should be able to provide you with a healthy meal plan that your loved ones will enjoy eating.

Question #8

What types of recreational activities do they offer?

Does your potential aged care provider offer recreational activities for their patients? If so, what are those activities? Things such as meditation, yoga, and light exercise are one of the most beneficial activities your loved ones can participate in. Just make sure that their recreational services are relaxing and invigorating to help keep your loved ones rejuvenated and entertained.

Question #9

How do they choose their caregivers?

An aged care provider is as good as the professionals they choose. Feel free to ask them how they hire their caregivers and don’t be hesitant to ask them about the qualifications of their professionals. What is their hiring process and how do they choose their caregivers? Do they require certain qualifications before selecting their professionals? Knowing that your loved one is taken care of by experienced individuals is an important aspect of choosing the correct aged care provider.

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Question #10

How will the caregivers build and maintain a relationship with my loved one?

This is perhaps the most important question to ask when choosing a health care provider. The ultimate goal here is to select a candidate that both you and your loved one are comfortable bringing into your lives. Knowing that the provider’s caregivers are personable and friendly with their approach towards your loved ones will be one of the biggest determining factors in building a successful and healthy relationship.

Your chosen aged care provider should be able to answer all of your questions with confidence and transparency. Before settling with your aged care provider, don’t forget to ask these 10 vital questions first to ensure that they’re a good fit.

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