FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
Mountain View is a dementia specific program that assists dementia patients who need more care than caregivers are able to manage at home. Personalized care programs are offered to residents that include hygiene, physical activities, healthy diets and social stimulation.
What is a MemoryA memory care home provides 24 hour assistance for residents with dementia Care Home? focused needs, such as Alzheimer’s. MVMC provides a wide range of care tailored to our residents with memory care needs. Care includes: medication management, showering, toileting, transferring, activities, dementia family support and in house options for personal care physicians, pharmacies, physical therapy, home health and more.
Dementia is not a disease. Dementia refers to loss of cognitive abilities. We see that in our residents through behavior and language changes such as short-term memory loss. We also see it through residents’ inability to: initiate or respond to conversations, solve problems, carry out daily tasks, orient themselves to time and place, handle their daily hygiene needs, etc.
Alzheimer’s Disease is just one form of dementia. Other diseases that fall under the “dementia umbrella” include Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration, Down Syndrome, Hutington’s Disease and many others.
The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) has identified the “Ten Warning Signs” that may indicate someone is experiencing the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia.
The “10 Warning Signs” include:
- Memory loss that impacts daily life
- Problem solving challenges
- Inability to complete normal tasks
- Confusing time and place
- Visual image concerns
- Word loss when speaking or writing
- Misplacing items
- Making poor decisions
- Isolation from family and friends
- Personality changes
If you or a loved one have three (3) or more of these symptoms, you should see your primary care doctor (PCP).
- Call your PCP for an appointment.
- Make a list of all of the changes you’re questioning.
- Take a family member with you to your appointment. Have this person take notes.
- Ask to be evaluated and get your questions/concerns answered.
- Request a 6-month follow-up, not one year.
- Request recommendation for a neurologist, if appropriate.
- Review educational information on Alzheimer’s Association website (www.alz.org).
- Talk with your family members/friends and develop a support team for you and the primary caregiver.
- Start attending a support group.
- Contact your lawyer and financial planner.
YES! We know that if there have been multiple people in succeeding generations or multiple family members in the same generation who have had some form of dementia, you may be more at risk.
What can
I do to
protect
myself?
We also know that what we eat, drink and breathe impacts our brains and bodies.
Eat a healthy diet (Mediterranean) and exercise your body and your brain starting today.
What can
I do to
protect
myself?
We also know that what we eat, drink and breathe impacts our brains and bodies.
Eat a healthy diet (Mediterranean) and exercise your body and your brain starting today.
What is the
Mediterranean
Diet?
According to Harvard:
“The Mediterranean diet
is a primarily plant-based
eating plan that includes
daily intake of whole grains,
olive oil, fruits, vegetables,
beans and other legumes,
nuts, herbs, and spices.
Other foods like animal
proteins are eaten in smaller
quantities, with the preferred
animal protein being fish and
seafood,”
www.hsph.harvard.edu
www.hsph.harvard.edu
Are there any
medications
that can cure
Alzheimer’s
Disease?
Currently, there are no medications
to cure the disease, prevent it or reverse it.
There is drug testing in clinical trials, but
nothing is available to the general population.
What changes in
behavior should
I anticipate?
It’s important to understand that every patientis different.
There may be common behaviors that many
Alzheimer’s patients exhibit, but there may also be behaviors that are unique to your loved one.
Some behaviors that may/will impact your loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease are:
Memory Loss,Confusion,Paranoia,Lucidty Wandering,Repetitive Activities and Language Losing Important Belongings,Mismanagement of Finances
Missing Appointments,Rejecting Family & Friends
There may be common behaviors that many
Alzheimer’s patients exhibit, but there may also be behaviors that are unique to your loved one.
Some behaviors that may/will impact your loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease are:
Memory Loss,Confusion,Paranoia,Lucidty Wandering,Repetitive Activities and Language Losing Important Belongings,Mismanagement of Finances
Missing Appointments,Rejecting Family & Friends
Personal Care is paid privately. However, there are multiple avenues to seek assistance including Veterans Benefits, Social Security, Long Term Care Policies, and more. Mountain View’s in house Case Manager assists each resident and their families in the application process for any assistance with payment methods. Mountain View’s rates are all-inclusive, simplifying the monthly budgeting process to make it easier for you to plan for continued care.
A personal care home provides 24-hr assistance with activities of daily living. Mountain View provides a wide range of care which includes medication management, showering, toileting, transferring, activities, and in house options for personal care physicians, pharmacies, physical therapy, home health and more.
It is often the case that residents and/or their family members have an ultimate goal to eventually return home. Personal Care can be temporary, and Mountain View has two payment options when considering a goal to return home. These options include both a Respite stay and a Long-Term Resident stay, so that you can choose the best path to a financially sound and comforting commitment.
Every Personal Care Home is different. At Mountain View, we focus on a progressive Care Program which provides all levels of care ranging from independent assistance to head-to-toe daily care. Our goal is to give each resident continued care in a comfortable and loving environment during their stay with us.
Are there medications
available for other forms of dementia?
Yes there are, depending on the type of dementia.
There are also medications to assist with sleeping, anxiety, appetite issues, etc.
Please be in touch with your doctor if you have medication questions.
What changes in
language should
I anticipate?
It all depends on what part of the brain has
been impacted by the disease.
You might see:
Loss of familiar words
Calling an item or family member by the wrong name
Slow responses
Can’t complete sentences
Can’t initiate conversations
Answers every question with “yes” or “no”
You might see:
Loss of familiar words
Calling an item or family member by the wrong name
Slow responses
Can’t complete sentences
Can’t initiate conversations
Answers every question with “yes” or “no”
What if he/she
refuses
to take
medications?
Patients’ refusing to take their medications is a very common behavior.
There are several things you might try.
If crushable, place in applesauce, ice cream, milk shakes, pudding or other food that patient likes.
You might be able to “bribe” patients by promising them one of their favorite treats if they will take their medications first.
Or negotiate with them to take their meds before watching their favorite TV movie, going out for ice cream/coffee or a ride on a nice day.
There are several things you might try.
If crushable, place in applesauce, ice cream, milk shakes, pudding or other food that patient likes.
You might be able to “bribe” patients by promising them one of their favorite treats if they will take their medications first.
Or negotiate with them to take their meds before watching their favorite TV movie, going out for ice cream/coffee or a ride on a nice day.
My Dad is having too many
“accidents.” .
If Dad is living with you or has home health aides providing care, place him on a bathroom schedule every 2 hours.
Use a heavy-duty protective garment at night.
Use a heavy-duty protective garment at night.
Where can I find more information
that will be helpful?
Yes. Alzheimer’s and dementia support groups provide an
opportunity for family caregivers and their support team to
become more educated, listen to other caregivers who will
understand their individual circumstances and learn more
about the disease.
All conversations are confidential. If you are having a “rough”
day, you are always free to attendand just listen. When you
are ready to share, you will know that.
My Mom is incontinent of urine and feces.
but won’t wear a protective garment.
Slowly begin to remove her underwear and replace it with a protective garment. Eventually only protective garments will be in her dresser, and it will be easier for her to agree to wear it.
Are there any Alzheimer’s Support groups
in the Greensburg area?
Yes. Mountain View Memory Care offers an in-person Alzheimer’s and dementia support each month.
We meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm in the conference room at 711 US Rt. 19, Greensburg.
If you would like more information, please call 724-834-5711 and ask for Stacey.
We meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm in the conference room at 711 US Rt. 19, Greensburg.
If you would like more information, please call 724-834-5711 and ask for Stacey.
Should our family see an elder
law attorney and financial planner?
Yes. It’s extremely important to have your loved ones’ legal and financial matters accurate and updated.
Both of these professionals can assist you in getting the legal and financial matters in order to eliminate future problems and complications.
Both of these professionals can assist you in getting the legal and financial matters in order to eliminate future problems and complications.
What are POAs...
Powers of Attorneys? .
Through your lawyer you can secure POAs so you can assist
your loved one when he/she is no longer able to make appropriate health and financial decisions.
POAs are only valid while the person is living and cease to exist upon death.
They are two separate documents:
POA for finance and legal issues and
POA for Healthcare.
POAs are only valid while the person is living and cease to exist upon death.
They are two separate documents:
POA for finance and legal issues and
POA for Healthcare.
Is it necessary to have an elder law attorney or can I use my family attorney?
Elder law attorneys deal
with legal circumstances
generally related to elders.
However, if your family has been dealing with an attorney over a long period of time, he/she might be the best solution for your family.
However, if your family has been dealing with an attorney over a long period of time, he/she might be the best solution for your family.
How
do
I pay?
Memory care is paid privately.
However, there are multiple avenues to seek assistance including Veterans Benefits, Social Security, Long Term Care Policies, and more.
Mountain View guides each resident andtheir families in the application process for any assistance with payment methods.
Mountain View’s rates are all- inclusive, simplifying the monthly budgeting process to make it easier for you to plan for continued care.
However, there are multiple avenues to seek assistance including Veterans Benefits, Social Security, Long Term Care Policies, and more.
Mountain View guides each resident andtheir families in the application process for any assistance with payment methods.
Mountain View’s rates are all- inclusive, simplifying the monthly budgeting process to make it easier for you to plan for continued care.
How is
memory
care
different?
Residents with memory impairment needs often require a focused and educated type of care.
MVMC uses techniques proven effective to raise the quality of life in our residents with memory care needs.
We provide cognitive support, Memory Impairment Talks hosted by our house physician, activities designed specifically for or residents, a state of the art security system to keep resident’s safe, and more.
All of our practices have been created with memory care needs in mind.
MVMC uses techniques proven effective to raise the quality of life in our residents with memory care needs.
We provide cognitive support, Memory Impairment Talks hosted by our house physician, activities designed specifically for or residents, a state of the art security system to keep resident’s safe, and more.
All of our practices have been created with memory care needs in mind.