Is that something her doctor will access or does the facility do that?
My mom was diagnosed with dementia and is living independently now but probably will need more care in the near future. How will I know if she can handle assisted living or if memory care is the right place for her?
You can use that form to apply for any benefits she may be entitled to. What I don't know is if she needs that form completed by the doctor if she is private pay. You can ask the facility admissions about that.
It's difficult to know how fast the dementia will progress. What type does she have? My loved one has Vascular mixed with AD.
When I placed my cousin in regular Assisted Living, that is what she needed at the moment and the doctor's form said so, however, only a couple of months later, she began to wander and also resist care so much that I had to place her in a Secure Memory Care facility. The change was immediate and she has done wonderfully there. She needed that extra time and attention due to her progressing dementia.
One issue they had in regular AL was when she would refuse to get out of bed. They would call me to come and get her up. It was ridiculous. Or if she misplaced her hair brush...they called me. I'd make sure the place can handle someone who has some dementia.
I would encourage you to tour and talk about how the facility can meet her needs. If the fit is not right, you will get many phone calls and things just don't ever seem to settle down. Once the fit is right, there is great relief for the loved one. I would try to find a place that has regular AL in one part and Secure Memory Care in the same campus. That way, it will be an easier transition if you need to move her.
Assess her finances. Start to make visits to ALs and memory care places and soon the decision will become obvious.