Moving a parent into memory care is easier when you know the steps in order. This checklist is for families considering Smyrna Village at 1418 Spring St SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. Smyrna Village is a Georgia licensed personal care home specializing in memory care. We also welcome residents who need personal care at different levels of support. The community is family-owned and veteran-owned and has 46 licensed beds across 38 private and shared suites. Step-free, ground-level entrances to both floors. Tours are daily, by appointment, and most families tour before they start any paperwork.
The memory care move-in checklist, step by step
Step 1: Meet the Executive Director
Before move-in, Kayla Turner, Executive Director, does two things.
- Meets the resident and family.
- Reviews medical records to confirm Smyrna Village can meet the person's needs.
Step 2: Check fit
Smyrna Village cannot admit anyone who needs any of the following, or who shows active physical aggression.
- 24-hour skilled nursing
- A ventilator
- IV therapy
- Tube feeding
A visiting registered nurse supports resident care, and this is not a nursing home.
Step 3: Gather the medical items
Move-in requires three items.
- A physician's physical exam report from within 30 days before move-in
- TB screening
- A signed admission agreement
Because the exam must be recent, many families book the physician visit once a move-in date feels close.
Step 4: Finish the paperwork at home
Admission paperwork can be sent ahead, so you can review and complete it at your own pace.
You can start an admissions packet online at https://www.smyrnavillage.com/admissions/start.
Step 5: Fill out the life story and preferences form
Families complete this form as part of admission, and staff use it to shape the care plan.
- Faith is asked about at move-in too, so clergy and faith volunteers can visit if your person would like that.
- The more you share about a career, a favorite song, or a morning routine, the easier it is for activities to match who your person has always been.
Step 6: Plan what to bring
Keep valuables and cash at home, because the community does not hold resident valuables or cash.
- Label clothing and belongings.
- Laundry is done in-house, washed separately for each resident, and returned the same or next day.
- At move-in, staff complete a personal belongings inventory with you and update it as items come and go.
Step 7: Know what happens after the first day
A written care plan is started at move-in and completed within 14 days.
- It is reviewed every 90 days and after any change such as a fall, a hospital stay, or a change in behavior.
- Families are part of those reviews.
- Updates come at least monthly.
- A call comes right away for a fall, illness, hospitalization, or change in condition.
- Families may visit at any time and sign in and out.
Not sure about a full move?
If you are not sure about a full move, read about respite care in Smyrna, GA, a short stay that uses the same admission criteria. Families comparing options can start with memory care in Smyrna, GA or assisted living in Smyrna, GA. If a current community is not working, see switching memory care in Smyrna. Call (404) 490-3719 or contact Smyrna Village with your questions. The phone is also answered after hours by community leadership.