Some senior living communities focus solely on memory care due to the unique challenges these conditions create. These communities are specifically designed to provide care for seniors dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments. Others, like continuing care retirement communities, have a memory care unit set in its own area.
Unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to navigate your options and choose the best memory care for your loved one. Every facility and community is different and all have different pros and cons. You should learn as much as you can about memory care before deciding on a facility. If you are not completely comfortable with understanding what memory care entails, here are a few important things to know:
Improving Quality of Life and Ensuring Safety
Memory care communities are known to provide an improved quality of life for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in a number of different ways. In general, residents in these facilities have a reduced risk of falls and injuries, show improved wellness and overall nutrition, enjoy more independence and take fewer trips to the hospital.
Programs to Handle Behavioral Issues
Most memory care facilities also provide therapeutic programs to improve memory impairment issues, wandering frequency, and other common behavioral issues. In turn, they boost the quality of life of their residents.
Peace Of Mind
Peace of mind is an amazing thing and knowing that your loved one is receiving highly-skilled 24-hour care provides just that. Memory care facilities usually offer frequent outreach opportunities for the families of their residents. These days, memory care is not just for the individual dealing with cognitive impairment, they also serve the needs of that individual’s family.
Activities and Therapy
Your loved one deserves activities and therapies that they will enjoy. Make sure you review the available activities and therapy strategies so that you can make sure they’re a match for your loved one.
Deciding whether memory care is the best option for your loved one can be very difficult. It is a difficult time, but this process is all about making life for your loved one as enjoyable as possible. Here are some of the common questions asked by people in your situation:
What are the signs that indicate the need for memory care?
If the amount of hands-on care required by your loved one starts to really add up, it might be time to for the move. The decision is also an issue of finances in many cases. In-home care is much cheaper than 24/7 memory care.
Also, if a senior who has been living by themselves, receives a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, it’s probably time to transition to a memory care community. Many safety issues arise as a result of cognitive changes, such as managing medications, handling finances or cooking on a hot stove.
How can I make the community I choose is the right fit?
You should always take the time to get a clear idea of the most important factors for your loved one, take a tour, and thoroughly review a memory care facility before making a final decision. If you invest this time and truly keep your loved one’s needs in mind, you will feel confident in your choice.
Here at Seasons Memory Care, we offer a state-of-the-art, customized approach to senior living. Contact us to learn more.