Having a family member with Alzheimer’s or other kinds of dementia can be tough. While many people with these health problems can live independently throughout the first stages, there may come a time that your loved one needs more care than what you can give. When it gets too hard for you and your family at home, you might need to start looking for a memory care facility.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care or Alzheimer’s care provides housing and 24-hour specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. A memory care facility usually offers a safe, protected, and clean environment for residents. Their goals include:
- Improve and maintain quality of life
- Improve cognition, mood, and behavior
- Reduce confusion
- Increase daily activities function
A memory care community should cater to the particular needs of seniors with memory loss. They are distinct from other senior living facilities because they render round-the-clock care with experienced staff and memory-enhancing therapies.
Their services may be some or all of the following:
- Activities to enhance memory
- 24-hour care and supervision
- Management of medications
- Provides nutritious meals
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Assist with toileting and other incontinence care
- Mobility assistance
- Complimentary transportation
- Help with personal care
Benefits of Memory Care Facilities to Seniors with Memory Loss
Dementia is progressive. Its symptoms worsen gradually, leaving elders with this condition unable to live on their own. This can cause problems and trigger stress in families and caregivers.
1. Support with Medications and Mobility
Memory care facilities are staffed with experienced and trained staff to help your loved ones with memory impairment with their medication management. They remind them to take their medicines on time since their condition can affect their ability to remember. They also encourage them to exercise while assisting them when needed.
2. Individualized Care
Numerous memory care facilities take time to get to know their residents personally, including their strengths, experiences, and life stories. Besides taking care of them physically and medically, they also focus on helping them find a sense of purpose in each new day. They make sure to respect their choices, including dietary preferences, usual hygiene practices, and others, as long as these promote safety and health.
3. Specialized Services
Memory care facilities offer unique services, which are specifically designed for the elderly living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. They also have expert and licensed staff to address their condition.
4. Independence
Living in a memory care facility helps your loved ones maintain a level of self-reliance. They can get involved in their preferred pastimes and activities, while the staff will assist them round the clock to provide extra physical and emotional help when needed.
5. Socialization Opportunities
Homeowners in senior living communities are encouraged to live an enriched lifestyle by participating in activities and events in the facility. By focusing on actively living in the present, they can find and experience the true fulfillment of each moment.
6. Physical Safety and Assistance with Daily Living
Families of individuals with memory loss can stop worrying, knowing that their loved ones are safe in the facility. Among the major concerns in seniors with memory loss is wandering. The facility will ensure that the neighborhood is safe and protected, preventing them from getting lost or meeting accidents.
In addition, they can get assisted living services, such as help with specific daily activities that they struggle with, including dressing, preparing meals, cleaning, etc.
Choosing the Right Memory Care Facility
When searching for the right senior home care facility for your loved ones, there are many factors to consider apart from the cost. Examine the quality care they can provide, including knowing what kind of training their caregivers have. It’s also important to know the ratio of residents to staff and the facility’s plan for emergencies, like hurricanes and fires.