Why Consider Memory Care for a Loved One with Dementia?

Why Consider Memory Care for a Loved One with Dementia?

It’s never easy to see a loved one suffer from dementia. Once they are diagnosed with this disease, you must create a care plan that will meet their needs. Memory care programs are often recommended, and if you’re unfamiliar with this type of care, this article will explain how it benefits those with dementia, and how it differs from an assisted living community.

As a first step, it is helpful to understand what memory care is, and the difference between assisted living with memory care, and assisted living without memory care. A memory care unit is designed specifically for adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and may be housed inside an assisted living community or long-term care home. That being said, there are some homes that are fully memory care as well. In general, memory care is a type of assisted living or long-term care where the team members provide support with personal care and activities in a manner that supports people with memory loss. Assistance with activities like bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting are done in a specific manner designed to support those with memory loss. The focus is always on safety and quality of life.

Memory care allows seniors to feel both empowered and successful in a secure environment that provides life enrichment programs. Added benefits to this type of program include:

Dedicated Caregivers

The staff in memory care programs are specially trained caregivers who undergo additional training to learn how best to communicate with adults who have dementia. They have the skills and knowledge to support adults with dementia and are taught to detect problems early on. For example, they know how to manage common behavioural issues like aggression when a need is not being addressed.

Daily Enrichment Activities

These unique activities are designed to help residents with dementia feel productive and empowered. Art classes, music therapy, baking, and exercise are all examples of memory care activities that may be done in secure and comfortable environments. Secure outdoor areas may also be available to allow residents a chance to connect with nature, exercise outside, bird watch, and garden, if they are so inclined.

Dining Services

It is often hard for those with dementia to maintain a healthy diet. Loss of hand-eye coordination can make it especially hard to eat healthily or use kitchen utensils. Memory care programs provide dining services dedicated to working around such challenges. These services promote good nutrition and help adults with dementia focus on the importance of eating.

It can be hard to consider memory care for a loved one, but at SeniorCareAccess, our consultants can assist with any questions or concerns and help you locate a residence that best meets your loved one’s needs. They can contact homes, arrange tours, and assist with the logistics of relocation, all while offering support to the senior and their families. Visit www.seniorcareaccess.com/consulting to find out more about our services.
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