As you know, it’s not easy having a family member with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. While many individuals with these diseases can live on their own in the first stages, the time comes that they will need care you may not provide. When it becomes unmanageable for you and your family at home, putting them in a memory care facility is the best option.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care or Alzheimer’s care offers housing and 24-hour specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care facilities typically provide a safe, protected, and clean environment for residents. Their goals include:
- Improving and maintaining quality of life
- Improving cognition, mood, and behavior
- Reducing confusion
- Increasing daily activities function
When looking for a senior care center, you should look for facilities that cater to the specific needs of residents with memory loss. What differentiates them from the usual elderly living facilities is that they provide 24-hour care with specialized workers and memory-enhancing therapies.
Their services may include:
- 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 often progressive. Its symptoms worsen over time, leaving seniors with this condition unable to live independently. This puts a burden and causes stress to families and caregivers.
1. Assistance with Medications and Mobility
Memory care facilities have experienced and trained staff to help your loved ones with memory impairment manage their medications. They remind them to take their medicines on time because their condition can affect their ability to remember. They also encourage them to exercise and help them when needed.
2. Individualized Care
Aside from taking care of their residents physically and medically, they also focus on helping them find a sense of purpose every day. These days, many memory care facilities take time to get to know their residents personally, such as their strengths, experiences, and life stories. This way, they can develop and implement a personalized care plan to improve each resident’s overall condition.
They also make sure to respect their choices, including dietary preferences, usual hygiene practices, and others, as long as these promote safety and health. While you can find a community in other locations, it’s always best to choose one that’s near you. To narrow down your search, go online and search for “dementia care Thousand Oaks,” if you’re from the area.
3. Specialized Services
Memory care facilities offer unique services specifically designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Their caregivers are experienced and licensed to perform specific services that their residents may require.
4. Independence
One of the advantages of putting your loved ones in a memory care community is maintaining a level of independence. There are numerous activities they can participate in, or they can continue doing their favorite hobbies. At the same time, their caregivers will be there round the clock to provide additional physical and emotional support if they need it.
5. Socialization Opportunities
Seniors living in a memory care facility are motivated to live an enriched lifestyle by actively participating in community activities and events. By focusing on living in the present, they can find and experience the true fulfillment of each moment.
6. Physical Safety and Assistance with Daily Living
One of the major issues in seniors with memory loss is wandering. You can now rest easy, knowing that your loved ones are safe in the facility. The staff will ensure that the community is safe and secured, preventing them from getting lost or meeting accidents.
They can also receive skilled nursing services, such as assistance with certain daily activities that they struggle with, like dressing, preparing meals, cleaning, etc. That’s why you need to check the facility’s services you pick before finally signing a contract.
Choosing the Right Memory Care Facility
When searching for a suitable memory care facility for your loved ones, consider other factors besides the cost. Start your search online. For instance, find “memory care Ventura County” if you live in the area.
Then evaluate the quality of care they provide and know what kind of training their caregivers have. It’s also important to know the staff ratio to residents and the facility’s plan during emergencies, such as hurricanes and fires.
