If your elderly family member is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, a chronic memory disorder, it may be the right time to consider memory care services. Go through this guide to better understand memory care.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a residential living service for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive conditions. It includes 24/7 supervision by professional, well-trained staff who help residents with daily activities and support their social interaction. Memory care for dementia and other age-related cognitive disorders is difficult for working families to manage because they cannot stay with their loved one throughout the day. In this case, professional memory care services reduce the burden and provide reliable support.
What Are Memory Care Facilities?
These facilities are places where individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s receive daily care and support. These facilities are designed to meet residents’ needs and support their challenges, so they feel comfortable and valued even when living apart from their families.
- These facilities provide appropriate care for individuals with dementia, including nutritious meals and social activities.
- The layouts of memory care communities are designed with bright colors and greenery.
- Usually, these facilities have circular hallways and color-coded walls for easy navigation.
- The facilities have memory boxes outside rooms to help residents find their way.
- Residents take part in art, therapies, and music, which are calming and support memory.
How Memory Care Works
Memory care focuses on providing care and comfort to people with dementia and related disorders. They support residents in daily tasks such as eating on time, taking medications, bathing, grooming, and building social connections while living in the facility.
The trained staff ensures a safe, secure environment where residents feel accepted and are encouraged to take part in activities that support their cognitive health. Here is how memory care services work in practice. memory care for dementia
- Memory living services provide long-term, 24/7 supervision and assist with daily tasks like bathing, personal hygiene, and medication.
- Caregivers are trained in memory-related disorders, manage behavioral changes, and provide emotional support.
- Memory care offers a calming environment that is perfect for people with cognitive impairment.
- Memory care provides an engaging environment that stimulates memory through various therapies and activities.
- Families of residents are also kept updated on their loved ones’ health status.
Benefits of Memory Care for Seniors With Dementia
Memory care communities provide a convenient way to care for people with dementia, supported by trained professionals who assist them 24/7. Residential memory care services offer many other benefits, including the following.
Organized Daily Routines
Memory care for dementia offers a structured routine for individuals. Care teams plan daily schedules for residents, from waking up to bedtime. This helps reduce anxiety and gives residents a sense of stability. This also helps reduce behaviors such as restlessness, frustration, and anger. When they know what their day looks like, they often feel more relaxed and settled.
Specialized Care With Professionals
Caregivers in memory care are given proper training for handling people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. They also have the proper certifications to work in such sensitive environments. These professionals communicate with residents and manage sudden behavioral changes or memory loss episodes with care. When residents receive consistent support, their behavior often improves, and they respond better to care.
Enhanced Social Interaction
People with cognitive disabilities often isolate themselves from the community, which can worsen their mental and emotional health. Memory care services provide an environment where residents can interact with others in the community and better understand their pain. This social interaction helps support their emotional and mental health. Residents build friendships and emotional connections, which help them feel accepted, supported, and emotionally secure.
Nutritious Diet and Healthy Lifestyle
Proper nutrition is non-negotiable, irrespective of any medical condition. It holds the same importance for dementia and Alzheimer’s. In memory care, residents get support with their daily diet and lifestyle. They are given balanced meals three times a day, which supports their overall health. They are encouraged to self-feed by using specialized utensils. Memory care services monitor hydration and nutrition to help prevent illness and deficiencies.
Access to Various Therapies
Memory care offers various therapies to stimulate residents’ cognitive functions. For instance, this includes physical therapy for better mobility, speech therapy, and light therapy. Caregivers in memory care ensure that residents stay physically active, emotionally regulated, and sleep well. To this end, they also promote engaging activities to improve their living skills and build their confidence.
When Is the Right Time to Choose Memory Care?
Memory loss tends to occur later in life and may require professional support when it cannot be managed at home. A slight memory decline is expected after a certain age; however, frequent memory loss in short periods needs attention. Many older individuals face long-term memory loss, which indicates that they may need memory care services. Here are the signs that someone needs professional memory care support.
Frequently Forgetting
When your loved one frequently forgets basic things such as car keys, medicines, names, faces, and dates, it may be time to seek professional help. These are the primary signs of dementia, which, if addressed earlier, can reduce intense symptoms.
Poor Physical Health
Mental issues are often related to poor physical health, such as poor personal hygiene, and the inability to take medicines on time or work according to a routine. If your elderly family member is not doing well or showing unusual behavior, it may be time to consider professional support.
Social Withdrawal
When people forget things, and they slowly understand their condition, it leads to depression, which often reflects in the form of social isolation. Hence, if someone in your family has dementia, and they have isolated themselves and don’t interact too much, you need to consult a memory care facility.
Caregiver Stress
Sometimes, families become exhausted caring for their loved ones and need assistance. In this case, nobody should hesitate to contact a memory care service facility where their family member can live peacefully and without social judgments. It can be a supportive option for both caregivers and the patient.
Safety Concerns
People living with dementia or Alzheimer’s may show behaviors such as sudden anger or agitation, which can affect other family members. Caregivers in memory care provide 24/7 supervision and ensure that residents live peacefully and that their agitation is managed.
Also Read:- Memory Care vs Assisted Living: Which Is Best for Dementia Patients?
Memory Care Services at Hart Heritage Estate
If you’re searching for reliable memory care facilities in Bel Air or Forest Hill, MD, Hart Heritage Estate is here to support your family. At Hart Heritage Estate, we care deeply about your loved one living with serious memory disorders. Our team of caregivers is well-trained and holds certifications in dementia care. Our facility has a specialized layout for our residents, with a circular hallway for easy navigation.
We provide nutritious meals three times a day, and assist residents with daily activities, from grooming to other household chores. Moreover, our caregivers understand the importance of social interaction and cognitive stimulation. This is why they encourage residents to take part in activities that include physical movement and verbal communication.
Our trained caregivers also provide therapies that help residents express their emotions, feel safe, and build self-acceptance. And the most important part is that they can be in touch with their family members from time to time to keep them updated. Their families can also visit the facility whenever they want to see how their loved ones are doing.
If you are searching for trusted memory care services, we are here to support your family. We will ensure that your family member is safe, secure, and enjoying life while suffering from any memory disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between memory care and assisted living?
Memory care provides professional, structured care for seniors 24/7, while assisted living offers independent living with help with daily tasks. Memory care focuses on safety and cognitive support, while assisted living focuses on daily living support for seniors without serious cognitive conditions.
How long do seniors usually stay in memory care?
The length of stay in memory care varies based on the person’s condition, health needs, and family decisions. Some may stay for months, while others may stay for several years.
What red flags should you watch for when evaluating memory care facilities?
There are a few red flags to watch for when evaluating memory care facilities, such as poor cleanliness, a lack of certified caregivers, disrespectful staff, or anything that your instinct flags.
