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What Is Memory Care? A Beginner’s Guide for Families Navigating Dementia Care
When someone you love is experiencing cognitive issues, you want to do everything you can to help them feel comfortable and cared for. And you want to make sure they are in the right environment. If you have been asking what is memory care, or what is memory care vs. assisted living, here are some answers and suggestions on how to proceed as you research memory care communities.
What is memory care?
It’s comforting to know there is a lifestyle option that is committed solely to your loved one’s wellbeing. Memory care communities are designed to be safe, comfortable, and enriching environments for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These memory care communities may be stand-alone, or they could be part of a larger senior living community that also offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.
The goal of today’s memory care communities is to provide highly personalized, compassionate care that helps everyone retain their sense of self and experience a positive, nurturing quality of life. Residents benefit from highly personalized care plans which include activities and programs tailored to each individual’s background and preferences. For example, a former homemaker might find comfort in an activity such as helping set a table for a meal or folding clothes. A gentleman who worked with tools all his life would appreciate having simple items or sort or arrange.
The goal is always to give residents the support, attention, and encouragement they need to retain the person they have always been and still are.
Why is it so important for someone with cognitive issues to receive memory care?
A person with dementia will pass through several stages, each with its own challenges and each calling for specific attention. It’s important that this person receives 24-hour care and supervision to ensure their safety, health and wellbeing. A memory care setting is designed to do just that—monitor each person’s health and interact with them continuously to help develop relationships and engage them as much as possible.
For a family or spouse to attempt to do this at home, without professional assistance, the task could be overwhelming. Caregiver burnout is a very real condition and can affect the entire family, especially for a person who is still working, raising a family, or who is also an older adult and physically unable to fully care for the dementia patient.
In addition, a memory care setting offers a host of benefits for the resident that cannot be found at home. Twenty-four-hour care. Specially chosen activities and programs that match each person’s interests and ability level. The company of peers who help provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. An atmosphere of wellness and energy, as well as soothing moments that help reduce anxieties and activities such as wandering. A safe setting designed specifically for those with cognitive decline, featuring details such as soothing colors and lighting, secured access, sensory gardens and courtyards, customized dining areas with staff specially trained in the dietary needs of those with dementia.
As you can see, the answer to “what is memory care” is a complex one that holds important benefits for your loved one.
Memory care vs assisted living or skilled nursing
Assisted living is for those who are able to live on their own but would appreciate an occasional helping hand with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and medication management. Assisted living residents can set their own schedule and participate in community activities as they choose, as well as come and go from the community on their own schedule.
Many residents of assisted living appreciate a small bit of support but have mainly selected the lifestyle because they are ready to give up the worries of home maintenance and appreciate having the benefit of having others around for socializing, as well as the convenience of nutritious dining, fitness activities, entertainment and more. Others may need daily support but are not candidates for memory care communities.
Skilled nursing is an intensive level of medical support, much like what would be delivered in a hospital. These residents require 24-hour care under the supervision of a physician.
There are some senior living communities with offer assisted living with a memory care component. These residents are not yet ready for full memory care but do require some extra attention and stimulation.
Related: How to Tell if It’s Time for Senior Living: Warning Signs and Tips
What to look for in a memory care community
Once you’ve done your homework, understand the differences between assisted living vs. memory care, and have consulted with your family physician, you will want to start a search for the right choice for your loved one. You can search online, but don’t forget to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Talk to clergy or an elder law professional. Then plan to visit memory care communities to see how they strike you.
Here’s just a few things to look for:
- Experienced, caring staff. Note how they interact with residents and with family. Do they seem to be genuinely interested in each individual? Are they enjoying their work?
- Attention to safety and wellbeing. Observe how clean and orderly the Memory Care environment looks. Ask about safety procedures and how residents are monitored.
Related: How Senior Living Communities Ensure Safety and Security.
- Robust activities calendar. Are residents actively engaged and involved in activities? Do they seem to be enjoying themselves? If possible, stop and ask a few family members what they think about the experience their loved one is having.
- Dining adapted for memory care residents. Have adjustments been made to help Memory Care residents have a pleasant dining experience? Ask about the menus and how meals are served. Is there any flexibility for personal preferences?
- Involvement of family. Find out if there are support groups for family, special activities that involve family, and other ways you can be involved with your loved one.
Get memory care advice from the experts
For the best memory care solution in Illinois, Georgia, or Tennessee, trust The Carriages. We look forward to working closely with you and your family to create the right plan for your loved one.
