Many families find it challenging to care for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, they worry the senior will wander off and get hurt. They may leave the stove on and cause a fire, or numerous other things could go wrong. A memory care facility might be the best solution in this situation.
What is a Memory Care Facility?
Memory care facilities are designed specifically for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia. They provide these individuals with a safe environment where they can thrive. They will have a routine to follow to minimize stress and anxiety, and their quality of life will improve.
The senior’s dementia will progress over time. Researchers have found ways to slow the disease, but they can’t stop it completely or reverse it. Seniors can be cared for at home initially, but the time will come when they need specialized care. The memory care facility can provide this care. Families would prefer to keep their loved ones at home, but find that the facility offers them the highest quality of life.
Who Benefits From Memory Care?
Seniors with dementia tend to wander, which puts them in harm’s way. When someone with this condition begins wandering, it’s time to transition them to a memory care facility. The facility has safety measures in place to prevent this wandering. Family members don’t need to monitor their loved ones around the clock. They can work on maintaining the natural relationship between a parent and child or between spouses.
If the senior often becomes anxious and agitated, family members may struggle to calm them down. Staff members in the memory care community undergo specialized training to address these issues and help the seniors relax. The structured environment of the community and regular activities keep the residents engaged and allow them to feel valued as the disease progresses.
Memory Care Services
Memory care facilities provide residents with living quarters, three meals each day, and help with activities of daily living. Staff members manage medications for the residents, and residents may have access to physical therapists and other medical professionals on-site. They can remain in familiar surroundings while receiving the care they need.
Furthermore, staff members plan activities to keep residents active and engaged. They may help care for the gardens around the facility or do arts and crafts to keep them occupied. Music is known to soothe the soul, so residents may sing or play instruments, and staff members encourage them to exercise for better physical health. Families may also visit anytime or take their loved ones out for the day.
Residents engage in these activities within the confines of the facility’s grounds to ensure they remain safe. Outdoor areas are enclosed for their protection, and residents may be provided with tracking bracelets so they can explore the grounds. If they get lost, the tracking bracelet ensures staff members can easily find them and direct them back to their residences. The doors are either locked or have alarms so staff members know when people enter and exit.
No family wants to put their loved one in a memory care facility. They would prefer to keep them at home where they can ensure they are safe and well-cared for. However, dementia is a disease that comes with many challenges. Families often struggle to provide the level of care these seniors need. A memory care facility is there to keep the seniors safe while supporting loved ones so they can enjoy the time they have together and make the most of every minute.
