Memory care communities offer a higher staff-to-resident ratio and specialized services for dementia patients. They can be a cost-effective option for seniors and their families.
Discussing the possibility of memory care with your loved one in advance is essential so they can prepare for this change. A move to memory care can be a big adjustment for anyone, especially seniors with dementia.
Personalized Care
Prioritizing personalized care benefits those who receive memory care in a facility. Unlike family caregivers who may be focused on the mechanics of keeping their loved ones safe and comfortable, memory care communities offer specialized programs that keep their residents active. For example, an older woman who struggles with memory loss may benefit from a WEBSITE specially created for programs that involve crafting.
In addition, a high staff-to-resident ratio allows the memory care team to spend time assessing their resident’s needs and developing a customized senior home care plan. These plans can be reviewed and adjusted as your loved one’s needs change. This allows the community to provide seniors with a higher level of care and enables them to live a fuller life. This can also reduce stress and anxiety for the entire family.
Enhanced Social Interaction
Memory care communities provide structure, round-the-clock supervision, and homelike amenities that make loved ones feel supported and safe. In addition, specialized activities and socialization provide meaningful connections to others in a supportive environment.
Dedicated staff members get to know your loved one well and can anticipate their needs. For example, a memory care community can recognize that they need more light or stimulation during the day. They can also help with daily tasks, such as taking medications or attending appointments.
A memory care community’s safety features include secured entrances and multiple daily check-ins. Plus, they can provide access to specialized medical services and professionals through professional affiliations, such as podiatry or dentistry. This can significantly benefit family caregivers struggling to care for their loved ones independently.
Enhanced Safety
For seniors with dementia, safety is a concern. Having round-the-clock staff on hand helps prevent injuries and accidents. Memory care communities typically feature fall prevention features like wider hallways and walk-in showers, accessible door handles and light switches, and emergency and evacuation plans.
They also provide services that help your loved one complete daily tasks such as bathing and eating. This reduces stress and improves self-esteem and comfort levels.
If you’re looking for senior care options, it’s essential to tour facilities and get a feel for the environment. It’s also wise to ask about cost and financing. Medicare, long-term care insurance (if available), retirement benefits, and personal savings are a few ways to pay for memory care. In addition, many communities accept VA benefits and home equity conversion mortgages.
Enhanced Diet & Wellness
The structured environments of memory care help seniors maintain their health and vitality. They can enjoy a nutritious diet that a dietitian plans and they are encouraged to socialize with others.
Many senior citizens receive memory care in a residential memory care community, where they live with other residents and receive individualized attention from nurses and licensed therapists. They often receive custodial care to help them with activities of daily living, like dressing, eating, and getting out of bed.
Family Regain Their Roles
Caregiving can be physically and emotionally challenging for loved ones and family members. High levels of difficulty are widespread for families caring for individuals with intensive care needs like dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Memory care communities are designed to help families regain their roles as caregivers by providing onsite medical services to ensure their loved one is receiving all required prescriptions and regular checkups. They also offer respite care so formal and informal caregivers can take a well-deserved break.