Did you know that one in ten Americans over the age of 65 show symptoms of dementia? Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that not only affects victims but their loved ones as well. A key challenge families face is determining the best care options for their loved ones. Memory care provided in a senior living community is a proactive option that families can consider. A senior living memory care community can offer individuals a comfortable space to live, the attention they deserve, and much more.
What is a Senior Living Memory Care Community?
Memory care is a service offered by senior living communities for individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. These specialized programs assist individuals with memory conditions with their daily needs. Additionally, they provide residents with stimulating activities. Memory care communities also encourage interaction and socialization. Residents have access to 24/7 support and their safety is a priority. Compassionate service is at the heart of a memory care program.
Benefits of Memory Care at Senior Living Communities
There are many benefits to memory care programs. Below a few key benefits are briefly highlighted.
Loved Ones with Memory Conditions Receive the Attention They Deserve
Memory care program staff provide the care that individuals with memory conditions need. Not only will they ensure that a resident has taken their medication, bathed, and eaten, but will make sure they feel valued. Residents can expect individualized attention. Furthermore, they will be well entertained in a memory care program. From watching classic television shows to live performances, residents will have thoughtful entertainment. Residents will enjoy 24/7 service and will have access to assistance whenever they need it. The staff will treat residents with respect and compassion.
Loved Ones Are In a Safe Environment and Protected
Individuals with memory conditions often wander and get lost. Understandably, these occurrences can be very scary for families. Moving a loved one into a memory care program can eliminate these fears. All memory care homes have strict safety and security protocols. Depending on the stage of the resident’s memory condition, they will not be allowed to walk outside unless supervised. Residents cannot access other floors of a senior living home without staff help. All residents are monitored throughout the day to ensure that they are not doing anything to harm themselves.
Stimulating Activities Exercise Brain Function
Memory care programs provide residents with engaging activities. These activities are designed to be fun while exercising their brain function. From dance parties to crossword searches, residents are stimulated and entertained. Some memory care programs partner with pet shelters and give residents the opportunity to hold dogs or cats. According to dementia research, pet interaction can increase residents’ moods and emotions. Additional activities include gardening, music therapy, and arts and crafts.
Preparation For Every Stage of a Memory Condition
Memory conditions are progressive in nature. Individuals’ cognitive function decreases over time. Conditions like dementia and Alzheimers eventually steal a person’s sense of identity. As a memory condition progresses, individuals become more confused and sometimes aggressive. Individuals will lose their ability to speak and express themselves. This is not only challenging for the resident but their loved ones.
It can be very difficult for families to see a loved one in such a state of mind. It is often an emotional experience. Memory care staff are not only trained to serve residents for every stage of a condition but to assist their loved ones as well. They can further explain how a resident feels to loved ones. They can speak on behalf of the resident. Memory care programs can also provide meaningful resources to families. Such resources can help families better understand their loved one’s condition.
Consistency Is Imperative
Individuals with memory conditions often thrive on consistency. Routine schedules are not only more comfortable for residents but provide a sense of necessary familiarity. Memory care programs are designed with consistency in mind. Residents can rely on routines and expect them daily. Routines become an anchor as residents navigate the challenges of their condition.
Memory Care Vs. Personal Home Care
Both memory care at senior living homes and personal home care have pros and cons. Personal home care allows an individual with a memory condition to stay in a familiar space. However, it requires the undivided attention of a loved one or professional caretaker. This can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging for loved ones.
With memory care, many caretakers will work together to provide the best experience for a resident. While a memory care home is a new surrounding for residents, they can become comfortable in it over time. Consistency is paramount. Family members or friends can come to visit their loved ones anytime. Memory care programs understand that maintaining relationships is crucial for residents.
Explore Inspired Living Senior Living Today
Inspired Living has assisted living and specialized memory care communities in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. The Inspired Journeys program provides residents with:
- a comfortable environment
- compassionate care while giving families peace of mind.
We believe that continuous relationships are imperative. As a result, we want families to have an active role in the care of their loved ones. This is why our program offers support to residents and their loved ones. Inspired Living Senior Living is dedicated to providing a senior living community that residents and their families can rely on. To learn more about our memory care community, please reach out to a member of our team today.
