The Essential Advantages of a Memory Care Community for Seniors
As the Baby Boomer generation ages into retirement, there is one glaring health problem that affects a whopping 55 million people globally: dementia.
Although it may start as forgetfulness, dementia is a progressive disease that will get worse over time. One of the most common forms of dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, is particularly aggressive and fast-acting.
When your aging loved one requires a new level of care, you may have to think about memory care services. Read on to learn about some of the key advantages of a memory care community, and how it can benefit the whole family.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a colloquial term for assisted living communities that specialize in caring for residents with dementia.
Memory care facilities often have specially-trained staff who receive hands-on experience with dementia patients at all stages of the disease.
Some assisted living communities have memory care services, but not all. It's important to specify that you need care for dementia when looking at options for your loved one.
A Secure Environment
Even if your elderly loved one wants to age in place, that may not be possible as their dementia progresses.
One of the hallmark symptoms of advanced dementia is patients wandering away from home and even getting lost. This can be anywhere from slightly inconvenient to life-threatening, especially if they don't know where they are, or extreme weather events occur.
Memory care services offer a safe and secure place for your loved one to enjoy their day-to-day life. However, there is tighter security and much less chance that they will end up somewhere they aren't supposed to be.
You won't have to worry about your loved one accidentally turning on the stove or burning themselves in the shower. There are systems in place to prevent accidents and still allow them to live independently with dementia.
Peace of Mind for Family and Friends
Have you ever stayed up late worrying about your loved one who suffers from dementia? You're not alone. Millions of people go to bed every night wondering if their mother or father will be the same when they wake up in the morning.
If you don't have the time or experience, it can be impossible to care for your loved one with dementia. Many people have other obligations such as work or children, so it is difficult to dedicate time to caregiving on top of a busy schedule.
When you take advantage of our memory care services, you can rest easy knowing your loved one will benefit from full-time care. Alleviating that stress will do wonders for your mental and even physical health.
Dedicated Staff
The cost of in-home care can be daunting, especially if your loved one relies on fixed income such as Social Security. Even if it is the best option for your loved one, this level of care may be out of your budget.
Our senior living options come with attentive staff who are ready to cater to the needs of your loved one. In addition to being trained in memory care services, they can also offer assistance and companionship.
Involvement in the Community
Many seniors suffer from isolation, and this can only exacerbate the symptoms of dementia. Lack of socialization lessens brain function and stimulation, so it is a vicious cycle that can only end badly.
Assisted living is one of the best senior living options because it provides aging citizens with endless opportunities for socialization. They can get involved in clubs and activities, or simply pull up a chair during mealtime to make new friends.
Finding a new cause or hobby that they are passionate about can greatly improve their overall quality of life. They can also make friends who have similar interests.
Maintaining Independence
As your loved one ages, they may struggle with giving up their independence. Even if they need more and more help, they may view it as burdensome to their caregivers. Lack of independence can also lead to feelings of resentment.
In a memory care community, they will be able to maintain some degree of independence. This may need adjustment as their dementia progresses, but they should still be able to do the things they love, as long as they are able.
Doing independent activities can give seniors a sense of pride and ownership. For example, keeping their space clean and welcoming for visitors is a great way to feel like they belong in their new space.
A Personalized Care Plan
Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all plan for dementia. The condition affects everyone differently, so it's important to keep that in mind as you establish a care plan for your loved one.
We can work with you to put together a personalized care plan that factors in elements such as medication and level of care. The best part is that you can adjust this plan at any time to fit the needs of both yourself and your loved one.
Cognitive Stimulation
Memory care communities provide activities that can stimulate the brains of their patients. Cognitive care is especially important for people who suffer from dementia. It can have a huge effect on how long it takes the disease to progress.
Some of the most popular cognitive stimulation activities include:
- Games
- Puzzles
- Word searches
- Music
- Gardening
Your loved one may find a hobby they enjoy that can also benefit their mind and body along the way.
So Many Advantages of a Memory Care Community
If you're searching for memory care for your loved one, it doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With these advantages of a memory care community, you can rest easy knowing they will receive the best care.
Addington Place of Carol provides a safe and secure place for your loved one. Our various amenities make us a top choice for assisted living in Carroll, IA.
Are you ready to take the next step in senior living options for your parent or aging loved one? Get in touch with us today to learn more about our community, or schedule a tour.