Families dislike seeing their loved ones needing additional help as they age. Every person would like to see their loved ones live a happy and fulfilling life where they can do as they please, right up until the last moment. Unfortunately, this is not the case for all seniors.
Many seniors struggle with cognitive decline. When this decline is severe, they can no longer live alone safely. Families often find that a memory care community serves as the best option for these individuals. They receive specialized care in a secure setting. What should a family know when deciding if a memory care community is the right option for their loved ones?
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a long-term care option for men and women struggling with cognitive decline. The community provides these individuals with a safe and supportive environment, enabling them to lead the highest quality of life. Trained professionals provide personalized care, giving families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones have every opportunity to thrive.
How Does Memory Care Differ From Other Senior Care Options?
Memory care differs from other senior care options in the level of care provided. Individuals with memory issues often exhibit behavioral challenges that require attention and intervention. These individuals often struggle with communication and frequently arrive at the community with additional issues that staff members must address. They undergo training to ensure they can help the residents thrive while maintaining their dignity and autonomy.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are top priorities in memory care communities. These communities have measures in place to reduce the risk of falls and accidents while preventing residents from wandering. They are designed to facilitate easy navigation for residents, preventing confusion. They are also intended to keep the residents calm.
Why Choose a Memory Care Community?
Families might wonder why they should choose a memory care community rather than keeping their loved ones at home with them. The communities offer numerous benefits. Staff members provide specialized care and stimulating activities to improve cognitive function. Residents have opportunities to engage regularly so they don’t feel isolated and lonely, allowing families to focus on their relationships with the residents rather than prioritizing their care.
The Benefits of Memory Care
The Alzheimer’s Association conducted a study that found memory care residents have 42 percent fewer hospitalizations and 31 percent fewer emergency room (ER) visits. The rate of cognitive decline slows when a person moves to a memory care community, according to the American Medical Association, and most residents participate in daily socialization opportunities. These opportunities may not be possible when they reside with family members, as the loved ones often have jobs and families of their own. They are juggling multiple roles, leaving little time for extra stuff.
When is Memory Care Needed?
Families often wonder when they should move their loved ones to memory care. When seniors become increasingly confused or wander off, they should move to a memory care community for safety reasons. They may find it challenging to complete daily tasks and often have changes in their behavior. Any senior who remains isolated and has limited social interactions should consider transitioning to a senior living community. Those with complex medical needs may also benefit from memory care and skilled nursing services.
Every situation is different. Family members should talk to their loved ones’ medical teams to learn when a move to memory care is the best option. The goal is to find a solution that addresses the seniors’ unique needs and provides them with the highest quality of life. For many, this solution is memory care.
Melody Roth, a seasoned blog writer with a passion for the delectable world of food, specializes in crafting mouth-watering articles on favorites like pizza and burgers. With years of experience under her belt, Melody serves up stories as tantalizing as the dishes she describes, making her an invaluable voice in the culinary blogging realm.