What is Memory Care?
Our daily life essentials evolve as we grow older. These demands range from personal needs like feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene, to special needs, such as healthcare and memory care.
In any case, there is an obvious need to ensure that these demands are met, as they are crucial to the everyday lives of our loved ones.
Indeed, we can make provisions for the ever-changing needs of our older ones at home. However, there might be moments when keeping up with the specifics of our loved ones’ expectations becomes a little more complicated. At this point, we may want to start considering senior living and its different options for them.
For instance, upon noticing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in our loved ones, opting for memory care might be a better choice than just leaving them to stay at home.
At Seasons Retirement, there is adequate provision for residents living with memory impairment. You can learn more about memory care for older adults on https://www.seasonsretirement.com/blog/memory-care-the-seasons-way-learning-to-embrace-today/.
In this piece, we’ll be discussing memory care and what the senior living option entails.
Memory care
Memory care, sometimes referred to as Alzheimer’s care, is a unique kind of care given to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This care service offers secure housing environments and 24-hour specialized care to older adults dealing with memory loss.
In memory care homes, various programs, activities, and plans are set up to help residents get by in their everyday lives. These activities and programs help residents to sharpen their cognitive skills while ensuring that they continue to enjoy their lives to the fullest.
At Seasons Retirement, there is a range of senior living options. These living choices include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and so on. As established previously, memory care is the living option focused on delivering specialized Alzheimer’s care services to residents.
Signs that your parent needs memory care
At the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, you may be able to cope with the needs of your loved one. However, caring for them might become burdensome with time. At this point, you may want to consider moving your older one to a memory care community.
That said, it takes the cognizance of symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to know when your loved one needs memory care. Below are clear pointers that your loved one is dealing with memory impairment.
Behavioral changes
When you notice drastic changes in your loved one’s behavior, you may want to start looking out for their memory care needs. For instance, your loved one, who was once mindful of their appearance, may suddenly lose interest in caring about their hygiene.
Disorientation
Memory loss can cause disorientation and confusion, which in turn may bring physical harm to your loved one. So, when you notice that your older one habitually puts themselves in harm’s way, you should consider memory care.
The decline in physical well-being
If your loved one is dealing with mental health issues, you will surely notice its impact on their physical health. For instance, some older adults forget to use their medication or take more than the prescribed dose. Undoubtedly, there will be a negative effect on your loved one’s physical well-being in this case.
Incontinence
When continence becomes an issue for your loved one, you should consider moving them to a memory care home. Staff in these care-focused living communities are trained to handle incontinence in residents.
Benefits of memory care
Now that we know when to seek memory care service, it is essential to point out the benefits that your loved one will enjoy from this program. Below are some of the advantages of memory care.
Independence
Indeed, your older one will receive assistance to get by in their daily lives at a memory care residence. However, your loved ones won’t be completely stripped of their independence, as they would still be allowed to participate in their favorite activities and hobbies.
Specialized care
The essence of memory care is to provide specialized care to older persons living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia forms. The provided services are tailored to suit your loved one’s needs at memory care communities.
Active lifestyle
Memory care residents are encouraged to become active in their daily lives. Given that these communities usually have a busy social calendar, your loved one will always have something to look forward to.
Safety
Memory care communities provide a safe and secure environment for their residents. So, you won’t have to worry about your loved ones wandering off or putting themselves in harm’s way.
Medical assistance
As inferred earlier, older adults with memory loss often forget to use their medication. At times, they may even take an overdose. Becoming a member of a memory care community will address this issue, as the community service team members will always be on hand to render medical assistance to residents.
Custodial care
Most memory care communities provide essential services that help some residents get by in their daily lives. A few of these care services include bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Final Words
This article offers in-depth knowledge of memory care and what it entails. If your loved one is experiencing a decline in their mental health, and you are wondering why and when they should make a move to memory care, this piece should help you find your answers.
