Did you know by 2060, the number of people with Alzheimer’s could double to 13.9 million Americans? If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, consider looking into memory care.

Are you asking yourself the question, “What is memory care?” Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over memory care and what makes it different.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a form of long-term care. This long-term care’s created to meet the needs of people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

It’s a similar set up to an assisted living facility, but employees get specific training. This training will teach them how to deal with issues that arise from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Workers check in with residents more often to offer extra support and structure. With assisted living, residents tend to manage their own time. Staff won’t check on them as much, but with memory care, they do.

Staff will make sure that the residents get their meals, go to activities, and head to social outings.

Is Your Relative Ready for Memory Care?

Most people with Alzheimer’s can live at home during the beginning stages of the disease. This is a lot easier if a paid caregiver or family member helps support them at home.

At some point, you will need to determine if it’s time for them to move.
Is your loved one starting to become unsafe in their home?

Is their health or the caregiver’s health at risk? If their care starts to become too much for you or the caregiver, you’ll want to look at the next steps.

A Structured and Safe Environment

The structure with a memory care unit will benefit your loved one.
The activities get designed to engage residents and improve cognitive function.

People with dementia or Alzheimer’s tend to wander. Memory care facilities will have elevators that need a code. The doors will have alarms connected to them.

There are even outdoor spaces that get enclosed, to help keep residents on the premises.

Some residents will even wear tracking bracelets. This way, they can have their freedom, but staff can track where they go.

What Memory Care Facility Should You Choose?

Start by searching on an online directory. You can enter your zip code and select the type of home. Visit the residential homes before you decide on one.

A quality memory care community will offer outreach and education for families. Research the care homes and narrow down your choices. Before choosing, think about your relative or loved one’s needs.

Think about the residential home’s policies, treatments available, features, and on-site staffing. Do you have a positive impression of the site?

Life Enrichment Programs

There are activities for those who struggle with memory problems. A worker will develop a care plan. Some folks can enjoy activities like music or art therapy.

Physical activity will help residents have better sleep later that night. If residents like gardening or bird watching, they can go to a secure outdoor area.

Specific Dining Times

Adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia will struggle to eat on their own. A busy or loud environment will make it difficult for people to focus on food.

If they’re losing their hand-eye coordination, it makes using kitchen utensils hard. Vision problems will make it hard for people to distinguish what’s on their plate.

A dining program help residents work around these challenges. They will have greater support during meals and get decent nutrition.

Memory Care Can Improve People’s Quality of Life

Alongside leisure programs, therapy programs will address wandering, memory impairment, and other behaviors. Senior living providers have begun to offer advanced memory care programming.

Memory care workers say that their patients have a higher quality of life. They see reductions in medication side effects, fewer falls, and injuries.

Patients have improved wellness and nutrition. Some residents even have more positive social interactions and independence.

These programs will address different stages of the diseases. Programs can get personalized for each person.

Memory Care Gives Families a Peace of Mind

When you know your relative is in a 24-hour facility with trained professionals, you can relax. This will relieve the caregiving burden that many families experience.

Some communities offer educational resources to families. These resources help families learn more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Family members can still stay involved in their loved one’s transition. Staff members communicate with family members about their loved one’s care plan.

You can relax knowing that the employees want your loved one to have the best quality of life. Your loved one will get personalized help, but also have opportunities to do things on their own.

Your Loved Ones Won’t Become Isolated With Memory Care

People who have memory care get placed in a separate unit. Sometimes there’s a dedicated wing for this kind of care.

Residents won’t become isolated and will enjoy social activities and therapeutic programming.

Keep learning and read about the different levels of senior care. This will help you decide what facility is right for your loved one.

Contact Us Today

We hope you found this guide on memory care helpful. Now that you know the answer to “What is memory care?” take your time researching. This way, you’ll find the right home for your loved one.

If you want to look into a memory care facility, contact us today, and book a tour.