Understandably, having dementia or another memory-robbing disease can be isolating and stressful. In many cases, it requires you to make major adjustments in your lifestyle. That’s where memory care such as Bader House of Georgetown Memory Care comes in. Memory care is a type of elder care that focuses on helping individuals with memory loss maintain as much independence as possible in their day-to-day lives. It’s a relatively new branch of the senior care industry, but it has grown rapidly in recent years. With the help of a caregiver, these individuals are able to do things they love, such as eating favorite foods, reading books and going for walks. However, the specifics of this care aren’t always understood by those who aren’t directly involved. So, we have put together this guide to help you understand how memory care works.
What memory care service is not
Although it sounds counterintuitive, the first step to understanding what memory care is is to understand what it is not. Memory care is not nursing home care. Nursing homes provide a higher level of medical care for individuals with a variety of health issues, not just memory loss. Nursing homes also tend to have a much higher staff-to-patient ratio than memory care facilities. This is because the needs of memory care patients are often more complex and require more one-on-one attention. The staff at a memory care facility is specially trained to deal with the challenges posed by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory care facilities also differ from assisted living facilities. Assisted living is a good option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing and eating. While some assisted living facilities do have staff trained to deal with memory loss, they are not designed specifically for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
What services does memory care provide?
When you entrust the care of your loved one to a memory care facility, you can expect them to receive comprehensive care that meets their physical, mental, social and spiritual needs. Memory care facilities are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. To that end, they typically have features such as:
– Secured entry and exit points to prevent wandering
– A home-like atmosphere that is designed to be calming and familiar
– Outdoor areas that are safe and accessible
– Activities and programs that are specifically tailored to the needs of memory care patients
How does memory care work?
Memory care facilities typically follow a structured schedule that helps to provide a sense of routine and predictability for residents. The structure of the day may vary from facility to facility but typically includes activities such as:
– Breakfast
– Group activities
– Exercise
– Lunch
– Individualized activities
– Dinner
– Evening activities
Individualized activities are an important part of memory care. They are designed to help residents maintain their independence and engage in activities they enjoy. These activities may include things like reading, music therapy, art therapy or animal-assisted therapy.
How do I choose a memory care facility?
Choosing a memory care facility for your loved one is a big decision. There are a few things you should keep in mind when you are making your decision, such as:
The type of care your loved one needs-Your loved one’s needs should be the number one priority when choosing a memory care facility. If they have a specific condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, you will want to ensure that the facility is equipped to deal with their needs.
The location of the facility: You will want to choose a memory care facility close enough to you so that you can visit regularly. You should also consider whether the location of the facility is important to your loved one. For example, if they are close to family or friends, they may want to stay in their current location.
The cost of the facility-Memory care can be expensive. Make sure you are aware of the cost of the facility before you make a decision. You should also check to see if the facility is covered by your loved one’s insurance.
The amenities of the facility: When choosing a memory care facility, you should consider the amenities that are important to you and your loved one. Some things you may want to look for include private rooms, an activity room, a dining room and outdoor space.
The staff of the facility: When choosing a memory care facility, you should ensure that the staff is trained and experienced in dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. You should also ask about the staff-to-patient ratio to make sure that your loved ones will receive the individualized attention they need.
All in all, making the decision to move your loved one into a memory care facility is never easy. However, with the right information, you can make sure that you are making the best decision for their needs.