Finding a high-quality community is essential when caring for your loved ones into their later years. You’ll want to find a safe and experienced community that will be able to provide the care and attention your loved one needs. That’s where memory care comes in.
Let’s explore what you should look for in a memory care home, including what a memory care lifestyle can provide for your loved one.
What Is Memory Care?
Aging can mean several things, and finding the right lifestyle for your loved ones into retirement is vital. Memory care is a lifestyle that helps your loved ones if they have been affected by cognitive challenges.
These cognitive challenges can include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Struggling with memory and other thinking abilities is natural with aging. Your loved one will be surrounded by a dedicated team and community with memory care.
Dementia
Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. Dementia occurs due to the loss of nerve cells and their connections to the brain. While dementia is associated with memory loss, it’s not the sole symptom.
Some common cognitive signs and symptoms of dementia include:
- Difficulty communicating or finding words
- Struggling with visual and spatial abilities
- Having trouble with planning and organizing
- Confusion and disorientation
Some psychological changes associated with dementia include:
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of progressive dementia in older adults.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that affects the brain and causes brain cells to die.
The early signs of Alzheimer’s disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. Unfortunately, this disease gets progressively worse.
Some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Memory loss affecting daily activities
- Trouble with familiar tasks
- Issues with speech and writing
- Decreased personal hygiene
- Mood and personality changes
Alzheimer’s disease spans several years—so memory care is a great option to get assistance for your loved one.
Knowing what memory care focuses on is a great first step—let’s look at what to look for when choosing a memory care home for your loved one.
Finding The Right Community
When searching for a memory care home, the main things to look for are based on your loved ones’ needs. Memory care communities provide your loved one with the support system they need to live a stable and relaxing life and get the care and attention they deserve.
Cognitive challenges can be complicated, so finding a memory care home that takes care of daily tasks while also providing comprehensive amenities is essential.
Memory care is a specialized type of long-term care that offers a comprehensive program for your loved ones depending on their needs. Memory care deals with cognitive challenges like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and, as a result, provides special accommodations and community spaces.
Some amenities and services your loved ones can expect:
- 24/7 onsite personal care staff and nursing staff
- Daily light housekeeping
- Regular health assessments
- Medication management
Because of the complicated nature of cognitive challenges, daily tasks such as meals and personal care are a focus of the memory care lifestyle.
Your loved ones’ memory care home is designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Even though your loved one will receive assistance as needed, the dedicated staff will also respect their independence and dignity.
Finding the right compassionate and dedicated community is vital to providing your loved ones with the quality of life they deserve when transitioning into this new stage of life.
The Next Stage of Life
Older adults can take some time to adjust to a new community and new stage of life. Memory care is a great option to provide your loved ones with a safe and secure community to maintain their quality of life and live comfortably.
Schedule a tour with professionals today to learn more about memory care and if it’s right for your loved ones.
