Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Supports Offered in Memory Care
It’s heartbreaking when an older loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Many families work together to support their afflicted relatives, but looking after someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is a 24-hour job with significant demands and responsibilities.
Making the situation worse is the lack of a cure for this degenerative condition. Dementia has a number of causes, but while the pace of change can be slowed a bit for some people, dementia cannot be cured or reversed
As a Senior Living Advisor and dementia specialist (Mike McClernon, 516-254-9481), I always recommend that when providing care gets too much for families, they should consider placement into Memory Care.
Memory Care is a 24-hour supervised care community usually attached to an Assisted Living community. They have a higher staff-to-patient to provide individualized attention and an increased level of specialized care.
There’s no shame in searching for out-of-home Memory Care for someone who can no longer live independently. The truth is that Memory Care is the safest place for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to get the care they need and have a quality of life that is as high as possible.
Here are some of the specific supports available in Memory Care communities:
Specialized medical care
The nurses, nursing assistants, and staff in Memory Care are specially trained to support people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The level of care provided goes beyond standard health care to provide the necessary level of attention your loved one needs to thrive.
24/7 staff availability
When your loved ones need help facing specific dementia-related challenges such as swallowing, wandering, or anxiety, Memory Care staff is on duty around the clock to provide assistance. Low staff-to-resident ratios ensure timely care is available when needed.
Enhanced security measures
Wandering is a serious concern when people with dementia live at home. In Memory Care, enhanced security measures such as door alarms, motion-sensor lights, and tracking bracelets alert the staff if a resident walks too close to an exit. The staff also performs regular checks to ensure everyone is safe and secure. Entry into the community is secured by a code that allows access only to authorized personnel.
Intuitively-designed suites
Resident units are designed to prevent confusion when the person is navigating the space, even in low-light conditions. The apartments are also outfitted with emergency call systems if the resident needs immediate assistance. Memory Care units don’t usually have kitchens to prevent mishaps.
Delicious, brain-healthy food
Memory Care dining rooms offer diverse menu selections that cater to every dietary need and preference. Many menus prioritize brain-healthy food to help stimulate cognitive function. Some communities also focus on serving finger food to make self-feeding easier and ensure people get the right amount of calories for their individual needs.
Staff leads activities that stimulate different parts of the brain.
Memory Care staff provide cognitive treatments that stimulate the different parts of the brain. These specialized activities are designed so that the resident can be successful at tasks, and also remain engaged and stimulated.
Engaging, specially-designed activities
Entertaining activities customized to the unique needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are at the heart of Memory Care. The staff truly wants each resident to experience joy in the community. Puzzles, word games, and musical activities all play an essential role in helping your loved one thrive.
Support counseling for families
Memory Care also considers a resident’s family as part of the community. The staff understands that a loved one’s transition to Memory Care can also be hard on the person’s family. Many communities offer support groups for families to share stories and discover solutions from people who have been there.
Memory Care emphasizes enabling the resident to live as independently as possible. Many families have told me that this approach, combined with Memory Care activities and interaction, has either slowed the progression of the disease a bit or at least given the resident more day-to-day peace. The results are positive changes and a renewed love of life.
All in all, placement in these wonderful communities adds up to a better quality of life for your loved one and more time for your family to spend enjoying your visits rather than providing care.
Find Assisted Living/Memory Care on Long Island
Memory Care communities are ideal places for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. However, finding the right community for your elderly loved one can be overwhelming with all the options that need consideration.
When you’re looking for the right Memory Care community on Long Island, contact Mike McClernon of Assisted Living Locators. Mike has collaborated with hundreds of families just like yours to help find the most appropriate Memory Care Community for their older relatives. Mike and his team will ensure that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision on where your loved ones will be happy, fulfilled, and safe.
Contact Mike today at 516-254-9481 or mikem@assistedlivinglocators.com to explore Senior Living Community options for the older person in your life. His phone is always on!