While memory issues mostly impact people over 65 years of age, most people say that their doctors never test their memory. While not everyone suffers from dementia, if doctors aren’t looking out for it, it’s hard to know who needs memory care. If you’re wondering “what is memory care”, it’s as simple as care designed to help people with memory issues.
Here are more details to help you understand the difference between assisted living and memory care.
It Provides Comprehensive Care
When you sign your loved ones u for memory care, you might first bristle at the price tag. However, with memory care, you get more comprehensive care than the average assisted living facility.
Assisted living proves some support with personal care, meals, bathing, and managing their health and wellness needs. For a few thousand dollars a month, they get a home that gives them access to everything they need. However, memory care can cost 50% more.
That’s because these centers are built with memory care in mind. Every staffer at one of these facilities will not only be sensitive to the needs of people with dementia but also prevent problems before they occur.
The cost of 24-hour supervised care is always going to be higher, but you’ll have staff equipped with the skills to manage every stage of your loved one’s disease.
Design Matters
When building a place that is meant for people with dementia, it’s important for it to be designed to their specific needs. More than just a place that’s secure, it needs to be a place that takes advantage of design to trigger memories and help the synapses to fire.
The layout, color scheme, and features of design in a facility focused on memory care are perfect for combating dementia.
In an ideal situation, the hallways, doorknobs, and even floors are color-coded. Visual and auditory cues work together to create memories that end up impacting seniors and people dealing with Alzheimer’s.
The staff is laid out and secured to keep seniors safe without making them feel anxious or trapped. These facilities encourage residents to remain independent for as long as possible but are ready to help out when they need it.
Calming Behavioral Issues
One of the lesser-known effects of having memory issues are the number of behavioral issues that can come with them. Whether it’s anger issues, strange habits, or things that they would never have done otherwise, memory care facilities are prepared.
While leisure programs and events can help to distract from negative thought patterns, therapeutic programs are available. Wandering and other common dementia behaviors receive managed treatment at facilities to improve everyone’s quality of life.
Memory care is an evolving field and more advanced techniques are being implemented at all time. One of the best ways to manage behavior is to personalize the care seniors get. Knowing what behaviors they’re prone to and what might trigger them can be a big help.
It Brings Families Together
One of the major goals of memory care is to secure a quality of life for people with memory issues that helps to preserve their memory. Part of this is by offering humanized and personalized care connected to their medical needs. Another is to bring family into the mix to try to keep people with Alzheimer’s connected and in touch with their memories.
Rather than making it feel like a hospital, memory care facilities try to prioritize the fact that they’re a residence. They’ll experience fewer falls and injuries and have more time devoted to socializing and interacting with family.
Knowing that your loved one is getting such personalized care can give everyone peace of mind. Relieving the caregiving burden means that families will spend time together without the stress and frustration surrounding care.
With the help of staff, families also get guidance and tips they might not otherwise have access to. These facilities bring family together to participate in care so that there’s a 360-degree investment in seniors’ memory care.
Memory Care Facilities Implement New Tactics
While assisted living facilities haven’t changed much in the last few decades, memory care facilities are constantly growing and developing. Since we’re learning new things about the brain and how memory works all the time, it’s vital to have forward thought people at memory care facilities.
New changes to the way that safety is performed include adding lightweight bracelets to residents who have issues with wandering. If they’re trying to go out unsupervised at night, security will be notified that there’s a resident near a door so that they can make sure everything is all right. They also implement a rigid schedule to create new routines, which are better for people with Alzheimer’s.
For seniors who lose their appetite or struggle to eat correctly, memory care facilities will design meals to address these problems. They create color contrasts between food and plates to keep it visible and allow more flexibility with meals.
Anything poisonous or potentially toxic will be under lock and key so that no one can accidentally mistake their mopping suds for a food item.
Wondering What is Memory Care Going to do About Your Loved One?
If you’re still wondering what is memory care going to do about your loved ones’ needs, it’s time to talk to a few more professionals. Visiting a memory care facility can make it clear just how useful these residences are.
If you’re wondering whether your loved one is suffering from memory issues, check out our guide for telltale signs.
What is Memory Care
