Those caring for loved ones who are living with Alzheimer’s disease may one day find themselves searching for options if their care needs begin to exceed what they are able to provide at home.
While memory care communities can often be the right solution for those living with dementia, what may often be overlooked are the benefits that the family receives as well.
The value of memory care to families
There are many advantages for your loved one but take a moment to consider how these memory care features also support your family:
- Reassurance that your loved one is receiving compassionate care
Choosing memory care is not always an easy decision but many families struggle to provide the increasing levels of care. There are often conflicting emotions if you want your loved one to remain at home but are anxious that you’re no longer able to extend the level of attention needed.
Value of memory care for families: Knowing your loved one is receiving the highly specialized attention and compassionate care they need and deserve relieves a great deal of stress and continual worry for the family.
- Relief that your loved one is living in a community designed for safety
One reason families choose memory care is because they’re no longer able to keep their loved one secure. Your home may not be designed with safety in mind for someone living with memory impairment. Those with Alzheimer’s disease may also begin wandering – and not be able to find their way back home or reach out for help.
Value of memory care for families: Communities are specifically designed to keep residents secure without restricting their movements or causing them distress – allowing families to rest assured that their loved ones are safe.
- Appreciation of the professional activities, programs and training
Most family members aren’t trained to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It can be increasingly frustrating to not understand what is needed or how to respond. Families also may not have access to special programs or activities that could improve their loved one’s quality of life.
Value of memory care for families: Specialized training for the staff provides education in appropriately responding to different behaviors as the disease progresses. It is comforting to the family to know their loved one is being supported to feel connected and engaged.
- 24-hour care allows families to take care of other responsibilities
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease which results in care needs increasing as well. Eventually, your loved one will most likely require attention around the clock. Caregivers who try to provide this level of supervision while taking care of other responsibilities can become exhausted, burned out, and suffer from a decline in their own health.
Value of memory care for families: Knowing that your loved one is being cared for 24/7 allows you to go back to work, care for your children or other family members and be able to focus on your own health.
- Reclaiming the role of loved one and companion
When you’re caring for a family member living with Alzheimer’s disease, your role of spouse, son or daughter is often quickly replaced with that of primary caregiver. The needs of someone living with dementia will increase as the disease progresses, requiring you to fill that role almost continually.
Value of memory care for families: A memory care community’s primary responsibility is to care for your loved one, allowing you to return to your previous role with the person. Reestablishing your relationship can be a great benefit for you both.
Memory care advantages for those living with dementia
The following are only a few of the benefits your loved one will receive in a memory care community but they all contribute to quality of life:
- Freedom and safety of movement
Memory care communities are designed to promote freedom of movement safely. For example, your loved one will be able to go outdoors to an enclosed courtyard and back inside again at their preference.
Hallways are often color-coded and common areas are differentiated in order to minimize confusion and frustration for residents trying to find the right location.
- Activities and programs to match their preferences
Communities provide several activities to help with memory enhancement and to engage with others. Several choices are available to pique a resident’s past or present interest that can also improve quality of life, such as cooking, working in a garden, painting and therapy programs that may include pet, music, art or aromatherapy.
- 24/7 care by specially trained professionals
Your loved one will have access to around-the-clock attention. Communities that provide care centered around the individual can personalize their interactions by getting to know their residents’ likes, dislikes and past and present preferences.
Special training also allows caregivers to respond best to a resident’s behavior and to better understand what they need if they’re unable to communicate verbally.
- Ability to socialize with others
Avoiding social isolation is critical as it can be detrimental to health. Your loved one will find opportunities to socialize with others, whether it’s through planned activities, dining or in the common areas.
Interactions with staff are also important as well as visits from family and friends in order to remain engaged and feel connected.
- Finding a home in a community designed to meet their needs
The residences, common areas, activities and amenities are all designed to help residents know that they are home and that someone is there to help whenever needed.
They can order favorite foods served in a way to promote independence. They’ll also have assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Even more importantly – they’ll find companionship with their caregivers and other residents.
Ingleside Memory Support Assisted Living
If your family is considering memory care, we hope you’ll visit one of our Ingleside communities and learn about the benefits and care we offer to our residents and our families.
Our compassionate staff, residences, programs, dining and activities are all designed to provide our residents and your loved one with the highest level of care, independence and dignity.
For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.