Are you caring for a loved one who is living with dementia? You may be seeing increased symptoms and behaviors that subsequently require more care.
Many families find they are not able to provide the level and quality of care their loved one needs and deserves as the disease progresses. But what additional options are available?
Increasing the time that family and friends can contribute may help, along with bringing in specialized home care services. However, you may find there are still gaps.
One possibility that can provide everything your loved one needs may be the best solution – a memory care community.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a residential community for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Residents are cared for 24/7 by a staff that is specially trained to work with those with memory impairment.
You’ll find memory care available as a stand-alone community or as a neighborhood that is part of assisted living. But each is designed to meet the needs of those living with dementia, while providing a safe, comfortable and low stress home environment.
What are the benefits?
Although communities may differ in the specific amenities and services they offer, there are several general benefits of memory care, including:
- Private residences
Many communities offer private rooms or suites that can be personalized to create a comfortable residence. Spaces are often grouped together into smaller neighborhoods which can help the resident feel more at home and less anxious.
- Specialized community design
Memory care communities are designed to eliminate as much frustration or confusion as possible. Using special layouts, colors and familiar elements, residents are able to find their way and are encouraged to move freely without feeling as if their movements are restricted.
- Specially trained staff
Those who work in memory care receive special training. Members of the care team can assist the residents with daily needs but also effectively respond to behaviors or symptoms that result from Alzheimer’s disease.
- Tailored activities
Remaining active is important for those living with dementia. The activities you’ll find at a community can often enhance memories, help the residents tap into pleasant recollections and encourage interactions with others.
- Opportunities to socialize
It is also essential for those living with dementia to continue to have contact and connections with others. Being supported to join in group activities as well as to interact with other residents, the staff or the larger community provides needed socialization.
- Healthy dining options
A nutritious diet remains a priority for those living with Alzheimer’s disease but the challenges of eating can present a barrier. Memory care communities prepare and present food, provide assistance, special dinnerware, utensils and a comfortable dining area to encourage the resident to eat.
- Secure and safe environment
Wandering can become common for individuals living with dementia and it is critical to keep the residents safe. Communities have security systems so no one can leave an area without being noticed and many offer an enclosed courtyard so their residents can go outside but remain secure.
How a community can help your loved one
The value of memory care goes beyond the features noted above as the community also will help your loved one feel at home, well-cared for and experience a higher quality of life.
Consider the following advantages your loved one will discover:
- Sense of independence
The ability to maintain as much independence as possible is vital to those living with dementia. Communities support their residents to make their own choices while respecting their personal preferences.
- Feeling at home
The sense of being at home is important for those living with dementia and the residences and common areas in a community have been designed with that in mind. Steps are taken to provide the residents what they need to feel relaxed and comfortable.
- Improved quality of life
Staying active, exercising and keeping their minds stimulated contributes to the residents’ quality of life. Activities are available that can help reminisce and enhance memories, including pet, music, art, occupational and sensory stimulation therapies.
- Person-centered care
People respond differently to dementia so communities customize their care specifically to the individual’s needs and preferences. The smaller staff-to-resident ratio allows caregivers to get to know the residents better and personalize their approach to provide the best care.
- Feeling included and connected
Those living with Alzhiemer’s disease or dementia often feel excluded from others and the larger world. Communities take steps to create activities and social events that encourage their residents to interact with others. Support is also offered to family and friends to visit and remain connected.
- Decreased anxiety
All of the features and elements of a memory care community are designed to decrease anxiety and increase feelings of calm and a sense of belonging. It is reassuring to the residents to know that a compassionate staff is available whenever help is needed.
- Families also benefit
When a family knows their loved one is being well-cared for, it allows them to return to their former roles of spouse, son or daughter, instead of being the primary caregiver. Your entire family benefits when quality personal time can be enjoyed together again.
Ingleside’s memory care communities
If your family is considering memory care, we hope you will visit one of our Ingleside communities. We believe you’ll find we support our residents to live their best lives and encourage them to take advantage of all the benefits we offer, including:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
- Fully equipped fitness centers
- Heated indoor swimming pools
- Art Studios
- Libraries
- Beautiful walking trails
For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 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.