As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, many older adults may struggle to live independently. If your loved one needs more support, moving into a memory care community may benefit their quality of life. Memory care communities meet the daily needs of the residents while providing many services and amenities.
Residents in a memory care community have their physical, mental, and social needs taken care of, helping them live life to the fullest.
How Does Alzheimer’s Affect Memory?
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of cognitive impairment that affects your memory. Someone with Alzheimer’s may struggle to remember names, faces, dates, or other important aspects of their life.
Many people assume this disease only affects memory, but Alzheimer’s, like other forms of dementia, affects your thinking, behavior, emotions, and relationships. Alzheimer’s affects how the brain’s cells communicate with each other. As this disease progresses, you lose the ability to live independently.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a senior lifestyle for older adults with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s. Residents in these communities have their daily needs taken care of, such as help with eating, dressing, bathing, and other tasks. Staff is available 24/7 to help residents with whatever they need, letting them live independently otherwise.
Besides daily care, residents enjoy many services and amenities, including:
- Medication management
- On-site staff
- Housekeeping & laundry
- Home-cooked meals
- Television
- Outdoor spaces
- Rehabilitation and nursing
How Are Residents Supported in Memory Care?
A memory care community is more than a place to sleep and eat—your loved one receives customized care in a safe and secure environment. The design, staff, and care in a memory care community are all carefully considered to provide residents with quality support.
The benefits of memory care include 24-hour staff, personalized care, uniquely designed spaces, and coordinated events and activities.
24/7 Available Staff
Residents in a memory care community can always count on the staff to be available to help. Whether they need help with eating, dressing, or medications, staff can support residents’ daily needs.
Because older adults with cognitive impairments have unique needs, staff receive specialized training. They understand the needs of community residents, helping staff provide quality care. The available staff gives residents as much independence as they’d like, with the knowledge that someone can ask for help whenever needed.
The role of staff in a memory care community isn’t always about daily care—it can be about companionship as well. Staff help residents get involved in the community, participating in events and activities. They’re always available, even for a quick chat.
Personalized Care
Every person is unique, and the care in a memory care community reflects this. Each resident receives a customized care plan that meets their individual needs.
Your loved one may need help getting dressed, while another resident requires support with their mobility. The community’s staff learns about your loved one’s preferences and needs.
Specially Designed Community
Alzheimer’s and dementia can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Many people living with these diseases experience anxiety, agitation, or confusion. They may misperceive what others say or feel anxious in changing environments.
Memory care communities help lower anxiety by investing in a calm, stable, and safe environment. These communities feature specially designed spaces that help prevent confusion. Residents can more easily navigate a community with identifiable features, good lighting, and wide hallways.
These communities are securely locked, stopping residents from potentially dangerous wandering.
Coordinated Events & Activities
Residents need more than daily care to live fulfilling lives. In a memory care community, there are many activities to join, such as bingo, gardening, and walks outside. Your loved one can find a new hobby or make a friend while trying something new.
Off-site events are regularly planned for residents, helping them spend time outside the community.
When Should You Consider Memory Care for a Loved One?
While memory care can provide the support your loved one needs, you may not know when it’s best to move them. Alzheimer’s progresses slowly, and you may not see their struggles immediately. It’s important to watch for signs that your loved one cannot live independently anymore.
Consider memory care if you notice any of the following in your loved one:
- Severe memory loss
- Safety concerns
- Struggles with activities of daily living
- Poor hygiene
- Wandering
- Depression or isolation
- Changes in personality
Memory Care Can Benefit Your Loved One’s Needs
Memory care can help provide the support your loved one needs. They can enjoy daily life in a community designed for them and personalized care.
Contact The Fairways at Naples Memory Care Community if you’re interested in this lifestyle for your loved one. Ask us any questions you have or book a tour to see our community in person.
