Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 5 million people in the United States alone. The disease causes memory loss and other cognitive problems that can be difficult to handle. The good news is that there are some ways to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. Specialized memory care centers in Marrero, LA are an excellent option.
They Limit Wandering
It might be hard to imagine your loved one wandering around the neighborhood or community, but it’s a real concern for people with Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make sure they’re safe:
- Keep doors locked and windows closed. If a loved one is prone to wandering, you can alleviate some of their restlessness by closing off potential exit points in the home.
- Keep them in the same room all day long or put up signs so that when someone visits, there’s no confusion about where each person should go (this goes for any caregiver as well). This may seem an inconvenience at first, but if it means less chaos around the house and fewer accidents due to wandering aimlessly trying to find something familiar, then it’s worth it!
- Stick with a schedule for meals and other activitiesso that everyone knows what time it is—and when lunch will be ready! This will help your loved one feel grounded and safe, encouraging them to participate in group activities more easily. It’ll also keep them from getting confused or disoriented when they don’t know what time it is or where they are. When you regularly repeat certain routines and rituals like meals, going outside for walks, or watching TV together as a family (or alone) at the same times every day, you’ll be able to reinforce your loved one’s memory of these events over time.
They Keep the Residents’ Rooms Organized
Keeping the rooms of your loved one organized will help them in two ways. First, it can keep your loved one from getting lost. A cluttered space can be very confusing for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia – especially if they are used to walking around their home independently.
Second, it helps prevent frustration and anxiety when you have a case where your loved one is struggling more than usual because they have lost something (or everything) in a mess! It also makes it easier for caregivers like us to do daily tasks around the house, so they don’t add to stress levels either!
They Keep the Residents Active
Memory care centers offer a variety of activities to keep your loved one mentally sharp and physically active. These might include:
- You can play many games with your loved one, from chess to bingo to checkers. Many people with Alzheimer’s enjoy board games because they help them stay engaged and focused on the present moment rather than feeling overwhelmed by their memories or worries about what’s next in their day-to-day life.
- Walks in nature or neighborhood walks around the community are great ways to get fresh air while physically and mentally active! Nature offers many things, like different animals roaming around, that may be new experiences for someone who has Alzheimer’s; this could also give you some time alone together.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this article on how memory care centers can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s informative and helpful. With so much information available online about caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, there is no excuse not to be proactive in finding the best assisted living community for your loved one.