Moving to a memory care community can be a challenging process when choosing a long-term dementia care provider, also known as memory care, that specializes in fulfilling the needs of a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. We are all aware of how wonderful assisted living and independent living communities are for older adults. Memory care, however, goes much beyond the typical community.
Person-centered memory care communities offer a safe, secure environment with an intuitive layout and are created exclusively for dementia care. Your loved one will remain engaged and stimulated throughout the day with the help of specialized programming and activities that are handled in a more hands-on manner. Pet, music, and art therapy are other key components of memory care, as are interactive life skill stations and a variety of daily activities that can be adjusted to each resident’s level of competence.
Here’s why memory care in Harahan, LA is so important for individuals with dementia:
Improved Quality of Life
Without specialized assistance, your loved one’s quality of life dramatically declines when they have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care programs and their varying levels of care have been shown to improve residents’ quality of life in crucial areas.
Among other things, memory care programs can improve the resident’s quality of life through:
- Better nutrition
- Lower risk of falls
- Lower risk of injuries
- Improved social interaction
- Lesser hospital visits
Address Behavioral Issues
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can cause irritation or behavioral problems in the patients, which might interfere with their social activities. Memory care communities provide leisure and therapeutic programs that are entirely focused on memory loss, sundowning, mood swings, wandering, and many other typical behaviors seen in those living with dementia. A family member might not know what to do in a tense situation, but specially trained professionals can defuse it. These specialized memory care communities are the go-to option for families that are struggling with a loved one displaying challenging behaviors typical of the likes of the disease.
Regain Freedom with Added Security
Communities for memory care work hard to strike the ideal mix between freedom and security for residents. They do not want residents to think of themselves as a captive who has lost their freedom. Residents in memory care are given the flexibility to move about and are encouraged to become self-reliant, while also helping them maintain their security and safety thanks to properly trained community members. For added security, exit doors and doors leading to internal courtyards have more subdued signage. Community members have undergone training in caring for dementia patients. They have acquired skills that have been demonstrated to assist residents in participating in scheduled or unplanned social activities.
Choosing a Person-Centered Memory Care Community
Once you have narrowed down your options, schedule a tour of the memory care community in question. Take the time to explore the on-site amenities and meet up with the community team while observing their interaction with fellow residents. This lets you have a first-hand experience on what your older loved one can expect once they have transitioned to memory care.
