When it comes to memory care and senior living, there are a number of myths that people have. Below are the five most common and why such misconceptions are inaccurate.
Retirees Will Lose Their Independence
This is perhaps the most persistent myth that many retirees believe, and it makes many hesitant to relocate. No one wants to spend their golden years being treated like a child and told what to do by others. And it’s true that this is how many retirement homes operated in the past and some still do today.
However, the memory care communities in Texas are different, as they operate by a different philosophy. Their goal is not merely to look after cognitively challenged elders until they pass on, but to help them manage the condition in a way that allows them to live as independently as possible. To this end, many have reported that after moving into such communities residents with dementia actually increased their confidence and were able to do more as a consequence. This is the result of living in a specially designed environment with team members who are dedicated to empowering them.
Memory Care Members Play Bingo or Watch Television all day
This might be true in conventional retirement homes, but not modern retirement communities. While residents can certainly sit in front of the television all day or play bingo if they wish, there is a much wider range of activities available to them which range from golf to dancing, yoga, swimming, therapy, workshops and other activities where members will get to socialize with others while stimulating their mind and body. There are also offsite excursions where community residents will get to visit the surrounding area and historical sites such as museums or other recreational attractions.
They Serve Bland Cafeteria Food
While cafeteria food is a mainstay of traditional retirement homes, modern memory care communities hire professional chefs who are on hand to cook diverse and delicious meals with fresh ingredients. Not only are these dishes healthy, but they taste wonderful, and can be prepared in accordance with your dietary restrictions or preferences.
The Community Members are sedated
In the past, medicine was utilized to prevent unwanted behaviors which were associated with memory issues. However, recent research has demonstrated why those with dementia behave in certain ways, which has allowed retirement communities to develop new holistic approaches in supporting residents and making them feel comfortable and secure, without having to resort to pharmaceuticals. Community team members have been trained to work with each resident individually, adapting to their triggers and histories to provide techniques which work.
The Environment is institutionalized
This was true in the past, but no longer. Modern retirement communities have phased out the tile floors, steel frames and white walls which were used in the past. Instead, they now feature homelike settings which include features like hallways which are simple to navigate, private spaces and libraries, non-slip flooring and grab bars in strategic locations. The buildings, dwellings and overall environment is designed to make residents feel relaxed and at home.
