Dementia is a progressive disease. This means that symptoms tend to worsen over time, leaving the older adults unable to lead independent lives, causing immense stress to the families and caregivers. An individual with advanced dementia will require 24-hour supervised care in a safe environment. In later stages of the disease, patients will experience difficulty doing simple daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet.
It can be difficult for loved ones to provide full-time care for the older adult while handling other responsibilities such as children and work. Memory care provides the much-needed support for caregivers while providing excellent care for the elderly who are facing memory loss. Read on to learn more about memory care vs. other senior care facilities!
Important Memory Care Features
Some important memory care features are:
- Trained team members
- Memory-enhancing activities
- Secure facilities
- Personalized care
Provides a Safe Environment
Memory care facilities are built to prevent wandering. Wandering is a common but dangerous behavior exhibited in individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. People who wander around may get hurt or end up lost. The safety of residents is of great importance in these memory care communities. Memory care provides a safe and secure environment with locked doors so people cannot leave unnoticed. Many communities have enclosed gardens or courtyards to allow residents to spend time outdoors safely.
Offers Specialized Care
The staff in memory care communities have specific, regular, and thorough training so they are trained to provide quality care for older adults with memory loss. Residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible depending on their abilities while also receiving the support and help that they need. The low caregiver-to-resident ratio at memory care communities allows for greater interaction and time spent caring for each individual. Residents will be more engaged with enriching activities such as classes and brain games. These serve to stimulate memory and encourage older adults to maintain their skills. Caregivers are also trained to handle symptoms of dementia in a kind, compassionate way.
Memory Care and Assisted Living: The Difference
Both assisted living and memory care provide meals, personal care, housing, and assistance with daily tasks, including hygiene and mobility. The difference is that memory care is focused on caring for people with memory loss and provides supervision and care 24/7, therapies for enhancing memory, and a safe environment.
Memory Care and Nursing Home: The Difference
Both of these provide round-the-clock care for the elderly with memory loss. However, memory care is different from nursing homes in that it improves the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia with personalized care and memory therapies and activities.
After reading about memory care vs. other senior care facilities, you may want to consider letting your loved one stay at our senior living community at Discovery Village At The West End. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to take care of your loved ones’ needs. Feel free to contact us to find out more!
