Around 70% of older adults will require some form of long-term care during their lifetime. This can range from memory care communities, assisted living, or even nursing homes. This is largely because older adults will start to struggle as they experience different forms of deterioration – cognitive, physical, and mental. It can be hard for caregivers without medical experience to provide adequate support for their loved ones.
In memory care facilities and communities, residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, or other conditions related to memory loss will get specialized care and support from certified nurses and team members.
What Is Memory Care?
To begin with, what exactly is memory care? At Discovery Village At Sugarloaf, we offer our signature SHINE® Memory Care Program curriculum. SHINE® leverages on scientific principles to provide a personalized, engaging, and comprehensive approach to memory care. This means that each resident in our memory care community will have access to hands-on help from our on-site nurses and trained caregivers, as well as round-the-clock activities that help residents to stay active and occupied. The central belief of our memory care program is to provide everyone with the ability to live a life with confidence and independence.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Memory Care Community
There are many different factors that can lead to you finally choosing a memory care community and each provider will have its different benefits and strong points. To help you streamline your options, we have summarized four key areas to consider.
- Ensure that the Community Has Experience with Dementia or Alzheimer’s
It is important that your chosen community has the ability and specialized knowledge required to properly care for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Unlike other issues or conditions that come with old age, memory loss progression needs an experienced and knowledgeable team to help to alleviate and address symptoms.
- Be Clear on the Relevant Practicalities
This is with regards to more practical questions like available transportation services, medication management, living options, waiting list, and even certifications. This should be done before you start to view different options just so you have a comprehensive list of what is needed for your loved one to have a good life. In other words, these are the basics that your loved one will require.
- Schedule a Tour
Before you decide on an option, make sure to schedule a tour to view the grounds in person. When visiting, try to speak to the others that are in the community like residents, visiting family members, as well as any team members that are on-site. Where possible, arrange to have an experience at their dining hall, with their activities, and even the types of health support that they offer.
- Are the Programs Suitable?
Your loved one probably has their own set of hobbies and interests. It is therefore important that the community is able to support their already established hobbies. For example, if your loved one has an interest in animals or owns a pet, it is important that the community is either pet-friendly or offers pet therapy.
