Everything You Need to Know About Memory Care
Senior man reading book with female caretaker on couch at nursing home
Over 5 million people are currently living with Alzheimer’s.
Any sort of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, can interfere with a person’s ability to carry on daily life. Simple tasks such as using the restroom, tying a shoe, or cooking a meal can become nearly impossible in cases of severe dementia.
For those struggling with memory loss and health problems, finding the right care seems like an impossible task. Fortunately, there are many homes that provide holistic care for those struggling with these problems.
Below is everything you need to know about memory care, including the benefits and disadvantages. Make sure to keep reading to find out more, especially if someone close to you is struggling with dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is the decrease in cognitive functions and loss of memory. Individuals with dementia have a difficult time remembering things and lose reasoning in situations.
They often have trouble focusing, problem-solving, and taking care of themselves.
Not only do people with dementia experience decrease in mental and physical health, but they also experience a decrease in confidence and self-esteem. They often think their decline is worse than it appears.
Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, despite troubles they may be facing.
Individuals with dementia may become irritable, easily alarmed, and difficult to control. This can create tension between them and their families, often leaving caretakers feeling helpless and stressed.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but other types can include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Dementia can be caused by nerve damage, stroke, or even injury.
What is Memory Care?
Much like assisted living, memory care is a type of living for senior adults designed to help with and improve quality of life. The exceptional staff at these living homes are trained and prepared to provide top-notch care.
What makes memory care living different from assisted living is a focus on helping those affected by dementia. The environments created in these living homes are typically calming and secure.
Many elderly adults with dementia can become easily alarmed or find it difficult to express discomfort. When placing a loved one in memory care, you will be comforted by the fact the staff have significant training in recognizing when patients aren’t feeling well and responding in ways that promote a sense of calm and security.
What Are the Benefits?
When living in memory care, an individual receives special care in all daily activities. Someone is Trained staff are available to assist them in getting dressed in the mornings, using the restroom, showering, and eating their meals, as well as during overnight shifts should needs arise.
Individuals receive special care in daily tasks. Plus, the staff carries out specialized exercise programs and stimulating activities to help maintain cognitive function and a positive outlook.
Those placed in memory care often experience fewer accidents and a stronger sense of independence. This greater sense of independence is extremely important for an individual’s level of confidence. Many senior adults, especially those having memory trouble, undergo a time of low self-esteem which can affect their mood and overall health.
What Are Some Disadvantages?
One major problem families may encounter is the financial burden of choosing memory care. Assisted living homes are typically priced around $3,500 per month. Memory care rooms can be up to $5,000.
This cost can be on top of unpaid medical bills, prescriptions, and just about anything else needed to provide top care for the elderly individual. Many families may opt out of memory care due to this.
Another difficulty in memory care is finding a facility. While there are many options for assisted living facilities and nursing homes care, it can be tricky finding a place specialized in memory care.
How Can Memory Care Help You?
Being a caretaker or loved one of someone experiencing dementia can be challenging. Not only do you have to manage your own daily life, but you are also taking on the responsibility of someone else, which can be physically and emotionally stressful.
Memory care takes a load off your shoulders by assuring you your loved one is in good hands. You can continue with your life and always have the chance to stop by and spend some time with your loved one in the memory care facility.
Many memory care facilities offer support to families. You’ll meet other people dealing with the same situations you are. Planting yourself in a supportive community will help you through the process.
Find the Best Care
If you are trying to find the best care for a loved one experiencing dementia, look into memory care. Memory care provides 24-hour specialized care for individuals with memory loss.
With highly-trained staff, stimulating activities, and calming environments, you’ll feel good knowing your loved one is in a good place. Their mental, physical, and emotional health is closely monitored.
If you want to know more about our services, explore our home features, and even read some testimonials, make sure to check out who we are.