More than 16 million Americans are caregivers for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Caring for a family member or friend can be fulfilling, but as your loved one’s disease progresses, meeting their needs at home can be challenging. At some point, you may consider professional memory care.
Who Benefits from Memory Care?
Memory care is specialized long-term care for people with dementia. Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia or vascular dementia, the specialized support provided in memory care facilities could improve their quality of life.
How Does Memory Care Enhance the Lives of Seniors?
For people with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, there are many benefits of moving to a memory care community. Here are the top 10 benefits of memory care:
1. Round-the-clock support
As your loved one’s dementia progresses, they may need more intensive care. Memory care facilities offer round-the-clock support to ensure your loved one receives the help they need. Staff are available to provide assistance with getting dressed, using the bathroom, or other personal care tasks throughout the day and night.
2. Specially trained staff
Memory care facilities are staffed with specially trained dementia caregivers. They understand how to deal with the changing needs of people with dementia and can provide compassionate support to your loved one. They’re also well-equipped to manage behaviors that may come with dementia, such as paranoia or disorientation.
3. Individualized care plans
Every person with dementia is different, and your loved one will receive a care plan that’s tailored to their unique medical needs. This care plan will be reviewed and adjusted as needed to help your loved one maintain the best-possible quality of life.
4. Safe, secure environment
About 60% of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia will wander at least once. Wandering can be a difficult behavior to manage at home, but memory care facilities are designed to be safe, secure environments. For example, they may be designed with circular hallways so that residents can wander safely, or they may have locked exit doors.
5. Comfortable, soothing atmosphere
People with dementia may be highly sensitive to their environments. To prevent or reduce behavioral symptoms such as agitation, memory care facilities create a soothing atmosphere. For example, residents at ArchCare at San Vicente de Paúl can enjoy soothing sounds, music, and scents in a relaxation room.
6. Engaging memory care activities
Memory care communities offer specialized programming to keep residents entertained and engaged. Activities are tailored based on residents’ interests, skills, and cognitive ability levels. Participating in fun activities throughout the day may enhance your loved one’s quality of life.
7. Opportunities for socialization
From staving off loneliness to maintaining cognitive function, there are many health benefits of socializing. Living in a memory care facility may give your loved one more opportunities to be social. Residents in semi-private rooms may enjoy the companionship of a roommate. Plus, they may have the opportunity to chat with friendly caregivers or participate in group activities with other residents.
8. Specialized health services
People with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may have specific health needs. In a memory care community, your loved one may benefit from specialized health services. For example, the ArchCare Center for Advanced Memory Care at Ferncliff offers therapy for dementia-related mental health issues, such as depression.
9. Maintain independence
Dementia caregivers are trained to promote independence in people with dementia. Your loved one will be encouraged to make the most of their abilities while getting dressed, eating meals, having a bath, or other daily tasks. However, their caregivers will be ready to lend a helping hand, when needed.
10. Return to familiar family roles
The role reversal that comes when you care for an aging parent or other relative can be emotionally challenging for both of you. With professional memory care, you and your loved one are able to return to familiar family roles. This benefits your loved one, who can look forward to spending more quality time with you.
The ArchCare Center for Advanced Memory Care
Located at our five-star rated ArchCare at Ferncliff Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Rhinebeck, the memory care facility offers compassionate care in a homelike environment.
This state-of-the-art unit is Gold-Level Credentialed in the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach for memory care. This evidence-based program focuses on enhancing each resident’s abilities, which helps maximize residents’ independence and boost their quality of life. To add your loved one to the waitlist, please call 845-516-1652.
ArchCare’s Residential Care Centers
ArchCare offers five residential care centers throughout New York City, and one in the Hudson Valley village of Rhinebeck. Our centers are staffed by interdisciplinary teams of medical professionals who work hard to enhance the lives of people with memory loss. We are honored to assist you. Contact your preferred location today to schedule a tour or learn more: