Right now in the United States, there are around 6 million people living with dementia. That figure is expected to rise to 8.5 million by 2030!
But what is sometimes less visible is how many family members and friends are caring for those people. For every person with dementia, there are many who participate in their care and want to give them the very best quality of life.
Does that describe your situation? Millions across the country are working hard to provide Alzheimer’s care in their loved ones’ homes. But could a memory care community help them achieve a better quality of life?
Let’s take a closer look at how memory care communities can help and why you should consider one for your loved one.
What Is Memory Care?
A memory care community is a special form of long-term care. It focuses solely on the needs of older adults who have memory issues. Most commonly, this is Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
They provide comfortable accommodation with 24/7 care. All staff members are trained in supporting people with memory loss. Specialist nurses and doctors are available to provide ongoing medical attention.
Transitioning to memory care begins with an individual assessment. Every person is an individual, and memory loss affects people in different ways. The goal is to create a bespoke care plan that will meet the needs of your loved one.
How Memory Care Improves Quality of Life
There are many benefits of memory care beyond 24-hour supervision. Memory care communities offer a place for people with dementia to thrive. They can enjoy facilities and activities that are designed specifically for them.
Memory Care Accommodation
As dementia progresses, wandering becomes more of a risk for many people. This can put them in danger, even in their own home. Furniture, carpets, and rugs can all become fall hazards.
Accommodation in memory care facilities is designed to reduce the risk of falls. Walking paths are kept clear of clutter. An emergency response system, with movement sensors and alarm systems on doors, alerts caregivers that a person is on the move.
This can give you greater peace of mind, knowing your family member is in a safe place that accounts for their current challenges.
Great Nutrition
It can be hard for people with dementia to stick to a balanced diet on their own. The busy schedules of caregivers may make it impossible to provide a balanced meal three times a day. But in a memory care facility, your loved one gets consistency and sound nutrition.
Meals are based around a dementia-friendly diet. They are able to stick to their mealtime routines, but there’s an added advantage. They can enjoy their meals with others, providing mental stimulation as well.
Opportunities to Socialize
Dementia can make it harder to find opportunities to socialize, even at the best of times. A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the problem. Anxiety and isolation have increased among dementia sufferers.
The beauty of a memory care community is that your loved one can associate with others as much as they like. They also have their own home to go to for times when they’d prefer their own company.
Daily activities are available that bring people together. They can enjoy meals together.
A study by Penn State University looked at this. It found that pleasant social interactions improve cognitive functions in older adults. This includes those with dementia.
Tailored Activities
The staff in memory care facilities know how to create activities for residents. They keep them brief, stimulating, and accessible. This may include brain games, watering plants, or even helping with household chores.
If they are physically able, your family member may enjoy certain sports or forms of exercise. The key is to have a range of activities available that provide physical and mental stimulation.
Specialist Care
As dementia progresses, there is a greater need for specialist medical care.
At a memory care facility, your loved one will be under the care of a specialist doctor and general physician. They will monitor the progression of the disease and help your family member to stay in the best possible shape.
From time to time, illnesses happen. It’s a comfort for your family to know that your relative has easy access to great medical care at all times.
How to Tell It’s Time for Memory Care
We understand that choosing to place your family member in a memory care community is a huge decision. It’s one that needs to be taken over a period of time and after lots of consultation with everyone involved.
But here are a few signs that it’s time to begin transitioning to memory care. Does your loved one:
- Find it hard to engage in events or home activities?
- Become easily disorientated?
- Have continence problems?
- Struggle to care for themselves at home?
- Sometimes wander?
You also need to look at how you and your family are coping with the demands of caregiving. Do you find that your health is deteriorating? Is it hard to get enough rest?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you are not letting your loved one down. In fact, it’s very loving to seek the very best senior care for them in their time of need.
Choose Parsons House for Your Loved One
Do you recognize that it’s time for your loved one to transition to memory care? We understand it’s a difficult decision. But rest assured that your choice will actually help to improve their quality of life!
Now they will have a safe home with round-the-clock supervision and care. They’ll have a range of activities to choose from and lots of opportunities to socialize. They’ll get consistent medical attention, and their personal needs will be taken care of.
You can trust the team at Parsons House on Eagle Run to take good care of your loved one. We are family-owned and family-focused. We want your loved one to feel part of the family, too.
Contact us today or call us at 402-249-6050 to talk about how we can help.