Caring for a loved one with memory issues can be both rewarding and emotionally challenging. Many families provide care for aging parents or relatives at home, but caregiver burnout can take its toll. When it becomes difficult to maintain a high quality of care, or if your loved one is no longer thriving at home, it may be time to consider a memory care community.
Understanding Memory Care
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), “A memory care facility provides specialized residential care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of
dementia.” At Grand Brook Memory Care, we prefer the term “community” over “facility,” so we will use that term in this overview.
Memory care is a specialized living option for people with memory issues, such as those caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Most memory care communities have staff specially
trained to assist residents with these conditions.
A memory care community also provides services and amenities similar to those found in assisted living, including apartments with accessible bathrooms, communal dining facilities, light housekeeping, and assistance with daily living activities (ADLs).
Benefits of Memory Care
While moving your loved one to a memory care community can be challenging, caring for them at home is not always the ideal option.
Here are some benefits of choosing memory care:
- Specialized Programs: Communities often offer programs designed to slow the
progression of dementia and other memory issues. - Daily Living Support: Assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, and
medication management. - On-Site Healthcare: Access to physical therapists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare
professionals. - Improved Nutrition: Ensuring residents receive balanced meals, especially if they
previously lived alone and cooked for themselves.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), "91% of dementia special care units within memory care communities offer dementia-specific activities for residents, and 90% have doors with alarms to prevent patients from wandering." These features are designed to keep residents safe and engaged.
Tips on Choosing the Right Community
Visiting a memory care community during your decision-making process is crucial. Observing the atmosphere firsthand can provide valuable insight. Consider the community’s resident-to-staff ratio to ensure there are enough staff members to meet residents’ needs.
Check the activity calendar for programs like music, art, and other engaging activities. You might also want to sample a meal during your visit to ensure your loved one will be well-fed.
It’s also essential to evaluate the community’s layout and physical environment. For example, if
your loved one enjoys nature, look for a community with outdoor spaces. A social person might
thrive in a community that offers plenty of socializing opportunities.
Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a community where you feel confident that your loved one will receive the care, support, and respect they deserve.
When Is It Time to Move to Memory Care?
Deciding to transition to memory care is not easy. However, consider whether it’s still safe for
your loved one to remain at home without 24/7 supervision and assistance. You can begin the
transition by creating a comprehensive memory care plan with a medical professional.
At Grand Brook Memory Care, we’ve been supporting families on their memory care journey for
over two decades. If you’d like to speak with one of our compassionate team members, schedule
a tour, or learn more about our specially designed-memory care communities in North Texas,
Indiana, Michigan, or Arkansas, please contact us today.
