What is Memory Care
If you or a loved one are on a journey planning for care and learning about available options, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding memory care.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized care designed for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are a variety of reasons why someone may choose to move their loved one into a memory care community as opposed to living independently or personally caring for them:
- They worry about their loved one’s health and safety.
- They don’t trust that their loved one can perform activities of daily living on their own.
- They know their loved one isn’t socializing or caring for themselves properly.
- They live far away from their loved one and wouldn’t be able to help them on short notice.
- They feel stressed and can’t handle their loved one’s change in personality or behavior without help.
What Services Does Memory Care Provide?
Memory care communities provide a variety of programs and services that are accessible, engaging, and supportive for the resident, which may include:
- 24/7 security with a lower staff-to-resident ratio
- Dementia-certified care from nurses, speech-language therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and even music therapists
- Family support groups
- Housekeeping, laundry, and dining services
- Safety monitoring systems
- Personalized care for managing medication, appointments, and activities of daily living
- Private accommodations in an apartment-style suite
- Social and recreational activities that stimulate the mind, promote wellness, and encourage creativity
Each memory care community is different, so be sure to use this checklist when touring to compare provided services. Medicare and Medicaid cover various areas of senior living, so review your plan to see how memory care is covered.
When is it Time for Memory Care?
To qualify for memory care, patients must be diagnosed with a form of dementia or cognitive impairment and exhibit symptoms like:
- Changes in personality and behavior, such as aggression
- Confusion about time, seasons, places, and people, whether they’re familiar to them or not
- Difficulty processing information or making decisions
- Disruption in caregiving and family dynamics
- Memory loss that impairs daily function
- Trouble communicating needs or expressing emotions
The Impact of Memory Impairment
There are many things that a memory impairment or dementia diagnosis affects in their life and those that they love. This memory care journey can seem daunting, so we’ve created a variety of resources to support you and make this experience manageable and special:
- Activities to do Together With a Dementia Diagnosis
- Communicating With Your Memory-Impaired Loved One
- How to Enjoy the Holidays With a Dementia Diagnosis
- How to Handle Caregiver Stress and Get Support
- How to Introduce People to Your Loved One With Dementia
- Maintaining Balance With Partnership and Caregiving for Your Spouse
- Planning for Your Own Future as a Caregiver
- Tips for Being a Caregiver to a Memory-Impaired Loved One
- Traveling With Memory-Impaired Loved Ones
- 6 Ways to Manage Sundowning With Dementia
Learn more about your options for memory care with individualized resources based on your needs through our 5-minute survey powered by Roobrik here.
At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.