Memory care communities offer specialist support to people with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions. Unfortunately, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, those suffering from memory conditions often don’t realize they’re impaired. To avoid dangerous situations, round-the-clock memory care support is usually needed.
Memory care services can help people with impaired memory have a great quality of life by providing a safe and fun environment. With expert care, people with conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia can live rich and fulfilling lives.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of memory care? Read on to find out the main advantages of a memory care community.
Specialist Staff
Helping individuals with memory problems requires specialist expertise. Caregivers in memory care communities are highly trained in dealing with the challenges of impaired memory.
Memory care professionals can help people with dementia or Alzheimer’s who are feeling confused or agitated. They recognize signs of distress early and provide personalized comfort.
In the best memory care communities, the staff are more than just medical professionals; they also build strong relationships with every resident. By offering 24/7 support, they form deep personal relationships with residents, allowing them to provide highly individualized care plans.
With targeted support, community residents can get help where they need it while maintaining as much freedom and independence as possible.
A Safe Environment
The most important advantages of a memory care community involve safety. People with memory problems require round-the-clock care, as everyday environments become quite hazardous.
For someone with Alzheimer’s, something as simple as cooking with a gas stove is risky, as they could easily wander off and totally forget about their cooking.
Thankfully, one of the big advantages of dementia care is that these communities are built from the ground up to compensate for these impairments. For example, wandering off is common in people with memory impairments.
This is dangerous for someone who lives near a highway, but in a purpose-built memory care community, the entire layout is designed to keep residents safe.
If you’re worried about a loved one potentially harming themselves due to memory impairment, a memory care community could be the safe haven you’re looking for.
A Calming Space
There’s more to memory care design than preventing dangerous roaming. These spaces are also made to help reduce agitation and anxiety. Conditions like Alzheimer’s are difficult, as patients can become aggressive to those trying to help them.
Thankfully, an environment that encourages emotional regulation can do a world of good. People who are confused and aggressive at home often get re-energized and rejuvenated when they move into a memory care community.
For example, memory impairment usually goes hand in hand with sensory overload. A well-designed community provides relief using things like:
- Soft and warm lighting
- Comforting sounds and music
- Comfortable seating
- Well-lit areas
- Quiet areas intended for rest and relaxation
Making sure people feel safe and secure in their surroundings is essential for good memory care. A well-designed memory care community could do wonders for your loved one’s mental well-being.
Reliable Medication Management
As we get older, we tend to need more medications. According to Medicine Plus, being prescribed five or more medications makes you much more at risk of:
- Dangerous drug interactions
- Potential side effects
- Difficulties keeping track of correct medication dosages
- Being prescribed redundant medication through multiple healthcare providers
Of course, with memory impairment, it’s even riskier, highlighting the importance of memory care communities. Someone with dementia could get stuck in a loop of taking their daily medication, causing them to take way too much. They could also struggle to notice or verbalize problematic side effects.
The best memory care communities provide round-the-clock medication monitoring, ensuring residents always get the correct dosage at the right time. These communities also coordinate with doctors and healthcare providers to ensure every resident gets the optimal medication regimen.
If you’re struggling to manage your loved one’s daily medication schedule or if you’re worried about them taking double doses, a memory care community could help get things back on track.
Support for the Whole Family
Memory care experts understand that memory impairment affects the whole family. As stated by HelpGuide, dealing with cognitive impairments in someone you love is stressful, especially if you don’t understand the condition. That’s why memory care communities offer holistic care that account for everyone’s needs.
Memory care professionals offer workshops and information sessions to help families understand conditions like dementia, and they’ll teach you how to best support your loved one.
Additionally, these communities understand how overwhelming navigating things like health insurance, legal matters, and estate planning can be. Memory care communities deal with these issues every day, and they’ll offer invaluable advice and guidance.
If you feel like you’re alone and treading water trying to care for your loved one, a memory care community helps lighten the load.
Better Quality of Life
Memory impairment can cause someone’s quality of life to decrease. After all, how can you enjoy your retirement when you can’t drive and take care of your basic needs? It’s easy to see why seniors with cognitive impairments often feel isolated and depressed.
Thankfully, moving into a memory care community can turn things around. Residents will improve their sense of well-being through:
- Structured routines
- Meaningful activities
- Improved relationships with their family due to reduced caregiving stress
- Less agitation and confusion
- Enhanced mobility and physical health through exercise programs
- Personalized care
- A restored sense of dignity and independence
With all their care needs met, residents can focus on making new friends and enjoying engaging activities. Life becomes an adventure again, and residents start the day excited about what the day will bring.
Now You Know the Advantages of a Memory Care Community
So, now you understand the advantages of a memory care community. Through personalized memory care support, your loved one will experience less agitation and better emotional stability. Plus, you and the rest of your family will also feel way less stressed.
Are you looking for a kind and caring memory care community in Portage, IN? Rittenhouse Village at Portage could be the lifeline you’re looking for. Our highly personalized approach to memory care uses scientifically backed methods to enhance engagement, understanding, and quality of life.
Contact us today to book a tour and see for yourself.
