Memory Care

What Does Memory Care Mean?

Memory care communities differ from assisted living communities in that it offers dementia-specific activities tailored to the unique cognitive needs of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In addition, memory care provides a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people suffering from a range of dementias. Our team at Options will gladly help you find the right memory care facility for your loved one.

Who requires memory care?

Memory care is best suited for aging individuals experiencing a general decrease in quality of life in several avenues, such as personal hygiene, basic personal safety, mobility, or any other activities of daily living (ADLs) due to partial or even complete memory loss.

How do you know when an aging loved one is ready for memory care?

See your trusted physician for an accurate diagnosis if you suspect your loved one may have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Some of the more common signs that a loved one may benefit from finding a memory care facility nearby include:

• Mobility issues and an overall increase in falls
• Wandering from home and being unable to navigate back home
• An increase in overall agitation or aggression
• Poor judgment in otherwise logical decision making patterns
• Your loved one seems lost or chaotic, even in very familiar places
• A noticeable decline in body weight
• Sudden changes in vision, particularly affecting depth perception
• Caregiver burnout
• Neglect of essential finances, a pet, a family member/s, hygiene, safety, etc.

What to look out for when choosing a memory care facility?

Finding the right memory care facility for your loved one can be a daunting task. Below are some pointers on what to look out for when doing your research.

1. Level of supervision: this depends entirely on whether your loved one requires 24-hour care or only during meal times, etc. What kind of security is available to ensure your loved one does not accidentally leave the facility without supervision?

2. The proximity of facility: how close is this facility to family and other loved ones for visitation purposes?

3. Costs involved: does this facility fall within your allocated budget?

4. Available medical services: what does the staff compliment look like? How many physicians are available or on call at any given time? What kind of training has the medical staff received? Is there a clinic open on-site for emergencies? 

5. General demeanor of community: do other residents look happy and well cared for? Is the staff friendly and accommodating? 

6. Activities on offer: what kind of activities do the staff and residents partake in regularly? How do these activities benefit residents that have Alzheimer’s and other dementias?

7. Accommodation: what do the living arrangements look like based on differing needs? Ex. Patients who require 24-hour supervision vs. patients who only require care at certain times.

What are the benefits of a memory care facility?

Finding the right memory care facility for your senior can be extremely beneficial. Below are some of the benefits to consider:

• Improved security and safety for Seniors
• On-site specialized medical care
• Improved health and wellness as a result of recreational and creative activities which supports cognitive stimulation
• Decreased stress on the part of the family or loved ones
• Improved daily routines geared towards individual enrichment and comfort
• Preserving dignity and quality of life

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