Senior Living with Memory Care: Everything You Need to Know
The numbers say it all: 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease today and by 2050, it is expected to reach nearly 14 million. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States alone and it continues to debilitate many Americans every day. And since it is a progressive disease with no cure, those who are affected by it need special care at all times, especially those who are in their senior years.
Assisted living with memory care is one of the ways that communities can offer supportive care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Here, caregivers are available at all times to cater to the needs of the patients while providing them with a secure environment to continue their quality of living.
These are some things you need to know about memory care:
Differences between Assisted Living and Memory Care
Although closely related, assisted living and memory care facilities have a few differences. For one, memory care units are designed with the needs of Alzheimer’s patients in mind. Unlike assisted living units, memory care units don’t typically have individual kitchens. They also have extra security features to protect dementia patients from wandering off and getting lost. Memory care units are also designed to be as relaxing as possible to keep patients from being confused and stressed.
Caregivers in memory care are also highly trained to understand Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Aside from assisting them in their activities of daily living, caregivers also know how to respond to disruptive behavior manifested by dementia patients and how to communicate with them effectively.
Benefits of Memory Care
Having a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be very stressful for families. So, knowing that there are memory care units that offer specialized care for these patients brings peace of mind and a sense of security. Memory care is more than just having a place where seniors can live peacefully. It covers every aspect of a patient’s way of life where caregivers are available 24/7 to assist in activities of daily living as well as enhance a patient’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing.
While memory care units are more focused on security, patients will never feel like they’re locked up or secluded because these units have plenty of living spaces that are comfortable and homey. Patients can also enjoy the outdoors through activities that help them stay social in their own community.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may not have a cure, but it doesn’t mean that your loved one can’t enjoy the rest of his life. With the help of memory care units and their skilled staff, patients suffering from these debilitating diseases can still perform their daily activities, enjoy a good living environment and socialize with other people within their community.
Of course, you can’t forget about giving them the support they need by making sure that you visit them often and assure them that they have a family who loves them enough to let them enjoy a good life even in their senior years.
Richmont Senior Living is proud to serve Ashland, NE and the surrounding cities: Memphis, Springfield, South Bend, Greenwood, Murdock, Waverly, Murdock, Ithaca, and Chalco
