Living Options for a Person with Dementia: Memory Care

Throughout this series of articles, we’re examining various living options available to those with dementia. Thus far, we’ve discussed living with family and in-home care. For some individuals, memory care may be a more suitable option. In this article, we’ll explore memory care, its advantages, disadvantages, and factors to consider when searching for a memory care unit for a loved one.

What is Memory Care?
Memory care refers to a type of living arrangement that offers support for individuals dealing with dementia. The primary objective of memory care is to create a secure environment for residents that reduces feelings of stress and confusion often linked with memory decline. These facilities provide around-the-clock supervision and assistance for people living with dementia. Through specialized training, staff members are equipped to tackle challenges commonly associated with dementia, such as managing behavioral issues, ensuring the safety of residents, and assisting residents in enhancing their cognitive abilities.

Memory care centers are designed to meet the specific needs of people with dementia. To ensure resident safety, these facilities typically have secured entry and exit points to prevent wandering, a behavior often observed in individuals with memory impairments. Additionally, memory care facilities may offer recreational programs aimed at slowing the progression of memory loss.

Advantages of Memory Care
As opposed to assisted living, memory care facilities tailor their services specifically to individuals with memory issues. Staff members offer personalized care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of those with dementia. The training they receive enables them to handle aggression, disorientation, and wandering tendencies associated with memory impairment.

In a memory care unit, residents can receive 24/7 assistance to help them live comfortably and combat feelings of anxiety and confusion. Nutrition is essential for brain health. With set meal times, memory care staff can supervise residents while they eat and help them when needed. Facilities provide meal plans for residents to cater to their diet restrictions and ensure that they eat nutritiously.

Memory issues and cognitive impairment can impede an individual’s ability to engage in day-to-day activities. Therefore, staff members assist residents in completing tasks such as bathing, dressing, and exercising. They also manage residents’ medication and help residents get from place to place.

Feelings of isolation are not uncommon among individuals with dementia and can exacerbate their condition. Thus, seniors need to be able to connect with others. Memory care communities are beneficial for individuals with dementia, as they provide opportunities for socialization. Residents can engage in many activities, from brain games and art therapy, to dance classes and movie nights. Regular social engagement enhances both physical and mental health. These group events aim to foster a sense of community and belonging among residents.

Memory care facilities are designed specifically with residents’ safety in mind. Implementing measures such as alarmed doors, elevators that require codes for entry, and enclosed outdoor areas allow residents to move around freely within a protected environment and minimize the risk of accidents or getting lost. At some centers, residents wear trackable bracelets that allow staff to monitor their locations. Furthermore, many memory care units incorporate color-coded hallways, clear signage, and distinctive artwork to help residents navigate their surroundings and reduce the chances of them becoming lost and confused. Maintaining a high level of security promotes the well-being of residents, while allaying family members’ concerns about the safety of their loved ones.

Disadvantages of Memory Care
While memory care has its advantages, it also comes with drawbacks. For instance, memory care can be expensive, and the cost can be a significant financial burden to families. Thus, some families may elect to care for their loved ones themselves instead. Moreover, memory care facilities tend to be more closely monitored and impose more restrictions on residents compared to other assisted living facilities. Transitioning to a memory care center can be challenging for seniors, as they must give up some of their previous freedoms. Some residents may not be accustomed to communal living and prefer to have their own space. Furthermore, they may feel they are trapped in the facility because of its secured exits that restrict their movements. To assuage these uncertainties, many facilities have made efforts to make their atmospheres more homely. For example, some have placed memory boxes outside residents’ doors to help them feel more at home, while others feature outdoor gardens, so residents don’t feel confined.

Another potential disadvantage of memory care is that the quality of care can differ greatly between facilities. Thus, it is important for families of individuals with dementia to first determine the priorities and needs of their loved ones, and then visit multiple facilities to ensure they provide the required level of care. There are a number of things to consider when researching memory care units. Families should make sure the facility is licensed and accredited by the appropriate authorities. They may also ask those who have used the facility’s services for honest reviews and recommendations. Families should observe the interactions between staff and residents, and ask about staff training and turnover rates. It is also important to inquire about the facility’s policies on handling emergencies and medical issues. Moreover, it’s suggested to research visitation policies, including whether families are restricted sometimes, the frequency of restricted visitation, and how stringent policies are for phone use and video visits. Lastly, families should look into the responsiveness of the memory care staff. They can inquire about how often they can request updates on their loved ones, and try to gauge how easy it is to get administrators on the phone.

Conclusion
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a serious task that requires much dedication, patience, and flexibility. Fortunately, memory care facilities have been developed specifically to address the needs of individuals with dementia, providing them with a secure environment in which they can continue to engage in activities they enjoy and socialize with others. While they have several advantages over other living options, the cost of the memory care unit, potential loss of autonomy, and large variability in the quality of facilities should be considered. Therefore, it is crucial for families to conduct thorough research on memory care units before making a decision, taking into consideration the preferences and needs of their loved ones.

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