5 Things to Know About Memory Care in Senior Living

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If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, memory care may have been recommended as an option to support their needs and help them live life to its fullest. But what exactly is memory care? If you’re just beginning to consider it, you may not know all the features and benefits memory care can offer. We can help you get started with the top five things you should know about this type of senior living.

Memory care defined

Memory care is a type of senior living that is just for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It features specially-trained staff and 24/7 supervised care as well as an environment that’s secure, yet comfortable. You can typically expect:

•      Private or semi-private accommodations

•      Three daily meals and snacks

•      Medication management

•      Personalized support with bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily tasks

•      Social, fitness, and recreational activities

•      Housekeeping and laundry services

Memory care communities are typically one of the following settings:

•      A neighborhood or unit within an assisted living community.

•      A stand-alone memory care community; although it may be on a campus that offers other types of senior living as well.

Benefits of memory care in senior living

While the initial instinct is to care for your loved one at home, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia affect each person differently and present unique challenges that can quickly become overwhelming without the right expertise. Memory care can nurture and support your loved one in ways not possible at home with benefits such as:

1.     Flexible care plans – The services and support your loved one will receive are adapted to their specific needs and abilities with their overall wellbeing in mind.

2.     Specialized training – Our dedicated team is trained in the special needs of memory care residents, as well as in techniques for managing challenging behaviors and effective communication strategies.

3.     Daily opportunities to engage – Each day your loved one will have numerous opportunities for mental stimulation from learning and experiencing new things to creative outlets such as art and music. They’ll be able to engage socially, too, with activities, outings, and amenities that encourage connection.

4.     A sense of independence –Our Wander Garden, an enclosed, landscaped outdoor patio with lush walkways and a sunlit gazebo, is a place where our memory care residents can feel a sense of independence as they enjoy getting some exercise while spending time in nature. What’s more, our dining experience promotes independence with finger foods and dishes that are easy to chew in an environment that’s comfortable and relaxed for residents.

5.     A nurturing, supportive design – Everything about our memory care, even down to the design of the space, is intended to support and nurture our residents from the easy-to-navigate layout to calming lighting and colors to a secure setting that keeps them safe (while giving you peace of mind).

Schedule your visit to Friendship's Memory Care by calling 540.265.2213 today!