Memory care is a special personalized service provided in retirement communities to aid individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. There are many misconceptions and myths about memory care, shedding a negative light on their communities.
Memory Care Communities Have Institutional-Like Settings
When referred to as an ‘institution’, it is no wonder that people imagine a confined space with white walls, tiled floors, and steel bed frames. That image of a cold, soulless place can scare many people. In reality, memory care communities look nothing like that.
Years of research have gone into understanding the importance of the environment and how it affects individuals living with memory deficiencies. Many memory care communities have adopted a cozy apartment living environment, designed to mimic the look of a friendly neighborhood. They are also equipped with many stylish amenities for residents to stay meaningfully and socially engaged, such as libraries, game rooms, community gardens, and dining rooms.
Memory Care Causes Residents to Lose Their Independence
It is a common misconception that residents tend to lose their independence after they start living in a memory care community due to being over-reliant on the team members to do everything for them. However, in modern-day memory care communities, that is not the job of the team members. The role of the team members is more similar to that of partners in care, who assist your loved ones in daily routines while empowering them to be as independent as possible.
On the contrary, many residents regain confidence, self-esteem, and independence after receiving help in memory care. The programs and therapies are designed to help your loved one retain existing physical and cognitive abilities as much as possible.
Memory Care Sedates Residents
Medications were used to sedate and control residents who exhibit challenging behaviors in the past. Thankfully, these unethical pharmaceutical practices are no longer in use. With research focusing on the behavior exhibited by individuals with dementia, we now have a better understanding of why they behave in certain manners. This understanding enables memory care communities to develop holistic approaches to help such individuals cope with their tendencies, anxieties, and fears. These strategies are also personalized according to each individual resident’s needs, histories, and triggers.
Memory Care Residents Sit in Their Room All Day
It is a myth that individuals with memory deficiencies are unable to partake in activities other than sitting in a room or watching television all day. There are so many ways that memory care residents can stay active and meaningfully engaged in a good community. TerraBella Little Avenue offers Celebrations Activities & Events, an active and engaging social calendar designed to help its residents feel engaged and fulfilled in their golden years. They organize daily activities that are fully inclusive, such as live music performances, guest lectures, arts & crafts, games night, or even day trips out to local restaurants or grocers.
Memory Care at TerraBella Little Avenue
TerraBella Little Avenue utilizes a unique and holistic approach in our person-centered memory care. We are dedicated to creating positive experiences in all aspects of our residents’ lives, from physical and engaging group activities to interactive dining experiences in our community. Our dedicated memory care professionals are responsible for designing and facilitating daily activities that target physical, mental, and spiritual engagement, helping residents stay physically and mentally active while having fun and making friends!
To find out more, visit our website or contact us at 704-448-5760.
