Aging is part of life and for a certain percentage of us, it involves changes to our health and our ability to care for ourselves. Older adults who struggle with memory-related issues require close supervision and specialized care that family members may not be competent in. However, family members often still find it difficult to relocate their older loved ones to an external community. If you are wondering if memory care is indeed the right program to pick for your loved one, learn more about memory care and brain health and how it can benefit your loved one.
Specialized Care Environment
Experiencing a decline in cognitive abilities can make even the simplest of tasks like dressing and feeding become troublesome and frustrating. This can cause older adults to experience confusion and anxiety. When older adults are relocated to a specialized care environment, they will find that these tasks can be handled with ease through the support of trained caregivers. Additionally, memory care programs are designed to motivate participation to provide residents with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.
24-Hour Professional Support
Residents of memory care communities are taken care of by highly trained team members with industry expertise and years of experience. Family members will feel assured, knowing that their older loved ones will receive 24-hour professional support which is one of the main benefits of memory care. Whether a resident requires assistance with feeding, bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility, a trained team member will be present to offer round-the-clock care. Team members assigned to a memory care program are all equipped with skills and knowledge that enable them to address specific challenges faced by residents with dementia.
Improved Wellness
To date, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, older adults suffering from this disease can still improve their quality of life through reduced risks of injury, reduced medication and its side effects, greater social interaction and independence, and improved wellness. Up to 75 percent of memory care residents experience a betterment of their mental functions as well as their ability to walk.
Socialization Opportunities
Another major advantage of memory care is how its environment encourages residents to stay socially active. They will have plenty of socialization opportunities while pursuing their personal interests and exploring new activities. This is highly important for older adults with dementia as they have a high tendency to isolate themselves which may eventually contribute to memory impairment. Social interactions have been shown to help improve moods and support mental well-being.
Family Is Family Again
We all want to be cared for and nurtured by our own families. However, caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s is challenging without expertise and experience. Not having the proper training to address the different difficulties faced by a memory care patient can inflict more stress on their mental health. Leaving this huge responsibility to professional caregivers will provide the memory care patient with the care that they need and family members can rest assured that their loved one is in capable hands.
