Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia can face a lot of difficulties in their daily lives. Each day presents them with challenges that can affect their quality of life. But they’re not the only ones impacted, their caregivers undergo significant mental stress too. Memory care is a lifesaver, providing them a safe and secure environment while receiving daily care to maintain their cognitive abilities. Read on to learn more about how memory care helps seniors with Alzheimer’s and Dementia lead happy and fulfilling lives.
They Follow Enhanced Safety And Security Measures
Those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other related memory issues can unknowingly put their lives at risk. Approximately 60% of individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia experience wandering at some point during their illness. They become lost and confused about their location, which leads them to different, dangerous outcomes. While it may be troublesome for in-home caregivers to manage this behavior, memory care as a specialized setting looks after this need effectively. They are specifically designed to help residents move safely and comfortably within their surroundings.
They have provisions for circular hallways, secure entrances and exits, designated pathways, color-coded environments, well-lit patios, courtyards, wider doorways, grab bars, and other measures. Not just this, but they also use advanced technological devices and systems. Many communities also use GPS tracking devices, video monitoring systems, bed monitoring systems, and even personalized tracker systems that keep the residents safe within a specified space.
Residents Receive Personalized Care And Support
Every memory patient faces different challenges. What works for one may not necessarily work for the other. Memory care communities provide each resident personalized care and support based on their individualized needs. The staff works with the resident’s family to craft individualized care plans based on their medical history, cognitive ability, stage of dementia, current physical health status, personal preferences and routines, and cultural and religious background. Besides the family members, input is also taken from doctors, nurses, and caregivers.
To ensure each resident receives the best possible care for their evolving needs, the staff also receives specialized training regarding how to manage dementia-related behavior, while getting briefed on communication strategies and de-escalation techniques to handle situations regarding agitation and confusion. Their daily routine is structured to match their unique challenges that they might be encountering in their daily lives. Moreover, they get to enjoy a set of tailored activities and interests that help them hone their mental abilities.
Specialized Programs And Therapies
As a specialized facility, memory care communities are designed specifically to support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other related conditions. They facilitate specialized programs and therapies tailored to suit each resident’s unique needs. The goal of organizing these programs is to enhance cognitive functioning, reduce confusion, and promote a sense of independence and purpose among the residents.Therapeutic activities might include art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and reminiscence therapy, each of which is effective in stimulating different parts of the brain.
Besides these creative therapies, memory care communities have cognitive programs like brain games, memory exercises, and various problem-solving activities to help residents maintain their mental acuity. Many modern memory care communities even utilize technology-based tools like VR or touch-screen games to keep residents engaged and entertained. In addition to this, they even facilitate various movement-based therapies like chair yoga, tai chi, or guided walks to support residents’ mobility, balance, and overall well-being.
Residents Enjoy An Improved Quality Of Life
Memory patients face many issues that impact their well-being and quality of life. It’s common for them to face problems related to confusion and anxiety that can affect their daily life. A structured environment with set routines allows residents to lead an improved quality of life. Outside of a structured routine and specialized activities, the community features specially designed physical layouts allowing residents to confidently and independently accommodate themselves around the community.
The personalized care programs also focus on the social and cognitive welfare of the residents. By facilitating communal dining, regular group outings, and other events, memory care communities foster social interaction between residents that helps them combat their feelings of isolation and boredom and promotes a sense of belonging. Moreover, the prevalence of physical activities like walking clubs, chair yoga, and group exercise classes further boosts their morale and helps them find a purpose in their later years.
Families Get The Required Support
Memory care is more than just a residential care option for those with memory impairments. Along with offering the required care and healthcare support, they act as a point of contact between the residents and their families. They provide residents’ families with valuable resources, education, and counseling to help them understand their loved one’s memory issue. Their efforts, whether through organizing seminars, workshops, or assisting with scheduled visits, help residents and their families navigate the whole caregiving process and ensure the family remains continually engaged with everything happening in the community.
Knowing that their loved one is getting access to various resources and amenities, family members enjoy complete peace of mind. It also allows the families to focus on their own well-being too, as earlier they were busy caring for their loved one.
About Vista at Simi Valley
At Vista at Simi Valley, we are committed to supporting older adults with any challenges that arise in their golden years. As a family-owned senior living community, we take pride in helping older adults live fully and comfortably. Our memory care services are trusted by families throughout Simi Valley for their excellence, safety, and heartfelt attention to each resident’s needs.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about how we can support your loved one’s journey.
