Memory care refers to a type of long-term care designed for people living with dementia conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is a popular choice for older people who require more support compared to what’s available at other retirement and care communities such as assisted living facilities. Memory care facilities are often suitable for people who have advanced, later-stage dementia, which makes it dangerous for them to live without around-the-clock support. They offer a safe, structured environment that is designed to protect them against wandering or other harmful behaviors.
What Services Are Offered?
Memory care facilities such as https://www.parcprovence.com/areas-served-memory-care-st-louis/kirkwood-memory-care-st-louis/ offer a range of services to ensure that residents can live safe, happy, and fulfilling lives. Many offer the same services that would be expected from an assisted living facility, but with dementia-centric services woven into it. This includes private or semi-private accommodation for each resident, a dining hall that serves daily meals, regular social and recreational activities, gyms and other fitness facilities, housekeeping services, day trips, and more. Along with this, residents tend to have a medical alert system, and there is often more support available for everyday activities and personal care.
Memory Care Specific Facilities
As well as everything you’d expect from any retirement community, memory care facilities also offer a range of services that you’d not normally see in general assisted living. This could include anti-wandering systems that allow caregivers to track each resident’s location and make sure that they are safe, 24/7 on-site security, more assistance with everyday living, a higher number of staff on-site per resident, and therapeutic recreational programming activities, such as brain games that help with reducing the progression of memory loss and other cognitive functions. Along with this, many offer a range of therapies including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, alongside more family support.
Moving a Relative to a Memory Care Facility
If your relative has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition, then you may be considering the option of moving them to a memory care facility to ensure that they can live as independently as possible while having peace of mind that they are safe. The majority of memory care facilities look and feel very similar to regular assisted living or retirement communities. They will usually have a range of common areas like lounges, gardens, games rooms, dining halls, and fitness centers where residents can freely spend their time alone or with others.
Accommodation types are typically small apartments or rooms with a private bathroom. These will be fitted with an emergency call system. One of the main differences with memory care facilities is the enhanced security that is usually present. You will usually see more CCTV cameras and motion-sensor lights to keep residents safe. Many also include memory-enhancing features such as softer lighting and muted colors to reduce overstimulation, or curved walls to reduce disorientation.
Memory care facilities are an excellent choice for seniors with dementia, as they are designed to allow them to live fulfilling, independent lives while still getting the care and support that they need to stay safe and healthy.
