When looking for support for an aging loved one, memory care services are an important consideration. You may be reviewing your options, looking at assisted living or nursing homes. Memory care facilities exist on their own, and memory care services may also be integrated within other senior living environments.
In this article:
- What Makes Memory Care Different?
- Is there a Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?
- Benefits of Memory Care
- Memory Care Services at Five Star Senior Living
- Find a Memory Care Community Near You
Let’s take a look at the services that memory care provides and how to choose the best memory care program for your needs.
What Makes Memory Care Different?
When you think of senior living, you may think of things like support for household chores, social opportunities like games and activities, access to specially-prepared meals, and accessible medical assistance. Memory care takes these aspects of senior care a step further by catering specifically to those with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The enrichment of a memory care facility is focused on reducing confusion for residents and providing a safe environment for those who may be more apt to become disoriented.
Is there a Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?
Memory care and dementia care are interchangeable terms. Memory care is the term most commonly used to refer to support for various memory-impacted conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia being an overarching term that encompasses various conditions that impact cognitive functioning.
Benefits of Memory Care
When dealing with a memory-related diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease, it impacts not only the patient but their loved ones and other caregivers. Memory care provides numerous benefits to the residents, including:
- 24/7 hands-on support for functions of daily living, ensuring that residents are safe and supported
- Specially-trained caregivers who are experts in supporting those with memory-related conditions
- Relief of caregiver burnout and the anxiety associated with being an untrained caregiver for a loved one experiencing memory loss
- Specialized enrichment activities and therapeutic support for cognitive functioning
- The reassurance that residents are nourished with regular meals and get appropriate social engagement
- A consistent, familiar environment that helps reduce disorientation and stress
- Immediate access to medical care
Memory Care Services at Five Star Senior Living
At Five Star Senior Living, we live up to our name in all that we do, and this includes memory care. Our specialized memory care services include:
Montessori-based dementia programming – our innovative Bridge to Rediscovery memory care program offers a nurturing, whole-person approach to memory care, catering your loved one’s environment and activities to their specific needs and preferences. Residents are supported in maintaining as much independence as possible while being safely supported by a team of trained professionals.
Customized memory care plans – we take your loved one’s entire life story into account when creating a customized memory care plan for them. This extra level of care ensures that they have as smooth a transition as possible and feel supported while living in our community.
Restaurant-quality dining with empowering choices – it’s important for those with memory-related conditions to continue to feel empowered about making choices, and to settle into predictable routines. Our memory care dining services offer an opportunity for social interaction and routine while providing residents with butler-style service to give them the power of choice over their meals to suit their taste.
Secured neighborhoods and safe environments – safety of our memory care residents is our top priority. All of our memory care neighborhoods are secured so that residents are only able to exit the property while supervised. We also ensure that our properties provide a consistent and safe environment, from visual cues to help prevent disorientation, to comfortable and familiar furniture.
Memory-specific recreational and occupational therapy – as part of our holistic approach to memory care, we ensure that residents receive personalized enrichment that helps them build a sense of purpose, keeps their spirits up, and allows them to retain as many skills as possible. We meet your loved one where they are and prioritize helping them to feel secure, valued, and engaged in their environment.
Safe opportunities for social interaction – A memory-related diagnosis can feel scary and isolating. Our caring and trained memory care professionals design programming that encourages residents to interact with one another and continue to enjoy social engagement at whatever level is most comfortable to them.
Support for families and caregivers – At Five Star, we know how stressful a memory care diagnosis can be on the family. Our compassionate memory care experts are here to provide guidance and reassurance every step of the way, empowering you to make the best choice for your family. If you’re unsure whether your loved one may need memory care, we can help you identify signs of memory loss and identify what the right next steps may be for you.
Find a Memory Care Community Near You
Choosing a memory care community can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With senior living communities in 28 states, we’re here to help you find the right memory care community for your loved one. Contact us today to take the next steps in finding the right memory care for you.
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