What Is Memory Care?

As we age, our memory begins to decline. This process can be difficult for the person experiencing the memory loss as well as their loved ones. If you’re looking for help caring for someone with memory loss, you may have heard about memory care.

But what is memory care? This article explores everything you need to know about memory care to help you decide whether it might be the right fit for your family.

Understanding Memory Care

Memory care is a form of long-term care that provides specialized support for adults with memory impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. You can get memory care in various settings, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and dedicated memory care facilities.

If you are looking for a memory care facility for your loved one, it is critical to understand the options available and choose the best one for your family. Generally, memory care facilities have specialized caregivers to provide residents with day-to-day supervision, guidance, and support in a safe, highly structured environment.

This structure and daily living support help minimize confusion, anxiety, and other issues that affect those suffering from memory impairment as their disease progresses. Besides helping the memory impaired person, these facilities give families peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe.

Memory care services save you the stress of caring for a loved one with memory loss while providing a friendly community for your loved one to enjoy day-to-day interactions with their peers.

Amenities Found in a Memory Care Community

Memory care communities offer most of the amenities you would find in assisted living facilities, such as:

• Therapeutic arts and crafts room
• Relaxation room equipped with low-level lighting
• Private dining area for special events and family activities
• Fully fenced courtyard with seating areas and walking paths
• Therapeutic whirlpool
• Fitness center
• Gaming room
• Common areas with entertainment facilities
• En-suite cable television
• Office space for visiting doctors
• Community-wide Wi-Fi service
• Resident gardens
• An activity room with a piano

You may also find a range of specialized memory care amenities, including:

• 24-hour on-site security
• Medical alert pendants for every resident
• Delayed-egress exterior doors
• Community-wide surveillance cameras
• Noninvasive anti-wandering devices
• Individualized memory boxes outside each resident’s room to assist with wayfinding

Memory Care Facility Services

Memory care services include private or semi-private housing, three daily meals, and snacks. These facilities also offer specialized therapeutic recreational programs to help delay the development of dementia symptoms and improve residents’ overall quality of life.

These programs include:

• Pet therapy
• Dementia therapy
• Memory games
• Music therapy
• Speech therapy
• In-house worship services
• Escorted outings to local attractions

What Sets Memory Care Apart From Traditional Assisted Living?

The primary role of memory care is to provide a secure, structured setting with set routines to reduce stress for individuals with memory impairment. Like the staff at assisted living communities, the memory care staff provides residents with meals and assists with personal care tasks.

However, memory care employees have special training to handle the unique issues that affect those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They monitor residents more regularly and offer extra support for their daily living. On the other hand, traditional assisted living facilities expect residents to manage their time, and staff check on them less frequently.

One of the biggest safety concerns for dementia patients is that they are prone to wander and can easily get lost. Therefore, memory care facilities usually have enclosed outdoor areas, alarmed doors, and elevators with access-control features to keep residents on-site.

Some facilities offer tracking bracelets, allowing residents to explore their surroundings as the staff monitors their whereabouts.

Is Memory Care Right for Your Loved One?

Now that you can answer, “what is memory care?”, you may wonder if it is suitable for your loved one. Many individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can live independently during the early stages of the disease. However, a time may come when your loved one needs more specialized care than you can provide at home.

So, how do you tell if memory care would suit your loved one? Answering these questions will help you make an informed decision:

• Does the current environment feel unsafe for your loved one?
• Are you unable to meet your loved one’s personal care needs?
• Have you neglected your other responsibilities, including work, family, and personal obligations?
• Does caring for the person negatively affect your mental and emotional health?
• Would the social support at a memory care facility benefit your loved one?

Find the Best Memory Care in East Northport

In answering the question, “what is memory care?”, it would be best to recommend some of the best memory care facilities. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable facility in East Northport, look no further than Birchwood Suites Assisted Living Community.

To learn more about Birchwood Suites or to schedule a tour, please call 631-368-5252 or email admissions@birchwoodsuites.com.