Caring for a family member or loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult. Seniors with memory loss require specialized care and attention that you may not be able to provide while juggling other responsibilities. A dedicated memory care community can be one of the best ways to ensure your loved one has the best quality of life possible.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of being in a memory care community and how to find the best memory care services for your loved one.

Benefits of Memory Care for Seniors

A memory care community isn’t your average senior living facility. These communities are designed specifically for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. From thoughtful architecture and safety features to highly-trained staff and specialized activities, memory care is tailored to the needs of those with memory loss.

Here are just a handful of memory care benefits to consider.

Specialized Care

The professionals at a memory care community are trained in the type of care people with dementia and Alzheimer’s require. As the Mayo Clinic explains, most people with dementia eventually need outside care.

A memory care community provides more supervision and specialized care than what’s available through a traditional assisted living facility. Trained staff care for your loved one to ensure they’re safe and also assist with tasks like personal hygiene and dressing, medication management, dietary needs, and more.

Safe Environment

The need for a comprehensive safety plan becomes vital as dementia progresses, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. People with dementia are prone to wandering and may not understand why they can’t do typical activities like driving or cooking.

Memory care communities are designed to be safe and secure for patients with memory loss. This starts with added security features such as locked or monitored doors and also extends to thoughtful architecture and design. At The Moments, we provide heated flooring throughout the building to minimize sensory issues. Additionally, smooth flooring and a continuous foot-traffic flow throughout our spaces minimizes frustration and encourages independence.

These small design considerations can go a long way in creating an environment that’s both safe and comfortable for residents.

Stage-Appropriate Activities

Memory care activities help residents be more engaged, encourage their independence, and boost their self-esteem. At a memory care community, activities are tailored to both the interests and abilities of residents.

Stage-appropriate activities are important for keeping residents engaged while avoiding frustration. For instance, a resident in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may enjoy a more challenging 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, while a resident in the later stages may require a puzzle with fewer, larger pieces.

Tailored Schedules

Another important benefit of memory care for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s is the ability to balance personalized care and independence. It’s important to honor a resident’s individuality while fine-tuning care to support their specific wants and needs.

Team members take the time to understand your loved one and their unique life stories to tailor a schedule to their needs and interests while still prioritizing their safety and a healthy routine.

Social Engagement

Living with dementia or Alzheimer’s can feel extremely isolating. Healthline emphasizes that social visits with friends and family may help lower the risk of dementia, and social engagement is equally important for patients with memory loss.

One of the many benefits of being in a memory care community is the ample opportunities for residents to socialize in a safe, enjoyable environment. Whether it’s taking a walk in the garden or doing arts and crafts, residents have a joyful atmosphere to spend time in other people’s company..

Choosing a Memory Care Facility for Your Loved One

Even after knowing the benefits of memory care for elderly parents, making this decision can be a difficult one. Many people are often torn between the benefits of memory care versus care at home. The latter can seem like an appealing option to help keep your loved one comfortable and in a familiar environment. It’s also easy to assume that home care is more affordable.

However, this isn’t always the case. Hiring a home care agency can be pricey, and having your loved one at home can pose more risks as dementia progresses. For instance, they may try to drive or cook and accidentally leave the stove on if they’re not constantly monitored.

The specialized care and environment of a memory care community for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s are something you can’t replicate at home. And the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is safe and looked after by highly trained staff is priceless.

Learn more about our Memory Care program at The Moments today.