The Adventure Club doing arts & crafts

What Does a Memory Care Facility Do?

If you are in search of a long-term care option for your loved one who has been diagnosed with a form of memory loss, you might be researching a memory care facility. But what does a memory care facility do? What is the difference between memory care and assisted living communities? At The Moments Memory Care, we have re-imagined caring for those with memory loss. As you begin your journey to find the best community for your loved one, this article highlights key attributes of a memory care community. We hope this information will serve as a guide as you explore the best options for your family.

What is Memory Care? 

Memory care is a form of a senior living that provides specialized care for individuals suffering memory loss. Residents of a memory care facility have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a form of dementia. Specialized memory care communities, like The Moments Memory Care, are staffed by caring individuals who have specific training to compassionately and knowledgeably care for people living with memory loss. Additionally, specialized memory care living communities are designed with the safety and security of its residents as the utmost priority. 

What is the Difference Between Memory Care and Assisted Living? 

A memory care facility and an assisted living facility offer different services and specialties. Being able to distinguish between these different types of long-term living communities is a step in determining the best community for your loved one. 

Assisted Living Facility Definition

Assisted living provides a home-like setting for older adults who may require some level of medical and personal care in their day-to-day lives, which can be arranged in an ala carte service agreement. An assisted living center might have a unit dedicated to caring for patients with memory loss rather than a fully-integrated specialty. The services offered and definition of assisted living is fairly fluid and varies from facility to facility. 

Memory Care Community 

A memory care facility is completely dedicated to care for those with memory loss. The level of care – personal and medical –  as well as services offered by a memory care community, like The Moments, cannot be matched by a standard assisted living facility. 

The Benefits of a Memory Care Facility 

We recognize that the journey of finding a long-term housing option for a loved one with memory loss is an emotional rollercoaster. That’s okay. As you continue on this journey, we hope to assist by highlighting some of the many benefits of a memory care community for anyone who is living with memory loss. 

Socialization to Reduce Feelings of Isolation 

Many older adults may feel lonely and isolated following an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. A memory care community provides residents with the opportunity to socialize throughout the day with caregivers, nurses, staff and fellow residents. At The Moments, residents socialize by participating in activities like an art class or listening to a musical performance and they also eat their meals together. Living in a memory care community, your loved one will never be alone. 

Moments residents

Activities to Stimulate the Mind & Body

Daily stimulation of the mind and body is critical for the wellbeing of all human beings. At The Moments Memory Care, we offer a variety of activities both on-site and off-site that are specifically created to benefit the health and wellness of our residents -in fact, this is one of our founding principles. From music therapy to garden activities and wildlife therapy, our residents have countless opportunities to engage in an activity that stimulates their mind and body. For our more independent and adventurous residents, The Moments Adventure Club enjoys weekly outings to educational and experiential destinations.

Highest Levels of Safety and Security

A reality of memory loss is that an individual may become increasingly dangerous to themselves on their own. We know from personal experience the anxiety this can cause in the lives of that person’s loved ones. When someone with memory loss lives in a memory care community like The Moments, you can be assured that they are safe at all times. The Moments was designed architecturally specifically for residents living with memory loss. We have the latest security measures in place to make sure that residents are safe, without making them feel any less free or at home. 

Specialized Personal Care

For individuals diagnosed with memory loss, the approach to care is uniquely different. At a memory care community like The Moments, our staff is specially trained to compassionately care for and interact with residents living with memory loss. Prioritizing the highest-level of professional care, we have: 

  • on-site 24-hour nursing seven days a week 
  • a full-time Medical Director 
  • a low staff-to-resident ratio

Memory Care Community Meals 

At a memory care facility, all the meals are provided and residents are assisted with their meals, as necessary. At The Moments, we have a dedicated culinary director on staff who not only graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, but also creates customized meals for our residents. Unlike other communities, we pride ourselves in having the ability to cater to any dietary restriction.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost? 

If you are considering a memory care community the financial obligation is a significant consideration. On average, a specialized memory care community costs more than an assisted living facility due to the elevated level of medical and personal care provided for residents. In exchange, families have peace-of-mind knowing that their loved one is receiving specialized care that enhances their loved ones’ wellbeing. 

Memory Care at The Moments 

Many times, families feel a burden of guilt when it comes time to move their loved one into a memory care community. At The Moments, we wish to relieve you of that guilt by ensuring you that your family member is cared for, loved, and safe at all times. We cannot tell you the number of times that a family member has asked us, “Why did we wait?”

Enjoy a virtual visit or contact us to find out how we can help your family make this difficult transition easier. Browse testimonials from our resident families and hear what they have to say.

TAKE A TOUR

Our resident specialist will give you a private tour of The Moments Memory Care Community and answer any questions you may have.

THE MOMENTS
COVID-19
Safety Protocols

Our HVAC system was uniquely designed to deliver six complete air changes per hour which means clean air, safer air, throughout the building. Our resident rooms have individual fresh air and filtration above the windows, both designed to increase safety and sanitation levels.

Our normal protocol includes rigorous daily disinfecting of resident rooms and common areas. During every shift, staff disinfects doors, handrails and other common areas.

Meals have shifted from community gatherings to small group, socially distanced meals that are served in shifts, tables and chairs are sanitized after each seating.

ALL residents and staff are tested bi-weekly, at a minimum and take temperature checks are conducted daily of all residents.

Anybody – staff, caregivers, residents, vendors – who enters The Moments will pass through the ENTRY where Far-UVC lighting will inactivate surface-level viruses and bacteria

Additionally, prior to each
shift staff:

  • Undergo a health
    screening, temperature
    check and contact risk
    evaluation surveys prior
    to entering the building
  • Are required to wear a
    facemask and goggles
    at all times
  • Constantly conducting
    thorough handwashing
    and hand sanitization
    during their shifts

Essential caregivers/visitors
are required to:

 

  • Undergo a health
    screening, temperature
    check and contact risk
    evaluation surveys prior
    to entering the building
  • Wear masks during
    their visit
Published On: May 12, 2021