What Is Memory Care?
The short answer: Memory care is a specialized service that provides housing and 24-hour care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Trusted communities offer programming explicitly designed to help residents improve their quality of life through engaging activities and social interactions. Staff members are highly qualified, too, trained in de-escalation and dementia-care techniques.
This specialized training is absolutely critical as aggression is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
And while the general philosophies behind memory care are relatively consistent, facilities and programs vary—and the specifics of memory care are much more nuanced than what we’ve outlined above.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of memory care and find out why it might be the best option for you, your family, and any older adults you might know who struggle with progressive memory loss.
The Benefits of Memory Care Programs
As you’re probably already aware, dementia is often progressive. At first, your loved one might forget little things—like words or names. Then they might start to forget recent conversations and where they keep their valuables.
While frustrating, it’s only slightly inconvenient in the beginning. But eventually, this absentmindedness will evolve and everything your loved one has learned over their lifetime might disappear from memory.
In later stages of the disease, disorientation, confusion, and aggression also tend to get worse.
It’s painful to watch.
And as these symptoms become more prevalent and severe, you might find that your loved one is unable to live independently, which means you have to start researching your options.
Do you—and other members of your family—step in to act as full-time caregivers? Or do you bring in some outside support? What is memory care, exactly? Will any assisted living facility provide the right level of care?
It may be difficult for family to sufficiently care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia while also keeping up with the fast-paced nature of daily life. Still, the reality is that someone with advanced dementia needs 24-hour supervised care in a secure environment.
Memory care provides exceptional support for people with memory loss (and their families), and the benefits are pretty impressive:
- A safe, secure environment
- Caring staff trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care
- Facility designed to reduce confusion
- Person-centered dementia care
- Coordinated care with other healthcare providers
But what is memory care vs. assisted living?
Both are popular options for families of older adults—for good reason, too.
But they aren’t exactly the same.
Assisted living is for older adults who need extra help with daily living activities, while memory care is built specifically for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other forms of memory loss.
Here’s a closer look at how to benefits of each might compare:
| Benefits | Assisted Living | Memory Care |
| Help with ADLs Meal Service Medication Management Care Coordination Housekeeping & Laundry Fitness Classes Transportation Specialized Care 24-Hour Supervision Secured Entrances Memory Therapy | Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No | Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes |
When to Consider Memory Care Programs
As memory loss progresses, it may become difficult to provide the level of care your family member needs on a daily basis, especially if you live a busy life, juggling work, kids, and other social activities. Memory care can take some stress off your shoulders by supporting the unique needs of older adults while also helping them maintain a sense of independence and dignity.
If you recognize any of the following signs, it might be time to consider transitioning your loved one into a memory care facility:
- You find it increasingly difficult to manage your loved one’s behaviors, such as agitation and aggression.
- Your loved one suffers from poor hygiene.
- You and your loved one no longer get a healthy amount of sleep.
- You find that your loved one wanders, often forgetting where they are.
- You’re loved regularly slips or falls, resulting in injury.
- Your loved one isn’t eating well and experiencing unhealthy weight loss.
- You find yourself burnt out, frustrated, tired, and at the end of your rope.
What Is Memory Care at The Moments?
At The Moments, we specialize in Alzheimer’s Care, and we’re dedicated to providing a level of service that helps our residents live healthier, happier lives.
In pursuit of that goal, we combine 5-star hospitality standards with high-acuity specialized clinical services, a customized dining program, and daily housekeeping.
With well-trained staff and world-class facilities that are built for safety, you can trust that your loved one will receive the highest possible standard of care.
For more information, contact us today.
