What Is Memory Care?

Navigating a dementia diagnosis within your family can be a significant challenge. There can be many unknowns and even question marks about what the future looks like. Supervision and care can also weigh greatly on your mind.

If your family is in this very situation and you’re beginning to explore new living options, you can learn more about what Memory Care is and what it could offer your family below.

Memory Care is a care program within a senior living community designed to cater to the needs of people living with dementia. Most communities cater to a range of seniors living with various forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Specialized care teams provide round-the-clock care, supervision, and support services to help people living with dementia retain their life skills, health, and well-being for as long as possible.

Structured Living Environments

Integral to a Memory Care program is a structured living environment. As you tour senior living communities to find one you believe will suit your family member’s needs, you may notice that living environments differ from those in regular care programs.

There are often secure layouts to promote safety and prevent wandering. You can also expect secure entrances and exits along with well-defined pathways to avoid confusion.

Personalized Care

Just as we need individualized care throughout our lives, we also need it as we age. Living with dementia is no different. Most highly regarded senior living communities offering Memory Care programs will prioritize personalized care to suit their residents’ unique needs.

Most residents receive tailored care plans that factor in their cognitive abilities, needs, preferences, and overall health statuses. Such a personalized approach can be invaluable for ensuring all people living with dementia receive as much support as they need to feel independent, happy, and healthy.

Memory Care Activities and Therapies

Depending on the community you choose, Memory Care activities and therapies are typically a huge part of everyday life for Memory Care residents. Most Memory Care activities and therapies revolve around stimulating cognitive function, promoting social interaction, and enjoying celebration and positive experiences.

Many leading senior living communities offer dining programs, resident evaluation programs, health and wellness programs, and social activities and outings.

Daily Living Support

Memory Care residents often need help to get the most out of everyday life. Eventually, daily tasks like bathing, meal preparation, dressing, and hygiene become too much to manage. When that time comes, specialized care teams within Memory Care programs step in to help.

Memory Care residents can receive help with a range of daily tasks that they may otherwise struggle with. This can provide family members with much-needed peace of mind.

When to Consider Memory Care

Dementia is an umbrella term for memory loss and the loss of language, problem-solving, and thinking abilities. It can get worse over time, which means it’s not always easy to know when to explore care programs for a family member who has received a dementia diagnosis.

However, there can be signs that now might be a good time to begin exploring your options:

You have safety concerns, such as leaving a stove on or wandering away from home
You’ve noticed forgetfulness and confusion that affect everyday activities
Your loved one is no longer managing their personal care or medications
You’ve identified increased isolation and decreased social interactions.

Learn More About Memory Care at Caydance Assisted Living & Memory Care

You might not know everything there is to know about Memory Care just yet, but you can become well-informed before long. Contact Caydance Assisted Living & Memory Care today to talk to the dedicated care team about Memory Care options for your family member. We look forward to getting to know you.