Dementia is a complex condition, and it leads to a range of unusual symptoms. Without the right type of care, dementia can sometimes be extremely frustrating for older adults and their families alike. Fortunately, you aren’t alone.
Helping a loved one with dementia involves several steps. You’ll want to understand their needs, stay patient and adaptable, and consider professional help. With support from a memory care community, you can step in and help your loved one.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function. It’s not a specific condition—the term describes changes in the brain that interfere with daily life.
While dementia is often associated with aging, it’s not a normal part of growing older. Instead, it’s the result of physical changes to the brain. Specific underlying conditions like Alzheimer’s disease damage specific regions in the brain, and this leads to cognitive decline.
Dementia is extremely complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this condition. It develops as a result of a combination of genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and other factors.
How Dementia Affects the Brain
As dementia progresses, it alters the way the brain functions. Dementia eventually changes the brain itself by damaging the cells used for communication between brain regions. This creates new challenges for both older adults and their caregivers.
Dementia can cause:
- Memory loss, which can make it hard to remember people, places, or events.
- Difficulty communicating, leading to frustration for everyone involved.
- Wandering, which can pose safety concerns.
- Trouble with everyday tasks, such as eating, dressing, or managing medications.
- Changes in mood or behavior, like aggression or withdrawal from loved ones.
Fortunately, you aren’t alone if a loved one is living with dementia. Memory care can help provide the right support.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care isn’t like other lifestyle options for older adults. Instead, it’s uniquely designed to support those living with dementia and cognitive decline.
Unlike traditional assisted living, memory care communities are specifically tailored to meet the challenges of cognitive decline. These communities provide a structured, supportive environment that focuses on safety, routine, and personalized activities. The goal is to create a predictable, low-stress environment where older adults can live safely.
One stand-out feature in memory care is the caregivers themselves. Caregivers in memory care go above and beyond to learn more about conditions like dementia. Meanwhile, they undergo additional training to better support older adults in need. This means your loved one can live in an environment where their challenges are understood—and met.
The Benefits of Memory Care for Seniors
Moving a loved one to memory care may feel like a big step. However, it’s extremely helpful for older adults in need. It offers plenty of benefits designed to maintain quality of life.
Personalized Care
One of the key advantages of memory care is personalized care. Every resident receives a customized care plan that clearly outlines their abilities and needs.
Trained caregivers then help with:
- Daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Medication management.
- Encouraging and supporting independence.
- Emotional and social engagement.
- Monitoring health and safety.
This approach means your loved one will always have access to the support they need.
A Safe Environment
Safety is a top priority in memory care communities. These settings are designed to reduce risks posed by dementia, like wandering or accidents. To do so, memory care communities use features such as:
- Secured entrances and exits
- Emergency response systems
- Clearly marked signage
- Non-slip flooring
- Enclosed outdoor spaces
A structured environment minimizes confusion and anxiety for residents. By creating a predictable daily routine, memory care helps residents feel more at ease every day.
Structured Activities
Memory care communities work hard to keep residents mentally and socially engaged. Spending time in social activities can often slow cognitive decline, so these communities offer a range of engaging programs and activities.
Some popular activities in memory care include:
- Art and music therapy
- Fitness classes
- Group discussions
- Puzzles and brain games
- Gardening activities
- Storytelling sessions
These activities can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment for seniors. They also help maintain cognitive function for longer.
How to Tell If It’s Time for Memory Care
It’s not always easy to decide when a loved one needs more help than you can provide. However, these signs indicate it’s time to consider a change:
- Frequent forgetfulness that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks independently
- Confusion with time, places, or people
- Increased agitation, anxiety, or mood swings
- A noticeable decline in personal hygiene or home upkeep
- Wandering or getting lost in familiar areas
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to consider memory care for your loved one.
How Memory Care Can Help Your Family
Making the decision to move a loved one to memory care can be emotional. However, it’s important to remember that this decision is about maintaining quality of life. Memory care is a chance to preserve your loved one’s lifestyle by giving them the help they deserve.
There’s no need to worry—you’re not alone. Our team at Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is here to support your family. Schedule a tour with our community today, and let our team help.
