Every day in America, an estimated 10,000 people turn 65. It’s a figure that shows just how rapidly America’s population is aging. 

While there are certainly good things that come with aging, many people also experience health challenges at this stage of life. A common threat is dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases of the disease reported yearly worldwide. The commonest form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for up to 70 percent of all dementia cases. 

Given that dementia involves memory loss, many people with this condition seek help in memory care nursing homes. But before you enroll your senior loved one in a memory care facility, it’s essential to know what to expect from these centers. 

In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the things memory care facilities offer residents. Let’s dive right in.

A Safe and Calming Environment

One of the common behaviors people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia exhibit is wandering. It’s a dangerous habit, as your loved one could get lost or hurt while wandering. That’s why secure memory care is so crucial once your loved one gets dementia.

Just like in ordinary nursing homes, residents’ safety is a top priority in memory care facilities. Each facility ensures that exterior doors are securely locked or manned. This prevents residents from leaving unnoticed. 

Many of these facilities have gorgeous enclosed courtyards and gardens. The goal is to allow residents to safely spend as much time outdoors as they’d like. 

A memory care nursing home is designed to minimize confusion and disorientation. Spaces are usually clearly defined and well-lit. There’s minimal background noise, and the apartments are usually customized to serve the residents well.

All these thoughtful design elements help enhance a sense of calm, familiarity, and safety. Your loved one will immediately feel relaxed and at home.

Coordinates Care For Residents

An important service that your loved one will receive in a memory care facility is care coordination. Staff at the facility work closely to assess your loved one’s abilities and needs. 

Care coordination includes collaborating with other health care facilities to make sure that your loved one receives the care they need. Staff at the center will coordinate with such health care providers as your loved one’s:

• Primary care physician 
• Cardiologist 
• Podiatrist
• Dentist

The facility will also provide transportation to health care facilities to ensure your loved one keeps medical appointments.

Another aspect of coordinated care involves diabetes support and medication management. The facility may also coordinate rehabilitation services, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy. The idea is to bring these services onsite as required, helping make appointments more convenient for your loved one.

If your loved one is in need of hospice care, the memory care center will coordinate the service while keeping them as comfortable as possible.

Specialized Round-The-Clock Care For Alzheimer’s

Memory care homes offer their staff specialized regular training. That way, they are able to offer 24-7 top-grade care for residents with memory loss.

Top memory care facilities encourage residents to be as independent as possible. Your loved ones will be encouraged to use their abilities while still receiving all the support they require.

Most facilities keep a low staff-to-resident ratio to enhance social interaction between staff and residents. The goal is to ensure that each resident’s individual needs are taken care of properly. The facility’s staff helps your loved ones remain engaged in social and enriching activities to stimulate their memory and maintain their skills.

Person-Centered Dementia Care

Residents with dementia at memory care centers also receive treatment for symptoms of the condition. Staff at the center know how to manage the combative and difficult behaviors that characterize dementia. The workers use effective dementia management techniques that focus on non-drug approaches. 

The type of dementia care residents receive is highly personalized. Staff at the facility take time to understand the preferences, abilities, past experiences, and care needs of your loved one. They take the time to nurture a great relationship with you and your loved one to develop a holistic understanding of your loved one’s needs.

A person-centered dementia treatment helps meet the unique needs of your loved one. The plan supports both their physical and emotional well-being.

Supportive Therapies For Dementia

Residents with dementia receive a variety of supportive therapies to help with their condition. These therapies help improve relaxation, boost mood, and reduce agitation.

Among the types of therapy to expect is occupational therapy, whose aim is to compensate for cognitive decline and memory loss. Residents also receive music therapy, which helps with reducing aggressive behavior and boosting cognition. Art therapy is also encouraged in these centers to help slow cognitive decline and boost the quality of life.

Many facilities also offer pet therapy. In this case, a resident pet such as a cat or dog provides companionship to your loved one, which can prove helpful in boosting mental health. Aromatherapy may also be applied, where the scent is used to evoke memories and reduce agitation. 

In some memory care facilities, residents receive reminiscence therapy. This form of therapy uses touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste to help seniors with dementia remember certain people, places, and events.

Memory Care Nursing Homes Can Prove A Big Help For Your Loved One

If your senior loved one is experiencing memory loss, providing the care and support they need can prove a big challenge. Thankfully, there are memory care nursing homes dedicated to helping people with memory problems lead a fairly ordinary life. Enrolling your loved one in one of these facilities may just be the best gift you can give them at this stage of their life.

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