What Is Memory Care?
Memory loss is one of the most dreaded conditions for older adults. In the early stages of dementia, people become forgetful, have trouble finding the right words to say and understanding what others say, get lost when driving in familiar areas, and become more emotional.
As the condition progresses, people become easily confused; get lost at home; don’t recognize familiar people and things; and need help with bathing, dressing and eating. Personality changes become more noticeable, and even close family members become unrecognizable.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, can progress from mild to more severe over a period of years. Providing support for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias in a safe, structured environment is what memory care is all about.
What is a memory care community?
Memory care communities are residential spaces that cater to the specific needs of seniors with memory loss. For example, to prevent residents who wander from getting lost or hurt, memory care offers a secure environment with locked and alarmed exterior doors. Many memory care communities offer tracking bracelets that give residents freedom to explore but still allow staff to monitor their location. Most memory care communities also have secure gardens and courtyards to allow residents to safely spend time outdoors.
Layouts are also designed to reduce confusion and promote calm. Softer colors and clear signage are common touches. Memory boxes full of personal items next to each room help residents who forget their room number find their way.
Staff are specially trained in dementia care.
Staff members in a memory care community typically receive specialized training in caring for people with memory loss. They understand strategies and techniques to prevent and minimize wandering, combative behaviors and sundowning. When researching memory care communities, be sure to ask about staff numbers. Ideally, there are more trained staff on duty in a memory care setting than you’d find in an assisted living or independent living community.
Activities are designed to be engaging and meaningful.
Activities offered in memory care facilities are designed to be cognitively stimulating for residents. Programs may include reminiscence therapy, puzzles, music groups, and hobbies that are personally meaningful for individual residents. Mealtimes also offer opportunities for residents to engage with friends and family and feel a sense of community.
ESPRIT: A personal approach to memory care.
At Retirement Center Management communities, our ESPRIT memory care program takes a personal approach to memory care. We work with residents and their families to understand each individual’s likes, dislikes and personal history. By getting to know residents on a personal level, we can structure their days with activities that are engaging, meaningful and enjoyable.
To learn more about what memory care is like at an RCM community, contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions or schedule a tour so you can see for yourself how our memory care communities can help your loved one live their best possible life.