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Caring for someone living with memory impairment comes with its own set of unique challenges, and can often lead to the need for more and specialized care. This is where an assisted living community specializing in memory care may be a great option.

Because of their many benefits, families often consider an assisted living community that specializes in memory care when more personal attention is required for their loved one than can be provided for at home.

Staff at memory care communities receive training to be able to provide the best care for residents living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. This allows them to provide the best care for your loved one and their specific needs. At Northbridge, all of our associates go through Brass Ring Dementia Training. This provides a foundation on the importance of a person-centered approach to care and allows for confidence in caregiving.

In addition to associates who are specifically trained to care for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, there are other benefits to life in a memory care community. Residents enjoy a higher quality of life because everything is tailored to what they need or what works best for them. We will touch upon the many benefits that memory care residents enjoy after moving into a community.

How Senior Living Communities Can Enrich the Lives of Memory Care Residents

Take a moment to consider the following memory care features and how your loved one will be encouraged to live a full and meaningful life:

A community designed for them

Most homes weren’t created for aging, accessibility or to be a safe memory care environment. And most family members aren’t trained in how best to provide care, activities and attention to a loved one living with dementia. It will be necessary for both the individual and the caregiver to adapt as they navigate the changing needs required by this progressive disease.

There is great relief, however, when moving into a community that is designed to create a comfortable, welcoming and safe environment. Memory care residents will have cues, signs, symbols or other architectural and design elements to help them become familiar with their surroundings, lessening frustration and anxiety and boosting feelings of independence. Check out our blog, Design in a Memory Care Community – the use of Environment to Foster Independence to learn more!

A private residence that is accessible and a genuine home

Privacy and accessibility are still essential for those living with dementia. Memory care residents appreciate having their own space where they can retire during the day, feel safe and enjoy the familiarity of their favorite belongings.

Communities design both their common areas and personal residences to provide comfort and safety for their residents. Families can help personalize their loved one’s space to truly create a home, including bringing a favorite chair, framed photos or crafting a memory box together.

Opportunities to meet new people and socially interact

Individuals with dementia may self-isolate or find themselves separated from others often due to uncertainty or fear. Sometimes as memory impairment progresses, keeping up with conversation becomes challenging and people will retreat and shy away from opportunities to connect and socialize with others. This can be very detrimental to both physical and cognitive health. Research continues to show that providing opportunities to interact, even for small amounts of time, can significantly improve their quality of life.

Communities understand the importance for their memory care residents to remain connected. They offer many programs and opportunities to relate to others, either at social events, planned activities or in the common areas and dining rooms.

Healthy dining tailored to capabilities and preferences

Good nutrition is also essential for those living with cognitive impairment, but dining can become a challenge as the disease progresses. Your loved one may find meals more difficult as they navigate the food, utensils or place settings.

In a memory care community, residents are accompanied to the dining room and supported to eat well. The chef-prepared food is appealing to both the palate and the eye. Personal accommodations are made to help maintain dignity and independence for those who may struggle to remain seated while eating or to recognize certain foods and utensils.

Choice of fun and meaningful activities

Even if someone is struggling with activities or may no longer enjoy the hobbies they had in the past, quality of life is still greatly influenced by days filled with stimulation, interest and joy.

When learning about and visiting memory care communities, you’ll discover that they offer a wide range of activities that can be modified to meet the abilities of their memory care residents, such as baking, art or physical fitness.

Participation in therapies designed to stimulate and soothe

Memory care communities typically offer several types of therapies for their residents, including pet, music, art, aroma, reminiscence or other sensory options. Not only can these activities encourage memory care residents to connect but also support them to remain engaged in the world around them.

Benefits of these therapies can include stimulating the brain, helping to promote memories, a reduction of anxiety and frustrations and generating positive feelings about themselves.

Physical and cognitive fitness opportunities

Remaining in shape and physically active is just as important for those who are living with dementia. Along with reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, regular physical activity can benefit the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Communities provide their memory care residents access to physical fitness programs either with a fitness center or instructor led classes. Benefits can also include a delay in mental decline, improved sleep and elevating their sense of self-confidence and mood.

At Northbridge, our memory care program is called Avita and it’s special place where residents thrive and families find peace of mind. Our Avita program can be found in stand along communities and also as secure neighborhoods within some of our assisted living communities. Click here to find an Avita Memory Care program near you!