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Have you been providing care for a loved one who is living with dementia? If so, you may have considered whether the level of attention needed is beginning to exceed what you can make available at home.

As a progressive disease, families often discover they are no longer able to keep their loved one safe, secure and engaged. If you’re not familiar with the care options, a memory care community can provide opportunities to maintain as high a quality of life as possible while remaining safe and secure.

What is memory care?

A memory care community provides residential care for those individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Communities are designed to create a welcoming and secure environment so residents can maintain a comfortable home life while receiving the many benefits of therapies and amenities tailored to meet their needs.

Consider the advantages waiting for your loved one when your family discovers memory care:

1. What is memory care? A residence that can be personalized to become home

Home is wherever we live and it’s important that your loved one has private space to call their own. Communities may offer different living options but you’ll want to ensure the residence can be personalized to make it feel like home.

Memory care residences are accessible and age-friendly. Communities encourage residents to bring treasured possessions to help create a feeling of comfort and reassurance. Families also often create a unique door entrance to support their loved one’s recognition upon returning home.

2. What is memory care? A specially trained and nurturing staff

In an assisted living community, residents receive care from staff who are trained to assist with the tasks of daily living. While memory care offers this same assistance, it is provided by those who are specially trained in dementia care.

They are experienced in knowing how to interact with and provide encouragement to seniors living with dementia. They also use techniques to reduce the anxiety that can result from memory impairment. You’ll also discover the care team has special knowledge and skills in the best practices of dementia care.

Download our complimentary guide Just the Facts: Memory Care.

3. What is memory care? A community focused on safety and independence

Memory care communities are designed to not only keep their residents safe but also to minimize the frustration from feeling as if their movements are being restricted. Using colors, signs and other cues, residents can more easily find their way around.

You’ll notice that all entrances are monitored and secured so residents are not able to leave unnoticed or unattended. However, dedicated outdoor areas are created to allow secure freedom of movement from indoors without being at risk of wandering off the site.

4. What is memory care? Healthy dining and assistance when needed

Eating well is important for those who are living with dementia. However, it can become more difficult if they begin to struggle recognizing certain foods or are unable to navigate utensils and plateware.

Communities provide special implements and dinnerware to help minimize confusion for the resident. For those who are not comfortable remaining seated, finger foods may be provided so an individual can walk while eating. Staff are always present for any assistance that may be needed.

5. What is memory care? Activities and social events

Those living with dementia may withdraw or self-isolate which can be detrimental to their health. Memory care communities plan activities and social events that are specially tailored to those living with dementia.

Socializing with the other residents and staff is essential for living well. You’ll discover many opportunities for your loved one to interact and participate. Communities ensure that all activities are supported and suited for an individual’s ability or preferences.

6. What is memory care? Specialized therapy programs

Communities can offer several therapy programs that can be beneficial to those living with dementia, including pet, music, art, aroma and opportunities to stimulate memories and reminisce.

Engaging in these programs can be enjoyable and may also slow the symptoms of dementia. Your loved one might listen to music, connect with pets, create an art project that communicates emotions or experience the tactile wonder of gardening. These activities can inspire confidence and encouragement while minimizing anxiety and restlessness.

7. What is memory care? A meaningful life for your loved one

Memory care communities can often provide the safety, amenities and programs that your home cannot. And if you are the primary caregiver, the 24/7 level of care that will eventually be required is a heavy weight of responsibility to assume.

When visiting a memory care community, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss with the staff how they are able to help reduce stress and anxiety, keep the residents safe from wandering and remain engaged as the disease progresses and their abilities and preferences change.

Perhaps most importantly, however, is understanding how your loved one will still maintain a quality of life with such a level of support. This will also allow you to return to enjoying your time spent together instead of feeling overwhelmed with caretaking responsibilities.

Discover life at a Northbridge community.

If you’re considering senior living for yourself or a family member, we hope you’ll visit one of our communities. You’ll find a maintenance-free, activity-filled and engaging lifestyle to help support your wellness goals.

You’ll also discover many benefits in a Northbridge Senior Living community, including our Signature Program S.T.A.R. Club (Sharp Thinking, Active Residents) – which offers our residents several activities to participate in with others, including:

• Daily exercise group
• Walking club
• Tai Chi & yoga
• Nutritional classes
• Library and book club
• Museum outings
• Artists in residence program
• Multi-generational music
• Genealogy Generations

We’re here to answer any of your questions and invite you to download our complimentary guide Just the Facts: Memory Care. Please contact us if we can provide further information or if you would like to schedule a personalized tour.