What to Expect in Memory Care

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be overwhelming for any family to manage. Not making it any easier is knowing you may need to consider Memory Care to help your loved one stay safe and lead an enriching and fulfilled life.

Fortunately, Memory Care programs within well-established senior living communities can be just what your family needs to enjoy peace of mind. When you contact trusted senior living communities offering Memory Care, you can typically expect the following:

A Safe and Secure Living Environment

Getting lost is one of the most common symptoms of dementia. It’s not uncommon for people who have received a diagnosis to wander off and be unable to find their way home again. This can cause a great deal of stress and worry for caregivers.

Rest assured, many outstanding Memory Care programs prioritize safe and secure living environments. They install secured entrances and exits that are locked or monitored and create safe rooms and environments to prevent residents from getting lost. Furniture can also be arranged to avoid falls.

Senior living communities also have response systems in place in case of emergencies. Most communities go out of their way to prioritize safety and security at all times.

Specialized Care

Seniors living with dementia typically require a different level of care compared to other seniors. In most senior living communities with Memory Care programs, specialized care teams are always available. They offer 24/7 supervision and assistance and can help with tasks like eating, bathing, and dressing.

Care associates also help with medication management and cognitive therapies and activities that revolve around stimulation, celebration, and social interaction.

Personalized Care Plans

People living with dementia already receive specialized care in most Memory Care programs, but they can also receive personalized care plans. These plans are created with input from care associates, family members, and healthcare providers to ensure residents get what they need as individuals. Most care plans incorporate physical and mental health goals, personal interests and social engagement needs, and dietary preferences and restrictions.

Engagement and Socialization

Social isolation is linked to poor cognition in aging. As a result, most of the best senior living communities go out of their way to prioritize socialization and engagement. Arts and crafts, exercise and fitness programs, and games are some of the many ways in which residents living with dementia are encouraged to engage and socialize.   

Memorable Mealtimes

Dementia can change the way individuals experience food. It’s common to have no appetite, forget to eat and drink, and lose the ability to tell when they are hungry or thirsty or whether food is hot or cold. Some people living with dementia crave particular foods and have difficulty feeding themselves.

While some of these challenges can be hard to overcome, specialized care associates in Memory Care programs have many measures to help their residents. Dining programs prioritizing personalized dining experiences are common, aiming to stimulate the senses, enhance appetites, improve food enjoyment, and encourage socialization.

Improved Quality of Life

There may come a time when you realize your loved one is not getting what they need in a traditional living environment. They may be struggling with their health, happiness, and overall well-being. In that case, exploring Memory Care programs can make sense. Many senior living communities strive to improve their residents’ quality of life.

They can do this by providing consistency and routine in a structured environment that promotes predictability. With constant monitoring, there may also be fewer medical emergencies since medical needs are typically addressed quickly.

Families may also notice less stress, especially while knowing professional care is in place for their family member.  

Explore Memory Care at Prestonwood Court

If the time has come to explore Memory Care programs for a family member who has received a dementia diagnosis, consider Prestonwood Court in Plano, Texas. Our standout Memory Care program is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Contact us to learn more today.