In general, memory care communities are places where people who are living with dementia can receive all the care and assistance they need in an environment designed for their safety and security. Top-tier memory care communities like Thrive Senior Living, however, have additional services designed to address both the physical and mental needs that are unique to them and their conditions. When considering memory care be sure to choose a community that offers these services.
Services provided by memory care communities
1. Detailed care plans
One of the essential services memory care communities provide is daily help with the basics like bathing, dressing and medication management. But some residents will need more help with tasks like getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, moving around the community, and eating. Each resident should have a care plan based on an assessment to determine what help they need, when they need it, and how best to manage that care. Care plans should also be revisited regularly to be sure the resident’s needs haven’t changed and help is adequate.
According to the BrightFocus Foundation article, “Developing a Dementia Care Plan,” care plans may include not only what help is needed but also, an overview of the resident, their health status, behavioral patterns, cognition level, spirituality, and communication capabilities. On a less personal level, residents should also receive services like housekeeping, laundry, and transportation to local appointments.
2. Attention to eating well
Dementia brings many challenges and one of the toughest is good nutrition because memory loss often affects how a senior views eating. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association article, “Food and Eating,” notes that they may not recognize food, food may not smell or taste the same, old favorites may be rejected and new foods preferred, and they may simply forget to eat or that they have eaten.
Memory care communities recognize these potential problems and who is affected so team members are ready to help. From getting to each meal to making well-balanced menu choices to actually eating the food, top memory care communities go the extra mile to make sure each resident is eating well. At the same time when new eating problems occur, they can be noted in care plans so the right help can be provided.
3. Independence with support
One of the most important goals modern memory care communities strive for is to help residents remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible. In the past, seniors living with dementia were often considered incapable of independence, but experts now realize that supporting independence boosts self-worth and helps improve quality of life.
Toward that end, memory care communities enable residents to embrace independence in a secure and structured environment where they feel safe and comfortable. The familiar surroundings allow residents to enjoy a variety of activities and events with friends, while families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones cannot wander away. Take an in-depth look at why independence matters, in the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation article, “Promoting Independence With Alzheimer’s Care.”
Download our “Memory Care” guide.
4. Commitment to mind and body fitness
Another way memory care communities work hard to enable residents is through exercising the body as well as the mind. Physically, loss of muscle mass that comes from a sedentary lifestyle can make it harder to remain healthy. To counter this, memory care communities engage residents in daily exercise classes like chair aerobics, playing physical games, and taking supervised walks around the grounds.
Also essential is mental exercise and memory care communities offer a range of possibilities. Among the favorites are arts and crafts, board games and puzzles, gardening and computer games, all of which are great ways to challenge the brain and stay engaged.
On a more focused level, top memory care communities offer on-site therapies to help residents meet challenges associated with their condition. These therapies can include speech therapy to help with communication, behavioral therapy for those with aggression, anxiety and other problems, occupational therapy for help with daily living tasks, and music therapy which can help reduce agitation and combative behavior. For a closer look at Thrive Memory Care, check out our blog, “What Is Memory Care?”
5. Trained professional staff
One of the biggest concerns of families when choosing a memory care community is that of team member qualifications. Dementia is a complex and often difficult condition that can make caring with compassion a challenge. That’s why the memory care team members at Thrive receive certified memory care training. Our team members not only understand dementia but work hard to constantly improve their specialized skills.
To find out more about memory care at Thrive Senior Living, download our “Memory Care” guide, then contact us to schedule a tour of one of our beautiful communities.