Do you have a loved one who is experiencing a condition that causes cognitive decline and memory loss? 

Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia are common amongst the elderly. There are nearly 10 million new cases of dementia every year worldwide. It’s a debilitating illness with no known cure. 

Many people choose to put their elderly loved ones in memory care when they can no longer manage their dementia. A memory care facility is a great way to help your elderly loved ones while they’re in their twilight years.

But how does memory care help? Is an assisted living facility really the best choice for your loved one, or should you keep them at home? 

Keep reading to learn all about how memory care helps seniors who are experiencing dementia or other types of memory loss or cognitive decline. 

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a type of assisted living. It’s often offered at standard retirement and assisted living communities, and many seniors find that they need to transition into memory care as they get older.

Memory care specifically focuses on people who have cognitive decline from dementia. 

People with dementia struggle with their memories, behavior, cognitive abilities, and even completing simple tasks. As dementia develops, people struggle to take care of themselves.

Memory care facilities help. They can help seniors transition into a safe and peaceful lifestyle and even take steps to improve or maintain their cognitive abilities.

While there’s no cure for dementia, it can be manageable with the proper care. Here are a few benefits of memory care as they apply to dementia patients. 

Security

One of the biggest problems that people with dementia face is security. It’s also one of the issues with keeping your elderly loved ones with dementia home with you.

People with dementia are prone to leaving the house without warning. They may wander around late at night or in the early mornings when no one is around to monitor them. 

This is a huge hazard.

When your loved one is in a memory care facility, you know that they’re secure. There’s staff nearby to check on your loved one and the doors are locked and monitored. 

When your loved one wants to go outside, they have the security of enclosed grounds and caretakers. 

Safety

Speaking of security, safety is also a problem for people who are experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline. Not only are there safety issues associated with wandering around unattended, but other problems can arise.

While many elderly people are at risk of falls and injuries, people with dementia may be at greater risk. Falls are not an inherent risk of dementia, but that doesn’t mean that dementia doesn’t influence them. 

People with dementia often aren’t getting enough physical activity. They also may not remember places where they’ve fallen in the past, or take notice of their surroundings. 

Someone with dementia may also not be able to voice their problems. If someone is experiencing illness or pain, the average onlooker might not notice. 

In memory care, there’s always someone nearby who can identify any risks or problems and help when necessary. 

Enrichment Opportunities

Enrichment is crucial for people who are experiencing cognitive decline and memory loss. While you can enrich an elderly family member at home, it’s far better for them to have full-time enrichment opportunities when they’re in a memory care facility.

At these facilities, people with dementia still maintain social lives while they’re able to. Because there are other people in memory care, they can all interact and bond. This helps with maintaining good cognitive health. 

People in memory care also stay on their own schedules. When you’re taking care of someone at home, it’s easy to fall into the habit of letting them do things at their own pace. While it’s important to let people make their own decisions and stay comfortable, establishing a routine is actually good for cognition. 

People in memory care will also get to partake in enrichment activities like art, physical activity (if possible), and games. Staying active both mentally and physically can help with memory and cognition. 

Experienced Staff

Caregiving is hard work, and it’s a full-time job. Keeping your loved one at home might mean that you struggle with balance or that you aren’t able to give them the care and attention that they need. 

In a memory care facility, you know that there are compassionate and experienced staff members nearby at all times to help your loved one. 

Your loved one will receive around-the-clock care. Caregivers can help with daily tasks, enrichment activities, and healthcare needs. In the event of a medical emergency, your loved one can get help right away.

Personal Care

In a memory care facility, you know that your loved one is going to receive personalized care plans and attentive care for all of their needs. 

People with cognitive conditions need help with normal tasks. They may need help bathing, using the restroom, housekeeping, and even remembering to take their medications. This can be dangerous if there’s no one nearby to help.

While this is overwhelming for someone who isn’t a professional caregiver, a memory care facility is a perfect place for this. 

Does Your Loved One Need Memory Care?

Memory care is the best option for people who are experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s. It helps patients maintain certain cognitive abilities, stay social, and live happy and safe lives. 

A memory care facility is the safest and most secure place that your loved one can go. 

If you’re looking for memory care in Washington DC, we want to help. At Maple Heights Senior Living, our compassionate team is ready to help your loved one. Contact us to schedule a tour today.