Did you know that an estimated 10,000 DC seniors are living with dementia? That adds up to about 13% of the DC senior population, all of whom will need some form of care as they continue to age.

A memory care center is one of your best options. Memory care centers go beyond basic dementia and memory loss care. They also provide holistic day-to-day care that ensures a healthy and happy life. 

What, exactly, are the biggest benefits of a memory care center for seniors with memory loss? How can you decide if this is the best option for you or your loved one?

Read on to learn about the five top benefits of memory care centers for seniors.

1. Specialized Memory Care

Senior living facilities are open to all seniors, but specialized memory care is available to residents with memory loss and other cognitive processing issues. Treating seniors for memory loss should never come down to a one-size-fits-all approach. By joining a memory care center, each resident can work with trained staff members who will get to know them and their needs.

The goal is to create a memory care plan that aligns with each resident’s unique qualities. This includes things like personal and family history, personal preferences, and current cognitive abilities. Using tools like cognitive assessment tests, staff members can determine the best approach to treatment both in and out of the facility. 

Being able to get that care in a familiar environment is crucial. In a memory care facility, residents will feel right at home as they work with familiar and friendly staff members. This helps to limit feelings of confusion and frustration and creates an optimal memory care experience.

2. A Strong Sense of Communication and Social Opportunities 

Cognitive diseases like dementia can be exacerbated or accelerated by a variety of factors. One of them is isolation. In fact, seniors who live in isolated conditions are 50% more likely to show signs of dementia.

This is one of the reasons why aging at home isn’t always the best solution, even if it seems ideal. At home, seniors may not have as many chances to interact or build meaningful connections with others. This becomes more difficult when seniors have disabilities, both cognitive and physical, that limit their ability to leave the home.

At a memory care facility, community and socialization are key. There are always social activities to attend as well as shared amenities to enjoy with other residents. Residents get to know their caregivers and neighbors–and family and friends are always welcome.

3. Nutritional Wellness

Malnutrition is another concern for seniors with disabilities like dementia. Without proper care, this can become an unfortunate cycle. Seniors with memory loss may not have the ability to prepare and eat balanced meals which can, in turn, worsen memory loss.

Memory care facilities provide nutritious meals three times a day plus healthy snacking options. These meals are crafted based on nutrition science and the ideal diet for senior citizens. Memory care centers will also take personal dietary needs into account for each resident, ensuring everyone has great food to eat.

4. Safety and Security

If you have an elderly loved one with memory loss, one of your concerns is likely with their safety and security. What happens if they have an emergency at home? What happens if they leave the house and can’t find their way back?

At memory care facilities, safety and security are top priorities. 24/7 staff ensures that someone will respond to an emergency promptly, getting your loved one the medical attention they need. Plus, each private residence is designed with safety in mind, minimizing things like fall risks.

Memory care facilities also provide security. Memory loss patients can begin to wander more, giving family members cause for concern. A memory care center is monitored by staff members and the secured grounds prevent residents from getting lost.

5. Assistance With ADLs

ADLs refer to activities of daily living. This encompasses all of the day-to-day functions we are used to performing on our own that keep us safe, healthy, clean, and well-groomed. For example, cooking, eating, bathing, dressing, and taking medications are all considered activities of daily living.

As we age, it can become difficult to complete ADLs on our own. Things like a limited range of mobility or physical disability can impede ADLs.

For seniors with memory loss, ADLs present a unique challenge. Memory loss doesn’t just make it difficult to remember to do things like taking medications or eating complete meals. Cognitive decline can also disrupt executive functioning skills, making it difficult to tackle these tasks from start to finish. 

The caregivers at a memory care facility don’t just provide specialized memory care. They also assist with ADLs, ensuring that seniors are well taken care of, hygienic, and healthy. By taking care of ADLs, caregivers also lower the stress seniors may experience, leaving more time for enjoyable experiences.

We’re Proud to Provide a Memory Care Center for DC Seniors

Memory care is crucial for the health and happiness of seniors experiencing memory loss. A memory care center is the perfect solution for seniors who are looking for an all-encompassing approach to their safety, health, and quality of life.

Maple Heights Living is a luxurious option for DC seniors, providing a wide variety of care levels and approaches. We shift our approach to each resident’s care as their needs shift. Everyone is unique and their care should be, too.

To schedule a tour of Maple Heights Living, contact us today. We look forward to getting to know you and answering any questions you may have about our facilities.