Do you have a family member who is facing cognitive challenges? You're not alone: about one in nine people age 65 and older are fighting Alzheimer's.
Right now, the best thing we can do for seniors with memory issues is to get them into memory care. The thing is, not all memory care communities are created equal. To choose the right community, you first need to know what to expect.
Want to learn more about memory care in Ocean Grove, NJ? Read on to learn what this form of care involves and how it can help your loved ones!
Memory care is a type of residential long-term care. Its main purpose is to offer specialized, intensive care for people facing cognitive challenges, such as:
As these conditions progress, people suffering from them may face challenges doing routine tasks. Memory care programs are designed to address their needs. They offer a safe, structured environment and a set of daily routines.
These days, many assisted living communities have memory care "neighborhoods." Since people with dementia often wander, these communities have plenty of ways to keep residents on-site. Some examples include:
In many ways, memory care is about maintaining dignity. This is why cognitive support programs focus on preserving the individuality of each resident.
Employees in memory care communities are trained to approach residents with empathy. They'll recognize each individual's preferences and life experiences. This can be a big help in fostering a sense of dignity and self-worth.
In general, employees will try to ensure residents have the support they need to navigate their day. This includes things like:
Memory care also goes beyond addressing cognitive challenges. It adopts a holistic approach that takes the resident's well-being into consideration. The overall plan may include exercise, nutrition, and so on.
Memory care programs are the best choice for people suffering from cognitive challenges. Here are some of the reasons why this is the case.
A good memory care program recognizes that each person's journey with cognitive issues is different. As such, these programs often focus on developing personalized plans to cater to the needs and preferences of all residents.
Thanks to this approach, personalized plans help create a supportive environment. From daily living assistance to meal preferences, the program will try to align with each person's unique personality.
All dementia programs include some form of cognitive stimulation. The goal here is to engage residents mentally and emotionally. To do so, caregivers will often incorporate activities and therapies such as:
These exercises stimulate the brain's cognitive function. On top of slowing down the progression of dementia, they can improve overall brain health. Some forms of therapy can also offer psychological and emotional support.
Memory care programs also address the social needs of people with dementia. Communal spaces and group activities encourage social interaction. For many people, this plays a key role in improving their quality of life.
To increase a sense of security, memory care communities try to reduce confusion. The idea is to allow residents to maintain their independence while still receiving the support they need.
Are you looking for the ideal memory care community for a parent or loved one? If so, here are some things you should pay attention to during your visit(s).
Good memory care communities tend to have a lot in common. For example, they'll have circular hallways to prevent residents from getting frustrated by dead ends. Some other features they should have include:
Pay particular attention to the memory care community's kitchen. How much does it resemble an actual restaurant that's fun to eat at? Do they serve residents with plastic utensils on a tray and cheap paper or plastic cups?
Speaking of food, consider having a meal at any residency you're considering. What strategies do the caretakers use to encourage residents to eat? Do they seem to know each individual personally?
While you're at it, ask for a copy of the community's activity calendar. Then, try participating in one of the structured routines. Ideally, the community you choose would incorporate music into their programming.
Does the community you're considering struggle with staff shortages? If so, they may rely on temporary agency employees. Ask about staffing ratios and find out how long the manager has been with the community.
If possible, ask the caregivers how they manage people who become aggressive. Ideally, they wouldn't have to rely on antipsychotic medications. When you visit, keep an eye on how caregivers interact with residents and ask yourself:
How does the memory care community keep its residents safe? Take a closer look at the bathrooms and common areas. Are they set up to reduce the risk of falls, such as by having good lighting and grab bars?
Ideally, the community would have a 24/7 monitoring system to handle emergencies. Their staff members should also be able to deal with the unique challenges that come with memory care issues.
The bottom line: a good memory care program will offer a comprehensive support system to its residents.
Our community at Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care offers the perfect balance of care and comfort in a setting that feels like home. We also offer an extensive array of amenities to suit your needs, including:
Our veteran residents also receive 50% off their first month's rent each year!
Want to schedule a tour of our community or learn more about our services? Contact us here to get started!