Understanding Memory Care – Nursing Home Care
You should probably consider memory care nursing home care if your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Understanding the options and costs can significantly affect your decision-making process.
Before choosing a memory care facility, talk with other families to get an insider’s perspective about what they like and don’t like. Ask about safety, security, medical care, meals, and activities.
Safety
In a memory care community, residents typically live in secure apartments where staff is on duty around the clock to respond to emergencies. They also receive medication assistance, help with bathing and dressing, and access to social activities and programming designed specifically for them.
Safety in a nursing home is often a top concern for families, and that’s why many communities have taken the necessary precautions to make it as safe as possible.
For instance, some communities have installed motion-sensitive lights in restrooms to illuminate when a resident struggles to use the bathroom. Others use a wrist-worn device that monitors your loved one’s movement, indoor location, and room environment to alert staff when a situation arises.
Security
Memory care nursing home aims to provide a safe and comfortable environment for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s. They offer a specialized approach to dementia care that reduces wandering, confusion, and restlessness.
In addition to staffing, security measures can help ensure that residents stay safe in their homes. These include surveillance cameras in hallways, apartments, and elevators and access control for entrances/exits and parking lots.
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s are at increased risk of wandering away from their homes, which can lead to injury or even death. This is why a nursing home needs to take security seriously, says Brenda Gurung, a certified dementia specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Care
If your loved one needs more care than you can provide at home, they may benefit from Memory Care Nursing Home Care. This specialized form of senior living offers around-the-clock support for people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
These specialized facilities have staff trained in dementia care to redirect problematic behaviors compassionately. They also use a structured environment with set routines and check-ins to lower stress.
While they’re more expensive than assisted living or nursing homes, these facilities offer a higher level of care for seniors with dementia. They are fully staffed 24 hours daily to ensure residents get their meals, participate in activities, and are safe and comfortable.
Activities
Memory care nursing home is a specialty form of senior care designed for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These facilities are fully staffed 24 hours daily to provide residents with individualized care.
Licensed staff develops personalized plans to reduce anxiety, agitation, and restlessness and engage residents in engaging activities. This approach improves communication, physical movement, attention, and sequencing skills slowing cognitive decline.
Some of these activities focus on the senses, allowing seniors to explore new experiences or reconnect with memories. Other activities challenge the fine motor skills of older adults and promote independence.
Nutrition
Memory Care Nursing Home can take many measures to address residents’ nutrition. Some of these include training on signs and symptoms of malnutrition, implementing a facility-wide nutrition-focused QAPI program, and educating staff about malnutrition prevention techniques.
Researchers conducted a research-based feasibility study in two nursing homes to evaluate if these measures would improve outcomes. The study compared residents’ performance in a control group that received standard care and the intervention group which received research-based approaches. The study was designed to determine if research-based practices could be used in this setting to improve the nutritional status of residents. Specifically, the study evaluated the feasibility of the following:
Socialization
A significant part of socialization is being able to connect with people. Regular social life can help prevent depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
It can also boost self-esteem and make your aging parent feel like they are still needed. These interactions can promote healthy habits, such as quitting smoking and undergoing routine health screenings.
Socialization is a crucial component of Memory Care Nursing Home Care, so choose a community with activities your loved one enjoys. It’s also essential to ensure plenty of other residents to interact with and get to know.
