It is never an easy decision to choose to move into a care facility, but the earlier you start the easier it will be to move when a plan is in place. Start the conversation by asking your loved one if they want to move at all or stay in their home for as long as possible. Ask them about their financial situation and what type of place they would like to live in if they need to move. Go over the type of activities that they love and the level of independence they want to maintain. If needed consider the possibility of a facility specialized in senior memory care.
After having these conversations, you will get a promising idea of the type of future your loved one envisions for themselves, and you can choose between assisted living or a memory care facility. But that is the difference between the two?
Assisted living is an excellent option if your loved one finds themselves needing more help, and Alzheimer’s or dementia is not a concern. Most of these types of facilities are for seniors who are healthy and independent but could benefit from some assistance. Senior memory care assisted living is best suited for seniors who can and still want to live independently in an apartment or in shared accommodation with other seniors.
Much like with Providence House of Brighton, MA, these types of arrangements would have trained staff members and a nurse on-site to provide the necessary assistance. These staff members can help with medication, dressing, eating, and bathing. While individual residents may only need occasional help, staff are usually on-hand 24 hours a day.
Senior memory care is a distinct form of assisted living in that these memory care facilities are long-term care centers that employ skilled nursing. These nurses specifically cater to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory problems. Senior Memory care may be housed in an assisted living facility, but they usually have 24-hour supervised care on a separate floor or in a different wing.
As the residents are experiencing confusion and memory loss, most dementia memory care centers employ stringent security precautions to keep residents safe. Measures are often taken to limit tripping hazards and screen people who come into the facility. There is an emphasis on what is called an ‘intuitive layout’ that is designed to prevent confused residents from hurting themselves and getting lost.
Most senior memory care units will give residents highly structured daily routines that are designed to help them reduce their stress levels. These facilities, such as Providence House and our Beechwood Memory Care, also offer secure outdoor shared areas so that residents can enjoy the fresh air and interact with one another.
Seniors diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease will need increased help over time and that is why the staff at senior memory care centers will help a resident maintain proper nutrition and work with you to help your loved ones take part in activities that might spark past memories or improve their mood.
If your loved one struggles with behavioral or cognitive issues, they may be happier and safer in a senior memory care program. Memory care is designed to meet your loved one’s needs. As a family member who is a primary caregiver, you will get much-needed peace of mind when moving your loved one into a well-staffed memory care facility.
For more information on Providence House and our Beechwood Memory Care, please feel free to contact us today.