What To Expect In A Memory Care Unit
Written by webtechs

What To Expect In A Memory Care Unit

What To Expect In A Memory Care Unit

Depression, disorientation, and wandering are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive degenerative illness. Although there isn’t a known cure for memory loss, there are a number of treatment options that can benefit those who have been diagnosed.

The Benefits of Memory Care for Alzheimer’s Patients

The special requirements of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are catered for by residential memory care services. Memory care residents receive daily supervision, direction, and support from specialized caregivers in a highly structured, secure environment. Confusion, agitation, and other health problems that many Alzheimer’s patients encounter as the disease worsens are lessened with this structure and support.

In addition to helping the individual with memory loss, these facilities provide families with the assurance that their loved one is secure and receiving proper care. In addition to providing residents with a welcoming community where they can enjoy everyday interactions with their peers, memory care programs significantly reduce the stress associated with family caregiving.

Facilities and Units for Memory Care

Typically, memory care services are offered in a dedicated memory care facility or in a designated section of an assisted living community. Memory care units, as opposed to skilled nursing facilities, commonly referred to as nursing homes, are made to resemble a typical residential environment in both appearance and feel. In certain communities, a community building with recreational amenities is surrounded by small cottage-style housing units.

Private or semiprivate living areas, such as studio and one-bedroom apartments, with a private, wheelchair-accessible bathroom are part of memory care units. The majority of the apartments have cable TV and phone service, and these living areas can be customized with family photos, a favorite chair, and other items. Memory care apartments typically don’t have cooking appliances to keep residents safe, though some do have tiny kitchenettes with a refrigerator and microwave.

A dining room and living room are two examples of the common areas and community spaces that memory care units have to encourage healthy socialization and lessen isolation. Instead of spending their days alone in their private suites, residents are urged to participate in community-based activities.

Facilities for Residential Memory Care

Many of the amenities offered by assisted living and retirement communities are also available in memory care facilities. These facilities differ depending on the area and frequently consist of:

A room for therapeutic arts and crafts
A private dining area for family get-togethers and special occasions
A completely enclosed courtyard featuring walkways and places to sit
Exercise facility
A healing whirlpool
A resting area with dim illumination
Common spaces, such as one or more television-equipped recreation rooms
A gaming area
Cable TV in the suite
Community-wide wireless internet access
A piano and a room for activities
Gardens owned by residents
Space for visiting physicians’ offices
Additional specialized amenities for memory care could be:

To aid in wayfinding, personalized memory boxes are positioned outside each resident room. Noninvasive anti-wandering tools, like the Wanderguard system,
Community -wide security cameras
External doors with delayed egress
24/7 on-site security with medical alert pendants for every resident
Alzheimer’s disease residential facilities typically feature one or more enclosed outdoor areas with dining areas, resident gardens, and walking paths.

Services for Residential Memory Care

Memory care, like the majority of residential care types, offers private or semiprivate accommodations, three meals a day, and snacks.

Specialized therapeutic recreational programming is another aspect of memory care services that aims to enhance residents’ general quality of life and postpone the onset of dementia symptoms. These programs consist of one-on-one and small-group exercises like:

Therapy with pets
Music therapy
Memory games
Speech therapy
escorted visits to nearby landmarks
Worship sessions held in-house

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona

Mobility Center has been proudly serving the entire Phoenix, Arizona area since 1975 with the finest in mobility aids, scooters, wheel chairs, lifts and support equipment. Visit our convenient location to see the products and receive the individual attention that you deserve. Our service area includes Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, and Sun City.

More Articles About Senior Living

Elderly Home Safety Checklist
Written by webtechs

Aging Parents Checklist

Elderly Home Safety Checklist

There are many different items to figure out when you are caring for an aging loved one. Follow our complete checklist below.

Caregiving Checklist

Care is the first part of creating a checklist for your aging loved one. It must be noted, though, that you will likely have to make some care adjustments throughout the years. Here a few care considerations below.

Put every family member’s caregiving role in writing. Make sure all members agree to this plan ahead of time.

If your loved one’s health becomes a serious issue, figure out what to do with any pets, if applicable.

Regularly meet with your loved one’s doctor to evaluate their mental and physical conditions.

Discuss various care options, such as independent, assisted and memory care communities.

Healthcare Checklist

Understanding your loved one’s medical needs is another step towards proper care. Work with your loved one to develop a plan regarding health and medical concerns.

Fill out paperwork at the doctor’s office while discussing all medical records with a professional.

Provide transportation to and from the doctor’s office for your loved one.

Make sure he/she is taking the appropriate medications and getting refills when needed.

Legal Checklist

A difficult part of the aging process is dealing with all necessary legal matters.

❒ Become an authorized user on their accounts, allowing you to pay regular bills on their behalf.

❒ Help your loved one with necessary legal documents.

❒ Gather all important documents, such as birth certificate, deeds to property, citizenship papers, insurance policies, death certificate of spouse or parent, marriage certificate, pensions benefits and so on.

❒ Ask your loved one to grant you power of attorney so you can make decisions on their behalf.

❒ Meet with an elder law specialist to help manage and protect assets.

Financial Checklist

Below are a few things to be mindful of when getting a loved one’s affairs in order.

❒ Go over retirement and insurance plans thoroughly.

❒ Investigate public benefits like Medicare, Medicaid and other programs.

❒ Look for any applicable tax breaks.

Home Safety Checklist

It’s crucial to make sure the senior’s home is as safe as possible. Follow this checklist below.

Kitchen Safety

Keep a sturdy stool in the kitchen area.

Make sure all frequently used items are located on the lower shelves.

Bedroom Safety

All lighting should be within reach of the bed.

Use nightlights to keep pathways illuminated during the nighttime.

Stair Safety

Immediately fix any broken or uneven steps.

Have sufficient lighting surrounding all staircases.

Remove any loose objects.

Install handrails on both sides of the staircases.

Light switches should be located at the top and bottom of the staircases.

Bathroom Safety

Install grab bars around the toilet.

Tub/shower flooring should be secured with nonstick rubber mats.

Install grab bars for safe tub/shower entry and exit.

Floor Safety

All walkways should be free of loose objects.

Nonslip backing should secure all rugs and carpets.

Ensure all wires are coiled or taped securely to walls.

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona

Mobility Center has been proudly serving the entire Phoenix, Arizona area since 1975 with the finest in mobility aids, scooters, wheel chairs, lifts and support equipment. Visit our convenient location to see the products and receive the individual attention that you deserve. Our service area includes Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, and Sun City.