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Are Memory Care Facilities Good for People With Alzheimer’s?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
Memory care facilities are good for people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia due to their specialized services and secure environments. Each resident receives a personalized care plan detailing their cognitive abilities, personal preferences and level of care needed. This enables staff to provide tailored personal care assistance and connect residents with stimulating activities and therapies to maintain cognitive functions based on their needs.
Memory care communities also have security features and easy-to-navigate layouts to enhance resident safety and help manage common dementia symptoms, including anxiety or confusion. These factors combined can provide a higher quality of life for those with cognitive disorders.What specialized services does memory care provide?
Memory care offers specialized services, ranging from music and art therapy to reminiscence and sensory activities, to help manage a patient’s condition during varying stages of dementia. Staff is specially trained to lead dementia-specific activities and therapies to improve cognitive abilities and provide comfort. They also assist with daily living activities and respond to emergency alerts anytime residents need emotional or physical support.
Additionally, memory care communities emphasize resident safety with innovative design and security features to prevent wandering, alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Common features include:
- Security alarms
- Obscured entrances and exits
- Secure outdoor areas and gardens
- Multisensory rooms
- Soft corners or circular hallways
- Color-coded walls or visual cues
Can memory care be provided at home?
Seniors with dementia can receive memory care at home from a professional care aide or family caregiver. Many seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia reside at home as a personal preference or because they can’t afford to move to a memory care community. However, at-home dementia care can be challenging if your loved one’s home isn’t equipped with safety measures to prevent wandering, falls or accidents, or you’re unfamiliar with memory-enhancing activities.
Reaching out to local Alzheimer’s support groups can be helpful. These organizations can connect you with resources and medical experts for advice on meeting your loved one’s needs and helping them maintain cognitive abilities at home.