What are the levels of memory care?

Review By: Catherine Braxton

The levels of memory care typically include mild, moderate and advanced care. These services are found in memory care facilities, which provide support for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.

Although the exact care levels can vary from home to home, most facilities are designed to meet the evolving needs of residents as their condition progresses. In addition to structured environments, they offer around-the-clock supervision, cognitive support, sensory therapies and medical services.

The best way to determine which level of memory care a patient needs is through an official diagnosis. Dementia isn’t a diagnosis in and of itself. Rather, it’s an umbrella term much like cancer.

There are many different types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent in older adults. With the assistance of a trained health care provider along with a neurologist and testing measures, such as brain scans, physical exams and mental health tests, the proper type of dementia can be determined. There are seven stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease overall, ranging from no cognitive impairment to severe cognitive decline.

It’s important to note that in the early stages, dementia can be hard to catch. Symptoms, which are generally mild, may include forgetting appointments, difficulty concentrating or mismanaging finances. If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of memory loss, it’s advisable to receive an official diagnosis from a health care provider.

All memory care residents have access to a safe environment, structured routine and trained professionals who are experienced in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease care. However, the exact type of care they receive can vary depending on the level of memory loss.

In mild memory care, residents usually engage in memory enhancement activities such as sensory stimulation, structured exercise, brain games and reminiscing activities. These activities help preserve current cognitive function, and they can also slow the progression of memory impairment. In terms of health support, residents at this level may need assistance with daily living activities or medication management.

As memory loss becomes moderate, care services increase. In addition to daily living assistance, residents may need health monitoring to regulate new physical side effects. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients have a higher risk of infections, falls and speech problems. Residents may also need more support to assist with behavioral changes, such as increased agitation, wandering and aggression.

While medical care is more intensive, residents may still engage in memory care activities. In severe dementia care, the focus shifts to comfort and medical support. Depending on the severity of the resident’s needs, the care home may recommend hospice care, a type of end-of-life care that promotes comfort and quality of life. Emotional support may also be available for loved ones.