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What Does Memory Care Mean?
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.
What are the benefits of memory care?
Memory care offers numerous benefits, including supportive staff, guaranteed security and cognitive stimulation, for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These benefits encourage a better quality of life and more independence than seniors with memory loss may have at home. Other benefits of memory care include:
- Personalized care: Your loved one’s care team will develop a customized care plan aligning with their needs and help ease the transition to living in a new environment.
- Specialized programs: Community caregivers will personally get to know your loved one’s interests, preferences and abilities to connect them with activities they may enjoy. This allows your loved one to pursue what they love, find a sense of purpose and engage with the community.
- Behavior management: People with memory loss typically experience behavior changes, including social withdrawal, confusion and irritation. Memory care attempts to address these changes without medication by creating a soothing, easy-to-navigate environment, establishing consistent routines and understanding triggers for certain behaviors.
What services and amenities are provided in memory care?
Memory care communities provide services and amenities, including therapeutic activities and assistance with personal care tasks, to make life easier, safer and more comfortable for those living with cognitive impairments. Staff provides help with activities such as:
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Apartment and grounds maintenance
- Transportation to appointments or other points of interest
- Medication management and administration
These communities also provide mentally stimulating activities, such as art therapy and sensory stimulation, to improve cognitive functions and decrease negative symptoms, including anxiety and confusion. Additionally, they utilize security measures, such as keypad entries, alarms and security cameras, to prevent wandering and enhance resident safety, allowing seniors to explore community amenities. Amenities can differ, depending on the facility, but typically include:
- Fitness centers
- Secured outdoor courtyards, walking trails or gardens
- Activity and game rooms
- Dining rooms
- Lounge areas