If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, you may be familiar with the term memory care. This type of senior living is designed exclusively for those with dementia and offers 24-hour care from specially-trained staff in a safe, comforting environment. These are certainly wonderful benefits, but if you’re searching for the right memory care community for your loved one, you want to make sure it offers them even more. While quality care and comfort are essential, keeping those with dementia engaged in life is what will help them thrive!
Here’s what engagement looks like in memory care in our communities.
Engagement-Focused Memory Care
Our engagement-focused philosophy for memory care is founded on the belief that everyone has an innate ability to learn and succeed, no matter the degree of cognitive impairment. We’ve designed our Vital Brain Program around this, from the environment to daily life.
Our memory care communities feature a neighborhood concept, which is secure and specifically-built for independence, engagement and success with lighting and colors carefully chosen to be calming and supportive. Not to mention, lovely private or companion apartments, as well as plenty of access to fresh air and sunshine for our residents.
We know that dementia affects each person differently. That’s why our care, including personal hygiene and medication assistance, and services such as chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, and transportation are tailored to each individual. We also tailor engagement, whether it’s social, fitness, or recreational activities, focusing on what our memory care residents can do or want to do, so they can live their best life regardless of where they’re at in the disease.
What to Expect from an Engaged Daily Life
Each day your loved one will benefit from opportunities to build cognitive strength and learn and experience new things through creative outlets such as art and music, as well as social activities and amenities that encourage connection with others in small group settings.
But it’s not just mental engagement that’s important. It’s important to keep your loved one active physically as well. That’s why we also create personalized exercise routines and nutrition plans for our memory care residents.
What’s more, your loved one will be able to enjoy a dining experience that not only features chef-prepared meals, but also promotes independence. We do that by offering finger foods and dishes that are easy to chew, easy-to-grip cups and utensils and a comfortable, relaxed dining setting. Dining assistance is also available if needed.
It’s common for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia to struggle with stress and agitation. To help, a component of our program also focuses on stress reduction through spending time in nature. Our communities feature walking paths, conservation space, and a meditation pond to offer a sense of calm, comfort and relaxation. We also offer meditation classes as well.
For more information, download The Beginner’s Guide to Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia today. Or contact us today to schedule a tour.