The demand for memory care is steadily increasing as the number of people living with memory-related conditions increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the US alone. By 2060, this number is expected to be nearly 14 million. This calls for the need to understand the role of a memory care facility in almost every location.
What is a memory care facility?
A memory care facility is a long-term assisted living home that focuses on the needs of a special category of patients—those living with memory-related conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or brain injury. Here are five important things to know about these facilities:
They have properly trained staff
To begin with, reputable memory care facilities have properly trained staff compared to regular assisted living or nursing homes. This is because such facilities strive to make their patients feel comfortable and have efficient memory care while focusing on their health conditions.
In memory care facilities, the activities such as therapies and monitoring focus on the patients’ specific needs, mostly Alzheimer’s disease and some forms of dementia. The staff must be qualified and experienced in handling patients with such conditions. This customized service helps increase safety and familiarity while lowering confusion.
They have specially designed units
Memory care facilities implement tight security measures to control the movement of patients, especially those with dementia. For this reason, a memory care facility is often smaller than regular communities for assisted living. They also feature exceptional designs like color-coded hallways to help with navigation.
Other safety measures may include secured or alarmed doors, interior courtyards, and clearly defined spaces. These features ensure that the patients remain safe and secure while inside the facility.
No isolation of patients
Instead of keeping their patients isolated, memory care facilities encourage their residents to socialize. While the facilities could be housed in a separate wing or building from the usually assisted living, patients are allowed to socialize as long as they are within the facility. They are encouraged to participate in group activities and therapies regularly to lower any reaction that may come with isolation.
If you intend to take your loved one to a memory care facility, here are important things to know beforehand:
Research is important
While memory care facilities hold certain standards, you should do proper research before you pick a facility. Understanding the needs of your loved one and the type of amenities offered in a memory care home should help you make an informed decision. Additionally, you should check out the security and safety levels of various facilities, including their overall policies.
A memory care center could equate to a happy family
People with memory issues need a special environment with qualified personnel to understand them and their conditions. The right environment for your loved one will bring peace of mind to both of you because you’ll sleep knowing that your loved one is getting the right care and treatment.
In some facilities, the professionals are not only for the patient, but they also extend support to the patient’s loved ones. They are professionals and happy to share ideas and resources or just offer a support system.
Finally, not all memory care facilities are the same. Policies and service delivery can vary from one community to another. If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you should check out all the benefits of memory care facilities and pick one that offers the best care. To find a memory care facility near you, go to the website today.
