An estimated 65 million Americans over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s. If you have a loved one who is dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it’s difficult for the family to know what the best care option is. You may be wondering if memory care is the right choice for your family.
Well, here are a few reasons why families often choose memory care for their loved ones.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized type of care that is designed to meet the unique needs of those living with memory loss.
Certified caregivers who are specially trained in caring for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They understand the challenges that come with memory loss and know how to best support their residents.
Memory care communities offer a safe and supportive environment for those living with dementia. There are many benefits to choosing a memory care community, such as:
- 24/7 supervision and security
- Personalized care plans
- Engaging activities and programs
- A supportive community of staff and residents
If you are considering memory care for your loved one, it is important to tour different communities and ask lots of questions. The right memory care community will be able to provide the support and care that your loved one needs.
Is one of your loved ones suffering from dementia? If so, you can find a facility for them by searching dementia care near me.
Reasons Why Memory Care Facilities Are a Good Choice
There are many reasons why a family might choose memory care for their loved one.
Around-the-Clock Care
One reason is that memory care facilities can provide around-the-clock supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This is beneficial for both the individual with memory loss and their family members. It can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
Specialized Training and Staff
Memory care facilities also have staff who are specially trained to deal with memory loss and other cognitive impairments. This can provide peace of mind for families, knowing that their loved one is in good hands.
In addition, memory care facilities often have a higher staff-to-resident ratio than assisted living facilities, which means that residents will receive more individualized attention.
Security Measures
Another reason why families might choose memory care is for the security measures that are in place. Memory care units are typically designed with safety in mind, with features such as locked doors and wander guards to prevent residents from leaving the facility. This can give families peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe and secure.
Amenities and Activities
Memory care facilities also offer a variety of amenities and activities designed to meet the needs of residents. These can include social activities, exercise classes, and memory-stimulating games and puzzles. This can help to keep residents engaged and active, which is important for their overall health and well-being.
The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
If you’re worried that you or a loved one may be developing Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While some of these may be normal age-related changes, others may be more serious.
Here are a few early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s:
Memory Problems
This is one of the most common early signs of Alzheimer’s. Those with Alzheimer’s may experience difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, or the names of people they know. Memory loss is one of the major indicators of Alzheimer’s disease.
Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Familiar tasks such as driving to a familiar location or cooking a favorite meal may become more difficult for those with Alzheimer’s. If you start to notice this in your loved one, stay on guard. They may be suffering from early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Problems with Language
Another early symptom of Alzheimer’s is problems with language. This may manifest as difficulty finding the right word to express a thought, or even complete loss of ability to speak and understand words.
Disorientation of Time and Place
Alzheimer’s patients may experience disorientation in both time and place. They may lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may also become confused about where they are or how they got there.
Problems with Visual Perception
Visual perception problems are another common symptom of Alzheimer’s. Those with Alzheimer’s may have trouble reading, judging distances, or distinguishing colors. This can make everyday activities like driving and cooking more difficult.
Unsteady Gait
An unsteady gait or problems with balance and coordination are often early signs of Alzheimer’s. This may make it difficult for your loved one to walk or even stand up from a chair.
Unsteady gait may not be because of Alzheimer’s. But if this symptom is combined with others on this list, that might be cause for concern.
Misplacing Things
A common symptom of Alzheimer’s is misplacing things in odd places. This can range from putting a wallet in the freezer to forgetting where they live. If your loved one starts doing this, it may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Changes in Mood and Personality
Those with Alzheimer’s may experience drastic changes in mood and personality. They may become more anxious, depressed, or irritable. Or they may act out of character, becoming more withdrawn or paranoid.
The Benefits of Placing Your Loved One in Memory Care
Memory care is an important step for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you have a loved one who is suffering from the effects of dementia, please consider placing them in a memory care facility.
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