Everything You Need to Know About Memory Care

14Aug 2019 by hallenmedia 9138 Comments

It can be extremely difficult watching someone you love struggle with a declining memory. With conditions like dementia, it can take away part of their personality and their ability to live independently. If you’re in this situation, then memory care may be the best solution to help your loved one handle these changes. We’ll look more closely at memory care to help you understand what is involved and how it can help.

What is memory care?

Memory care is care developed specifically for those with memory problems and neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It may be a separate memory care facility, a dedicated memory care wing in a wider assisted living community, or simply a set of memory care services provided within an assisted or independent living community, care home, or through in-home care.

Types of services provided for memory care patients

If your loved one moves into a memory care facility or starts receiving memory care services elsewhere, what can they expect? The services are designed to provide the care needed for patients who may not be able to carry out everyday tasks for themselves anymore, as well as stimulating the patients mentally in order to improve brain health and slow down the progression of the condition.

Services and activities provided may include the following:

  • Support with medication management
  • 24/7 supervision by care staff
  • Provision of meals, laundry services, and other housekeeping services
  • Transport to and from doctor’s appointments
  • Exercise classes and organized walks
  • Creative classes, e.g. arts and crafts
  • Speech therapy
  • Supervised day trips, parties, and theme nights
  • Educational classes and activities

When is memory care needed?

It can be hard to tell when your loved one needs additional help. They might be able to take care of themselves most of the time but then have their bad days. This is common in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. They might be completely clear one day and then seem like a different person the next.

You should look out for signs that your loved one might be a danger to themselves or someone else if left without care, or if their health is declining to a point where they need help. Here are a few warning signs to look out for:

  • Injuring themselves through absent-mindedness – e.g. burning themselves on the stove
  • Taking the wrong medication or the wrong dose
  • Wandering off or getting lost, especially in dangerous places like busy roads
  • Leaving appliances on that might cause fires, or leaving taps running that might lead to flooding
  • Extreme changes in behavior – e.g. increased aggression towards loved ones

If you think someone you know might need memory care, then seek medical advice and don’t hesitate to contact Brookstone for information about memory care in Clemmons, NC.

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