Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias that provides 24-hour supervision, cognition-supporting activity programs, and help with activities of daily living within a secure, safe environment. It’s a common misconception that memory care is a “last resort” for seniors with severe dementia. In truth, memory care can help people at any stage of dementia live fuller lives and maintain function for the longest possible time.
Who Is Memory Care for?
Anyone who has a dementia diagnosis and needs an assisted living-level of care can benefit from memory care.
Memory care should also be strongly considered when safety becomes a concern. For example, if they are at risk of falling at home, wandering or getting lost, forgetting to take medications (or accidentally taking extra doses), or if they struggle with daily activities that are necessary for safe and healthy living such as:
- Throwing away expired food
- Keeping a clean living space (doing the laundry, taking out the trash, washing the dishes, etc.)
- Turning off the stove, clothing iron, or other dangerous appliances
- Locking doors and securing windows
- Turning off running water
Memory care is also recommended when a loved one’s care needs exceed the physical or emotional capacity of family caregivers. In many cases, family members may find themselves sacrificing their own wellbeing trying to care for an older adult with dementia. Enrolling someone you love in a memory care community can give you peace of mind knowing that they are receiving the supervision, professional care, and social engagement they need for their safety and happiness while maintaining their dignity.
What Types of Services Does Memory Care Offer?
Memory care communities offer the same services found in an assisted living setting such as housekeeping, all-inclusive dining plans, laundry, etc. In addition to assisted living-style services, memory care also strives to improve the quality of life for people with dementia by providing personalized care plans, cognition-enhancing therapies, and a secure environment designed to reduce moments of stressful confusion. Some of these defining elements of memory care can include:
Cognitive Support
From mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease, memory care facilities cater to people at varying stages of age-related memory loss and offer supportive therapies and activities that can help slow cognitive decline, reduce agitation, and improve mood.
One technique that may be used to help residents manage their condition is called “memory coaching,” which teaches strategies for overcoming memory deficits.
For instance, a therapist may work with a resident who has trouble recalling the names of their loved ones by using memory aids (like photos) to jog the memory through meaningful associations, vanishing cues (filling in letters in a person’s name until the individual can recall the name without help), or expanding rehearsals where people test themselves on the material they’ve learned over time.
Additional therapies you may find at memory care facilities include music therapy, multi-sensory therapy, and art therapy, just to name a few.
Secure, Safe Environment
Six out of 10 people living with dementia have wandered, and many do so on an ongoing basis, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This can become a serious safety concern for the individual.
Memory care facilities are designed with clearly identified spaces, personalized apartments, and easy-to-navigate floorplans to reduce the feelings of confusion and disorientation that can cause wandering. The environment promotes a sense of safety, calm, and familiarity that helps residents relax and feel at home.
While residents can explore the space freely, there are secured exits and supervised outdoor areas to ensure their safety. Elevator access in larger facilities is restricted to help prevent memory care residents from getting off at the wrong floor.
Comprehensive Lifestyle & Wellness Services
Memory care offers the same foundational services as assisted living such as meal preparation, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, and health services. Many memory care facilities will help arrange preventative and specialty doctor’s appointments, as well as any necessary transportation.
Another key differentiator between memory care and assisted living is the staff providing these services. Memory care facilities maintain a high staff-to-resident ratio so residents can receive extra care and attention. In most cases, care associates are assigned to the same resident to ensure consistency of care and to help build familiarity, comfort and trust for the resident. Additionally, memory care staff are specially trained to manage dementia symptoms – including aggression and other behavioral issues – in an empathetic and compassionate manner.
The Benefits of Memory Care
Deciding to transition a loved one struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to a memory care facility can still be a tough choice. It’s not unusual to feel reluctance or even guilt when it comes to delegating care. For families considering memory care, it can be reassuring to be reminded of the numerous benefits it offers.
- A secure environment to prevent wandering and accidents
- Social engagement with staff and other residents (which can help slow the progression of dementia)
- Personalized care, including help with activities of daily living, medication management, and coordination of care with other medical providers
- A high staff-to-resident ratio with caregivers who have dementia-specific training
- Supportive therapies to improve quality of life and slow cognitive decline
- Respite from day-to-day caregiving for family members so they can focus on being supportive and enjoying time with their loved one
Finding the Right Safe Haven
Memory care is a crucial service that offers more than just residential care. It is about creating a supportive, engaging, and safe environment for individuals with memory challenges. If you’re looking for a memory care facility for a family member, consider Cypen Towers at Miami Jewish Health.
As part of our EmpathiCareSM philosophy, our skilled team treats each resident as a unique, multifaceted, and valued individual. Using our approach to individualized care, we ensure your loved one receives the support and compassion they deserve. Contact us to learn more about memory care at Miami Jewish Health and schedule a tour of our conveniently located Midtown Miami campus.
