Assisting In Assisted Living Decisions

When a senior citizen with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia reaches a certain point in their condition, it usually becomes apparent to their friends and family that they cannot safely be left alone any longer.  Most families are unequipped to care for their loved one around the clock, and even if they do have the time, it's usually not in anyone's best interest, least of all the dementia sufferer. The level of care they need to support their condition requires professional assistance. Most dementia sufferers also recognize their need for extra help fairly early in the disease. Thankfully, there are senior living facilities that provide memory care. Read on to discover what this type of care encompasses.

A Memory Care Facility Provides Complete Safety

You've probably seen on your social media accounts a "silver alert." This is an alert that notifies a community that a senior citizen is missing. In these cases, the missing person is almost always suffering from dementia and has wandered off or gotten lost. In a memory care facility, systems are in place to prevent this from happening. For example, doors have alarms that sound if they are opened.

Another way residents are protected is they no longer have the responsibility of cooking for themselves. It is not uncommon for people with dementia to forget to eat. Eventually, they can become malnourished, which worsens any medical conditions they may currently have as well as weakens them further. Poor nutrition can also lead to dizzy spells, which may result in falls. A memory care facility provides nutritious meals rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and other whole foods that are believed to lessen disease progression. Perhaps the most alarming concern when a dementia sufferer lives on their own is the possibility of fire. Countless fires have been started by dementia patients who have forgotten they had something on the stove, and as their condition advances, they become less able to handle emergency situations.

Medications are also monitored. It can be difficult for any adult to keep a lot of prescription drugs straight. Some situations, such as insulin-dependent diabetics, can result in death if the medicine isn't controlled properly. These things are no longer a concern when in a memory care facility.

A Memory Care Facility Provides A Serene Environment

Excess stimulation can exacerbate dementia symptoms. Memory care facilities are usually designed to look quite similar to a normal residence, allowing residents to feel at home. The surroundings and furnishings are specifically chosen to be relaxing, soothing, and comfortable. Gated courtyards are also common features, allowing residents the freedom to go outside at will.

A Memory Care Facility Provides Memory Support

Activities are provided that not only allow socialization between the residents, but support their physical, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive needs as well. Residents can participate in exercise classes, art classes, meet with counselors and advisers, and partake in games, dances, and other activities that help maintain their cognitive abilities and delay mental decline.

For more information, reach out to a memory care facility in your area.