Choosing a senior living facility is one of the most important decisions in older age. With so many options, including assisted living, memory care, independent living, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), it’s crucial that you conduct research to find the one that’s best for you or your loved one. If memory-related illness is a factor, consider looking into a facility that offers specialized care.

Keep reading to find out more about memory care and discover the top two memory care facilities in Rockville, MD.

What Is a Memory Care Unit?

Memory care facilities are sometimes stand-alone communities that cater exclusively to people with memory-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Others mix assisted living and memory care together, with a dedicated, extra-secure unit for residents who are at risk for wandering. There are upsides to both types of facility, depending on the needs of the individual.

People in the early stages of dementia tend to value independence while individuals with more serious memory loss might require more attention and care to keep them safe and ensure all activities are inclusive. Our Rockville memory care facilities provide a wide range of care that’s tailored to the individual’s needs. Rather than moving from one location to the next, Cedar Creek provides dedicated homes that evolve with our resident’s needs.

Who Are Memory Care Services For?

Memory care provides specialized therapies, has a highly structured daily routine and dedicates plenty of time to teaching coping mechanisms. Familiarity and routine are critical for individuals with memory loss, so this is an important consideration when choosing a facility.

Some senior living facilities offer assisted living and memory care, allowing residents to move within a familiar environment as their disease progresses.

What’s the Difference Between an Assisted Living Community and a Memory Care Community?

The key differences between assisted living facilities and memory care are security, access to specialized health care professionals, staff training and activities. Assisted living communities are ideal for individuals who are mostly independent but might need a hand with some daily living tasks.

Both types of senior housing facilities provide three meals per day and supervision and usually offer housekeeping and linen services. Memory care residents can expect an extra-secure environment and plenty of attention from staff who are highly trained in dementia care, with high staff-to-patient ratios.

Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge is a memory care facility located on a quiet street with 14 private rooms, an approximate 1:3 staff-to-resident ratio and a reputation for being vibrant, happy and uplifting. The top priority at Maple Ridge is quality of life, and the highly trained team goes over and above to give personalized care to each individual in the facility. Some of the employees have been working there for upwards of 15 years, offering unparalleled consistency and quality of care. The home is comfortable and clean, and extra safety measures are in place for peace of mind.

Cedar Glen

Cedar Glen is a memory care facility listed on the Montgomery County registry of historic homes. Built in 1928 with beautiful architecture, this facility has eight private rooms and an approximate 1:3 staff-to-resident ratio, and that doesn’t include the house dog “Foxy” who loves to spend time with the residents. It’s a clean, comfortable, home-like environment that has additional measures in place to ensure residents’ safety. All dedicated caregivers are passionate about senior care and take the time to get to know each resident personally. With a resident capacity of just eight, it’s truly a family-like experience, and the daily activities are designed to bring joy and comfort to everyone.

Questions to Ask a Senior Living Community

If you’re planning on visiting a memory care community, there are some questions you can ask to get a feel for the place and assess suitability. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your visit:

• Are daily meals fresh and nutritious?
• What is the staff to resident ratio?
• How is staff turnover?
• Can I take a look at the activities calendar?
• Are housekeeping and laundry services included in the fee?
• Do rates change as care needs increase?
• How involved can family members be with their loved ones
• What type of individualized care is offered?
• Is there a medication management policy in place?
• Is music therapy offered?
• What’s the community culture like?
• How do you ensure your staff truly know each resident as an individual?

Take a Tour of the Best Memory Care Communities in Rockville, MD, Today

Now that you know more about memory care facilities and have an idea of what to expect from Maryland’s finest, why not book a tour? Get in touch with Cedar Creek Memory Care Homes today to arrange a visit.