From assisted living to memory care communities, plenty of options are available when it comes to senior living. With so many choices, you might be wondering, “What kind of care is provided in memory care?” Let’s take a closer look at memory care and what makes it stand out.

What Kind of Care Is Provided in Memory Care What Makes It Different?

To understand what sets memory care apart from other types of senior care, we must first examine what memory care is. Put simply, memory care (also called dementia care) provides a safe environment for older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to medical care, it offers memory care services designed to improve cognitive function. Many residents begin living in memory care homes when they have early stage dementia, then remain there as the disease progresses.

What Distinguishes Memory Care From Other Types of Senior Care?

Before we look at what makes memory care special, let’s go over the other types of senior care available. The main options include:

• Independent living: Independent communities, or retirement homes, are for active older adults who have minimal health needs and are interested in joining a network of seniors.
• Assisted living: Assisted living communities are for adults who can’t safely live independently. They offer meals, medication management and assistance with activities of daily living.
• Skilled nursing: These facilities provide skilled nursing care to elderly individuals with more serious medical needs, such as those recovering from a stroke.
• Respite care: Respite care is for older adults who need short-term care. It’s a popular option for families who require temporary assistance in caring for an elderly loved one.

Many of these senior living communities — including assisted living homes, nursing homes and respite care — provide medical assistance. They also offer amenities like dining and housekeeping. However, none of them provide care specifically designed for people with memory loss. Here are a few of the services that are only available through memory care.

Increased Safety

For seniors with memory loss, safety is a major concern. Memory care residents are more likely to wander, become confused or fall down. To make sure residents are comfortable and safe, memory care homes offer structured, soothing layouts designed to minimize confusion. They also boost safety through the following measures:

• Locked entrances and exits
• Enclosed gardens and courtyards
• Video surveillance systems

Along with a structured environment, residents can expect a set routine. Maintaining a familiar routine helps prevent confusion and makes dementia and Alzheimer’s disease patients feel more comfortable.

Memory-Enhancing Activities

Many senior living communities offer activities that promote socialization and give residents a chance to try a new hobby. In memory care programs, most activities are geared towards improving cognitive function. These may include:

• Music therapy: Encourages relaxation in patients with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia
• Art therapy: Boosts mobility skills and creativity
• Reminiscence therapy: Uses the five senses to help dementia patients remember people, places and events

While memory-enhancing activities can’t prevent the onset of dementia, they can help slow cognitive decline.

Specially Trained Staff

The typical assisted living community and memory care homes both offer a staff of caregivers who work around the clock to meet the needs of residents. In memory care homes, however, the staff is given special training regarding dementia behaviors, such as wandering and aggression. The staff also learns how to develop unique care plans that are personalized for every resident.

In addition to specialized staff, memory care communities usually offer a higher staff-to-resident ratio than assisted living homes. This means residents receive a greater level of one-on-one attention and quality care.

Is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care?

It’s one thing to understand what kind of care is provided in memory care and its concept; it’s another to actually help a friend or family member transition to memory care. While this process can be difficult and emotional, it’s important to start it early.

The sooner your loved one receives memory care assistance, the sooner you can delay cognitive decline. Plus, the transition may be easier for someone in an early stage of dementia than for someone with advanced dementia. To determine if a loved one is ready for dementia care, look for the following signs:

• Increased confusion or wandering
• Difficulty speaking and communicating
• Difficulty completing daily tasks or navigating everyday life
• Trouble recalling people, places and events
• Mood changes or increased aggression

If you suspect a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, take them to a doctor for an official diagnosis. Then, if dementia is confirmed, you should start looking for memory care homes. To help your loved one prepare for this change, you may want to get them counseling or similar supportive services. You can also help ensure the transition goes smoothly by finding a home that makes residents feel comfortable, such as Cedar Creek Memory Care.

Cedar Creek Memory Care: The Right Memory Care Community for Your Loved One’s Needs

At Cedar Creek Memory Care, we offer all the health care services found in an assisted living setting, along with the additional amenities found in traditional memory care. Every resident enjoys a cozy, homelike atmosphere, round-the-clock specialized care and immersive memory care activities.

Our ultimate goal is to improve quality of life and give dementia and Alzheimer’s patients peace and serenity during their golden years. You can find our homes across Maryland, specifically in the following locations:

• Bethesda
• Rockville
• Silver Spring

Our team can cater to the needs of residents in all stages of dementia, from early to late. In addition to memory and dementia care, we offer end-of-life care services. To learn more about our home or schedule a visit, feel free to connect with us online or call us at (301) 384-4017. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about memory care, cost or our team.