Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can benefit from person-centered care that’s provided in a positive environment. Memory care facilities, such as Cedar Creek Memory Care Homes in Maryland, are staffed with trained, qualified caregivers who understand the unique needs of seniors with dementia. While the benefits of memory care are plentiful, the size of the facility can make a substantial difference in the senior’s quality of life. Find out below why a small environment is good for memory care.

A Familiar Home

Most of our homes used to be single-family residences before they were converted into memory care communities. Our team put a great deal of thought into the redesign. Because of this, the residents of Cedar Creek feel much more at home. 

“Wanting to return home” is a common request from residents dealing with dementia. We’ve found that by creating an environment that mimics the childhood homes of many of our residents, they’re able to return home in their minds even when they can’t do so physically.

How a Smaller Environment Can Benefit Alzheimer’s Residents

When it comes to Alzheimer’s care, minimizing confusion for the resident is key, and maintaining a familiar, consistent environment is a big step in the right direction. While a small physical environment is important, a smaller caregiver-to-resident ratio is just as important in maintaining familiarity. Additionally, studies have shown that the use of environmental psychology, or designing memory care communities to support the needs of dementia patients, can further support residents and enhance the quality of their lives. With a smaller, well-designed, intimate environment, Cedar Creek’s dementia care communities are designed to promote cognitive and physical wellness for all residents.

Secure Outdoor Spaces and Building Access

While assisted living facilities exist to promote independence in seniors, a memory care community must take steps to provide safety and security for its residents. In a smaller community, staff are better able to monitor where residents are and can more easily ensure security measures are in place to prevent wandering when residents enjoy walking paths and other areas throughout the property.

Familiarity With Caregivers

We have smaller caregiving teams at our memory care homes, which creates convenience for residents and family members. Caregivers are able to build stronger bonds with residents, and family members are able to more easily communicate about their loved one’s condition.

Comfortable Physical Space

A smaller space can make all the difference. In physical environments with limited areas to navigate and quiet spaces to relax, residents can easily become familiar with their home, allowing them to grow comfortable more quickly and gain personal control.

A smaller physical space and a lower number of residents and caregivers also ensures residents are able to spend time with family in quieter, private areas within the community.

Household Model With Low Resident Numbers

Maple Ridge has a capacity of 14 residents and the other Cedar Creek communities have a capacity of 8 residents. This living model helps relieve stress, minimize anxiety and keep residents familiar and comfortable with those around them. Caregivers in our communities play a significant role in providing residents with social support by encouraging active engagement in group activities, offering personal care and taking time to encourage conversation with other caregivers and residents.

When group activities are hosted, caregivers are careful to minimize overstimulation and reduce stress by keeping the groups small.

Cedar Creek Memory Care Homes

At Cedar Creek, we recognize that it’s incredibly important for seniors with dementia to feel comfortable as they become accustomed to new surroundings. That’s why we create homelike environments with intimate settings and low caregiver-to-resident ratios. To learn more about our memory care communities, contact us today.