Five Benefits of Memory Care Programs
Discover the Top Five Advantages of Memory Care Programs for Your Loved Ones
Finding the right living arrangement for an aging family member or loved one can be a real challenge. There are no one-size-fits-all answers to the many questions that come along when a family is considering a move to a senior living community.
For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the questions can be even more complex. What is memory care? What does memory care do? When is memory care needed? To help answer these questions, it is important to learn a bit about memory care and to understand the benefits of this specialized care.
What Is a Memory Care Community?
So, what is a memory care community? Memory care is a type of specialized care for people who have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. A memory care community is developed with features tailored for the safety and engagement of residents with memory challenges. This includes things like door security for dementia patients and activities designed to promote cognitive abilities. Team members at memory care communities receive special, ongoing training to provide the type of care necessary for seniors with memory loss.
At Mount Prospect Senior Living, each community program is designed to establish a sensory-focused, immersive environment based on the latest proven techniques to foster individual moments of achievement and happiness. Mount Prospect’s six unique programs include:
- It’s All Right. This program highlights the individuality and unique creativity of each person.
- Life Story Display. Honoring each resident’s experiences is the base of this program, making each person’s journey the “story of a lifetime.”
- Never Stop Exploring. With a focus on curiosity and discovery, this program connects residents with the local community.
- Tune Into Me. Music has proven links to memory, and this program takes advantage! Personalized jukeboxes allow residents to enjoy their own special playlists.
- Culinary Creations. Recipes from the past can engage and delight residents. This program gives them the chance to experience old favorites and to draw on fond memories.
- From Our Generation to Yours. This program provides creative, intergenerational activities that help to create a bridge between age groups.
Five Benefits of a Memory Care Community
After gaining some information about memory care programs, it is also helpful to understand the benefits of a memory care community. While memory care communities have differing programs, values, focuses and techniques, all communities under this umbrella offer specific benefits to residents and their families. These five benefits include:
1. Specialized Care.
While many senior living communities are open to anyone, memory care is specialized and is only for residents with memory loss and cognitive processing challenges. In a memory care community, residents have access to team members trained to provide them the highest levels of care and help residents feel safe, while reducing frustrations and confusion.
2. Communication and Socialization.
Diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia do not follow a particular path. In fact, they can even be accelerated by certain factors. Isolation is a leading risk factor for seniors; in fact, seniors who spend a great deal of time alone are 50% more likely to demonstrate signs of dementia. Memory care facilities focus on social activities and shared amenities to ensure residents are engaged and supported.
3. Total Wellness.
Malnutrition is a great concern for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Without proper attention, this can lead to other health issues and can even worsen memory loss. Memory care communities have special programs, like Mount Prospect and Elevate Dining, to enhance the culinary experience with great attention to detail.
4. Safety and Security.
Residents with cognitive issue can become confused, afraid and are prone to wandering. Memory care communities, like Mount Prospect, have emergency systems in place to keep residents safe, eliminate wandering, reduce the risk of falls and create secure grounds that prevent residents from becoming lost.
5. Support at Every Step.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are progressive diseases, meaning they increase in severity over time. In a memory care community, caregivers do not only provide support for cognitive abilities, but they also support the daily needs of the residents; this can range from help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to assistance with medication management.
Learn More About Mount Prospect Senior Living
If you are considering memory care for a loved one, the best way to understand what a community is like is to visit one! Contact Mount Prospect Senior Living today to schedule a tour and to learn more about our programs. Do you have questions about our culture, our care or our services? Call us today at 847-250-6029 or email us at mountprospectdsm2@islllc.com!