How to Navigate Assisted Living with Memory Care?

It is such a dangerous world for assisted living with memory care when it comes to caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These memory care facilities specialize in caring for aged people who have some level of cognitive impairments. The facilities provide specialized care plans and services tailored to help improve the quality of life. Something that might overwhelm you is choosing the right facility and how to make the transition smooth.

Here are seven tips to help you navigate assisted living with memory care and make informed decisions for your loved one.

Assisted Living VS Memory Care: What’s the Difference?

Assisted living and memory care terms refer to many as the same things, though they are in no way identical concepts. Assisted living is a residence that offers general support for seniors who require assistance daily, such as bathing, dressing, medication, and so on, but are nevertheless predominantly independent.

A memory care center, on the other hand, is more specialized in services. It is available for the patient with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other types of memory-losing diseases. The staff in units of memory care undergo training to meet the special needs of declining memory, from the management of behavioral issues to the safeguarding of a part. 

If assisted living with memory care are combined together they can prove to be the best space for the elderly.

What should you look for when choosing assisted living with memory care?

In case the necessity to receive more specialized care arises for your loved one, you don’t have to worry about moving them from one facility to another. You can choose an assisted living with memory care facility to provide the best possible care to your loved ones. Here are a few points that shed some light on what you need to look for when choosing both:

Assess the Expertise of Staff in Memory Care

Employees with dementia training and knowledge. Dementia should be handled well by staff who understand or have training about memory loss, behavioral issues, and clear communication with persons with dementia. 

Questions to Ask:

  • What type of dementia training does the staff receive? 
  • How do they cope with aggressive and confused behavior?
  • Is this living environment monitored at all points in time?

Consider Safety Aspects at the Facility

The primary concern when picking assisted living with memory care is safety since people with dementia are considered to be at a relatively high risk of accidents, wandering, and confusion. Memory care units are often designed for safety, but it would be ideal to evaluate the specifics of the safety features applied. Some facilities offer individualized safety features, such as wearable device which monitors the location of a resident for them not to stray away from the safety zones of those areas.

Review the Environment and Ambiance of the Facility

A facility’s environment and ambiance can greatly impact the lives of its residents. A soothing, home-like ambiance can calm the anxiety level of the residents and make them feel comforted. In general, the environment of the facility should always be able to meet the needs of residents who have problems with memory.

Can Assisted Living with Memory Care Be Combined?

Yes, there is absolutely no reason why memory care assisted living cannot go hand in hand. In fact, many facilities now offer both services under one roof. The benefits of that set-up abound, especially for those who may require assisted living at first but eventually need more special memory care as time goes by in view of the progression of their condition.

The facility chosen should also provide both, and thus the stress of relocating will not be encountered by families. The client can stay in a familiar environment as their level of care evolves with their needs. Continuity is fundamentally the key to ensuring the best care possible, especially for those whose cognitive decline is evident.

Benefits of Combined Care:

  • Residents get to stay in a familiar environment; thereby, confusion and anxiety decrease.
  • Simpler transitions when needs evolve but do not have a move.
  • All-inclusive environments that meet general and memory care center requirements.
  • Hybrid assisted living and memory care communities are often staffed by workers who are cross-trained to work with both populations of residents. Therefore, the residents have better apt services tailored to their individual needs.

Conclusion

As much as one may become confused by all the different components of assisted living and memory care. Yet, with good knowledge and an approach to things, you can make decisions that are useful to the loved one. For example, know the differences between assisted living and memory care, choose an institution that has staff with enough experience, and ensure safety and personal care when needed. 

Staying engaged in the care of one’s loved one also means that they continue to get the best care as they settle into this stage in life. Assisted living can complement memory care nicely, providing your loved one with the holistic care they need in a comfortable, familiar environment. Use this information to your own best advantage for helping make the best decision you can for your loved one’s future.

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