The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 6.9 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. The disease's prevalence increases with age. By 2050 there will be approximately 82 million seniors.
Why is this significant? Because it will increase the need for specialized memory care programs.
Many assisted living communities offer memory care services. It involves full-time, specialized care designed to enhance residents' quality of life. Memory care programs provide structured routines and therapies. Both interventions improve cognitive and physical functions.
Well-trained caregivers create a secure environment tailored to meet residents' individual needs. They also offer support for their families.
Why should you understand the key features of effective memory care programs? They can help you choose a community to suit your loved one's needs. Read on to learn more.
Memory care can help seniors with dementia live an independent and safe life. However, the following essential features ensure these specialized senior care programs are effective.
Specialized training helps memory care staff provide the high-quality support residents need. Dementia-specific training is important for caregivers and staff because it helps them:
The International Journal of Nursing Studies reviewed the effectiveness of dementia training. It showed that it can lead to improved outcomes for people with dementia. Yet, it concluded that "there is no one-size-fits-all in dementia education".
Despite this, there is a noteworthy fact. Many great training programs focus on a person-centered care approach.
Person-centered care is a healthcare model tailored to a person's:
It focuses on collaboration with patients and families to develop individual care plans. The approach aims to treat patients with respect and dignity. It tries to achieve this by including them in their care decisions.
As one of the key features of senior care, it helps residents maintain a sense of well-being and self-worth by:
What is the goal of person-centered care? To use techniques to personalize care based on individual histories and preferences.
Memory care activities and interventions should encourage engagement and stimulate cognitive function. They usually include:
Effective memory care incorporates diverse programming to cater to different abilities and interests.
Another important factor when choosing memory care is a safe, secure environment. Residents with dementia may have symptoms that can make them more vulnerable. They also have a higher risk of injury.
A few features that can enhance safety include:
Communities can also support safe and independent living by incorporating discreet safety features. Environmental design can also play a significant role. It can reduce anxiety and enhance comfort by creating familiar, calming surroundings.
Consider assisted living communities that:
You can also take this a step further by incorporating soft lighting in your loved ones' space. It's also best to try to reduce clutter, glare, and shadows.
Social interaction with family members is important for people with dementia. It can help activate memories, allowing them to maintain a sense of reality. But can be taxing on both an emotional and physical level for you.
You can manage them better by using caregiver resources that may include:
Your well-being is important. It can also impact the effectiveness of your loved one's memory care.
Each essential feature of effective memory care programs provides significant benefits. Some of the main memory care benefits include the following.
How does an effective memory care program improve residents' quality of life? Consider that:
These benefits can also reduce depression and improve cognitive function. Both of which contribute to improved quality of life for residents.
The National Library of Medicine noted residents in memory care had reduced hospitalizations. They also had fewer visits to the emergency room. In general, effective memory care can decrease the need for emergency medical interventions.
Many assisted living communities offer memory care programs. How can you determine if it's effective?
It's usually characterized by personalized care provided by staff with specialized training. Activities and interventions take place in a safe, secure environment. Some programs also provide support for families.
Addington Place of Des Moines is an exceptional assisted living community. Our effective memory care program is one of the things that set us apart. Our professional, well-trained caregivers offer individual care plans that focus on residents' well-being.
Why not schedule a no-obligation tour to learn how we can meet your loved ones' needs?