Memory Care: A Compassionate Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia
In the spectrum of senior care, memory care is a specialized, expanded level of service designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals grappling with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. In this article, we’ll explore memory care, its core principles and the transformative impact it has on the lives of both residents and their families.
What is Memory Care
At its core, memory care is designed to embrace and empower those with memory loss. It’s a testament to the belief that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to live with grace and purpose, regardless of their cognitive challenges.
The Pillars of Memory Care
Memory care communities are characterized by several distinctive features and principles:
1. Compassion
Memory care communities are staffed with caregivers who are not merely employees but compassionate guardians of residents’ well-being. Memory care employees receive specialized training in the intricacies of memory-related conditions, equipping them to provide the highest level of care and emotional support to residents and their families.
2. Security
Within the walls of memory care communities, safety is imperative. Entryways are fortified with state-of-the-art security measures to prevent wandering and ensure residents remain safe. Newer communities offer this advanced level of security and safety in environments that still retain their homelike quality.
3. Purposeful Activities
Memory care isn’t just about attending to physical needs; it’s about nurturing the soul. Activities are carefully orchestrated for the unique preferences and abilities of residents. This includes art therapy, music therapy, sensory gardens, and reminiscence programs that evoke cherished memories.
4. Medication Management
Many residents rely on medication to manage their conditions. Memory care communities excel in medication management, with trained staff ensuring prescriptions are administered accurately and on schedule, offering peace of mind to both residents and their families.
5. Proper Nutrition
When it comes to memory care, nutrition isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about nourishing the body and mind. Thoughtfully crafted menus cater to dietary requirements, and residents receive personalized assistance with their meals as needed. Carillon provides two additional meals for residents – a service fee may be applicable depending on the plan.
6. Personalized Care
Each resident is unique, and their care plans are individually created to cater to their distinct needs, abilities and preferences. These plans are meticulously tailored through comprehensive assessments and continuously refined to adapt to evolving needs.
The Benefits of Memory Care
Now that we’ve covered the basics of memory care, let’s get into its benefits for residents and their families:
1. Safety
In the secure embrace of the right memory care community, residents find refuge from the disorienting world outside. It alleviates the worry of wandering and provides an opportunity for individuals to flourish.
2. Specialization
Memory care communities possess the ability to transform the challenges of memory-related conditions into opportunities for growth. With their specialized approach, they can manage symptoms effectively, enhance cognitive function, and nurture emotional well-being.
3. Higher Quality Life
Through engaging activities and personalized care, memory care communities enrich lives. Cognitive stimulation, emotional connections, and a sense of belonging contribute to a higher quality of life for residents.
4. Peace of Mind
For families navigating the turbulent waters of memory-related conditions, memory care offers peace of mind. Knowing their loved ones are in a nurturing, secure environment allows families to cherish their time together without constant worry.
Choosing the Right Memory Care Community
Selecting the ideal memory care community for a loved one involves a careful examination of your options:
1. Location
Consider the location’s accessibility for family visits and proximity to medical facilities for emergencies.
2. Caregiver Qualifications
Scrutinize the qualifications and compassionate ethos of the caregiving team. Look for a staff that not only possesses expertise but also a deep commitment to enhancing residents’ lives.
3. Amenities
Explore the range of amenities and activities offered within the community. The diversity of offerings can significantly impact residents’ engagement and happiness.
4. Resident/Family Feedback
Delve into reviews and testimonials from families who have walked this path before. Their insights offer a candid and invaluable perspective on the community’s quality of care.
A Testimonial to the Caring Commitment of Carillon
In 2017, Bill Maddox and his wife, Becky, received news nobody wants to hear. Doctors diagnosed Becky with mild cognitive impairment that they said would continue to deteriorate.
“Becky and I were living in Dallas at the time,” Bill recalls. “My concern was making sure my wife had the care she needed. So we began a search for a Type A Continuing Care Retirement Community. The simple definition of a Type A (also known as LifeCare) is that the resident’s monthly rate does not increase if care services are ever needed. And, based on Becky’s prognosis, I knew they would be.”
Bill and Becky visited communities in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Lubbock. Eventually, they chose Carillon Senior Living.
“We liked the location of Carillon. It’s between two major hospital systems. We enjoyed the food, thought the community offered everything we needed and fell in love with the residences.,” says Bill. “Most importantly, we liked the memory care unit and the other residents there.”
After enjoying over three years together in Independent Living at Carillon, Becky moved to the memory care unit at Carillon House.
“The staff over there take good care of her,” Bill says. “And because we live on the same campus, we eat lunch together nearly every day.
Becky has a private Skilled Nursing Room in the memory care unit, with nurses and aides on duty 24 hours. Bill continues to live in their original Independent Living residence.
“Becky’s hospital room, and mine in independent living, costs the same as when we were both here in independent living,” says Bill. “That’s a tremendous benefit of living at Carillon.”
Choose a Community that Feels Right
A good memory care community, at its core, is a celebration of individuality, a transformation from challenges to opportunities and a provider of peace to families. When choosing the right memory care community for your loved ones, remember the details matter.
At Carillon Senior Living in Lubbock, TX, our state-of-the-art memory care community offers a positive approach to memory care that benefits both residents and their families. Our caregivers focus on the positives and the capabilities that are still intact. We also offer a restorative program that helps residents maintain their current level of function and independence. Carillon Senior Living is the 10th in the world and 1st in the state of Texas to receive the designation as an I’m Still Here Center of Excellence™ through a partnership with the Hearthstone Institute.
The I’m Still Here™ focuses on evidence-based training programs to create an uplifting environment for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Our entire purpose is to ensure your loved ones receive the best care possible. To learn more, please visit Carillon Senior Living today.