There are currently about 6 million people in the United States that live with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. It’s a progressive condition that affects one’s memory and cognitive abilities. The progression and symptoms of the disease can be difficult for both the patient and the ones caring for them. As such, many persons with Alzheimer’s live in memory care or assisted living.
Should our loved ones move to community that offers specialized care for cognitive conditions? Here are the benefits of moving to memory care in Harvey, LA.
Lowered Risk of Injury
Persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s experience a range of symptoms. Although memory loss is the obvious one, common symptoms also include wandering and getting lost in familiar places. These pose a danger to the patients as they might end up walking into the middle of the road with cars coming or going, or getting themselves injured at home by picking up or dropping a sharp object. Memory care communities are specially designed to reduce residents’ confusion and control their symptoms, while also ensuring their safety. This is achieved through several design features such as using contrasting colors on rooms and hallways to help with depth perception.
They Provide Cognitive Treatments
Alzheimer’s and dementia come in stages, and memory care provides regular assessments of their residents’ condition to ensure they receive the right care at every stage. Memory care communities regularly organize fun classes, events and exercise for residents that encourage cognitive stimulation and support cognitive function. Residents are offered structured, daily programs of these activities as engaging those brain skills regularly are beneficial in slowing down the effects of the disease.
They Provide Assistance with Daily Tasks
Persons with Alzheimer’s tend to have difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL). Some ADLs such as incontinence can be hard for caregivers at home to complete due to lack of appropriate resources. The communities offer assistance with their residents’ daily routines. Be it grooming, showering, continence management or medication management, residents will be able to get help with these tasks. Housekeeping and laundry services are provided, and all meals are prepared for them daily. The daily menus consist of healthy dietary options that are good for brain health.
24/7 Medical Assistance
With the progression of the disease, the higher the risk of injury and need for medical assistance. Memory care communities have nursing supervision 24/7 and on-site speech, occupational and physical therapies. Medical assistance is readily available at the residents’ convenience, so families can have the peace of mind that their loved ones will be able to receive timely medical care whenever required.
Your Loved Ones Are in Safe Hands
The team members at these communities have all gone through professional training to care for persons with cognitive conditions. Your loved one has a team of people that are passionate and able to provide the highest quality care for them so you can rest assured that all their needs will be met and they will be well cared for.
