A Typical Day in Memory Care
Brian SheridanApr 19th, 2022
Deciding to place a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia into Memory Care can be difficult for many families. You want your older relatives to have the best quality of life possible but aren't sure what the day-to-day experience in Memory Care will be like for them.
Letting go is especially hard when you've served as their primary caregiver. You may have grown used to the daily routine you've created for your loved one and are apprehensive about giving up that important role to others.
However, it's important to remember that Memory Care communities exist to give people diagnosed with cognitive impairment conditions the happiest, safest, and most progressive care possible. With trained, professional staff looking after your loved one, you can focus less on providing care and more on having quality visits full of joy and laughter.
What is Memory Care?
Memory Care is a live-in 24-hour care facility staffed by professionals trained to support people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The communities are tailored to help living with the illness be as comfortable as possible.
It's important to note that residents are never lonely, bored, or disengaged in Memory Care. In fact, they're provided a range of cognitive support and activities to engage cognitive abilities and help them continue doing things they enjoy. The staff at these facilities are also specialists with specific training designed to help people suffering from memory loss and other effects of dementia.
Every aspect of Memory Care, including apartment layouts, place settings in the dining room, and the brain-healthy food served three times per day, is designed to stimulate cognitive activity. I've heard from many families that placement in Memory Care has actually slowed the progression of the disease in their loved ones.
What does a typical day look like in Memory Care?
Here's what your loved one can look forward to every day as a Memory Care resident:
Morning
In most Memory Care communities, residents wake up at their own pace and convene for breakfast when they feel ready. Breakfast includes a wide range of nutritious food, followed by morning exercise. Other activities include short walks, word games, and puzzles.
Afternoon
Residents cap a relaxed morning off with lunch consisting of delicious food that provides a balanced and healthy diet. After lunch, residents enjoy relaxing afternoon activities, such as a book club, art class, or other activity that helps stimulate the mind.
Evening
In most communities, dinner is served in a large dining room where residents can socialize and enjoy the company of others. Evening activities can include a film club or board game, but the residents are always free to return to their room to relax.
Activities will differ between communities, so be sure to check that the community you're considering has activities that will interest your loved one.
Although the days are often structured within Memory Care, residents are always in control and never forced to participate in activities. Care providers encourage residents to be independent and pursue their interests, an approach that can positively affect their cognitive abilities.
What services are available in Memory Care?
Above all, the goal of Memory Care is to create an environment that allows people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia to take life at their own pace and stay as mentally active as possible. To support this daily goal, Memory Care offers specialized services, including:
Coordinated healthcare
Memory Care providers will often work with your loved one's health professionals to book appointments and manage medications, and arrange transportation to and from medical appointments.
Elevated specialized care
Your parents or grandparents will receive care from trained professionals who will identify issues early, decide on the best course of action, and prioritize the health and well-being of your loved one.
Unique therapy programs
Many Memory Care communities offer occupational, art, and pet therapy programs that help residents handle the loss of cognitive abilities and improve their quality of life.
Can Memory Care help enhance the independence of its residents?
There's a common misconception that a person in Memory Care gives up all their independence. The truth is that people in Memory Care actually gain and maintain more independence than when they lived at home.
People with dementia who live at home will often only see one or two other people during the day and have few activities beyond television. Interaction with healthcare professionals may only be once per month or less.
Memory Care offers residents a much richer, more fulfilled experience. Residents have a built-in friends group of 20 or more people they can dine, laugh, and share activities with. They're also interacting with and under the supervision of healthcare professionals around the clock and have more energy to participate in everything the community offers.
Most families find that Memory Care provides more life-enriching options to their loved ones, making them less dependent on family. You'll be able to still participate in their care plan with the peace of mind that your relative is receiving the best-specialized care available.
No-cost Help Finding Quality Memory Care in Northeast Florida
We know you want the best for your loved one. When it's time to explore options for Memory Care in Northeast Florida, you need as much information as possible so your family can make an informed decision.
Brian Sheridan of Assisted Living Locators of Northeast Florida can help. Brian and his team take the time to understand what's most important to your family. They'll then perform exhaustive research to present the best-fit options where your loved one will be happy, safe, and treated with respect.
Contact Brian at 904-559-3203 or bsheridan@assistedlivinglocators.com to find the Best Senior Living Community in Northeast Florida for you or a family member today!