How Do Memory Care Facilities Care For Their Residents?

Nursing homes provide care for people who are unable to care for themselves. Nursing homes are adequate for people with mobility issues and health concerns, as long as they're of sound mind. However, a different type of care is necessary for people who suffer from dementia.

Memory care facilities provide specialized care for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Many people who live in memory care facilities are seniors, but younger people who suffer from dementia can also benefit from this type of residential care. Memory care facilities take care of their residents in the following ways.

1. Staff members keep residents on schedule.

Many older people are invested in retaining their independence, but too much independence can be detrimental for people with dementia. At a memory care facility, staff members will help residents stay on schedule, reminding them to go to meals and take their medication. These helpful reminders will ensure that each resident gets everything they need, from nourishment to daily exercise.

2. Special attention is paid to providing a consistent routine.

Dementia can affect a person's short-term memory, making it hard for them to retain recent information. Long-term memory is often affected less, which is why some people with Alzheimer's will mistake family members for people from their pasts. For this reason, routines can help people with dementia feel calm and safe. Routines offer predictability that they can rely on. At a memory care facility, each day will follow a predictable routine. This can reduce stress, fear, and anger in dementia patients, increasing their overall quality of life.

3. Residents are kept safe and prevented from wandering.

People with dementia have been known to wander far from home, sometimes ending up miles away with no idea how they got there. This type of wandering can be extremely dangerous for people with dementia, as they are vulnerable to crime, accidents, and more. Memory care facilities are designed to prevent patients from wandering. Residents may walk the halls, but exits that lead outside the facility are locked for their safety.

4. Social environments are provided for residents' mental health.

Dementia can be an isolating disease, but regular social contact can improve patients' mental health. Memory care facilities give residents the opportunity to socialize with staff members and other residents. Art classes, group exercise classes, and other activities can help residents feel like they're part of a vibrant community.

For more information, contact a memory care facility in your area.