Memory Care Is a Great Option for Seniors with Dementia

March 4, 2021 by ·

Dementia can affect anyone at any age, but it’s far more common for aging men and women. When someone of advancing years is diagnosed with dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s, they often want to remain home. 

However, the challenges they face will increase. In some instances, those challenges will mount and can become intense. 

Trying to remain home may certainly seem noble, but that doesn’t mean it would be the best choice. In fact, when you understand the benefits of memory care assisted living, you quickly realize why this would truly be a great option for that elderly person dealing with dementia. 

 

What makes memory care so beneficial?

Assisted Living Theodore, AL: Memory Care and Seniors

The first answer: experienced care. Many family members, including a spouse or adult child, certainly want to do whatever they can to help, but if they have never supported someone with dementia before, they are way behind as far as the ‘learning curve’ is concerned. 

In other words, there could be a plethora of missed opportunities that may have been beneficial, but they didn’t happen simply because family wasn’t aware of it. 

At a quality memory care assisted living facility, residents contending with dementia will be surrounded day and night by experienced staff. These staff members know how to best support seniors with dementia, either with physical assistance or reminders or even encouragement. 

The second answer: comfort. Yes, being home is comfortable for most people, especially if they’ve lived in the same home for many years.  

However, at assisted living, when that seniors has moments of confusion, frustration, and even anxiety because their memory eludes them, instead of being alone, they can call for help, even in the middle of the night. 

The third answer: activity. Spending time with peers, playing games, and remaining engaged in life is fundamentally important no matter your age. This is possible at assisted living. 

 

How to talk about this with the senior in your life. 

Make sure he or she is cogent and lucid when you will discuss the prospect of memory care assisted living. Answer their questions, wait patiently through their objections, and focus on the positive aspects that make assisted living so beneficial. 

Even though this senior may prefer to remain home, they are going to be realistic, which means they will understand the challenges coming their way. As such, they will realize the best option is to contemplate a move to assisted living sooner rather than later. 

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Theodore, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017. 

Filed Under: Assisted Living in Theodore AL, Memory Care · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
Google Verified Author