What is Memory Care? A Quick Guide

Around forty percent of Americans over sixty-five years old suffer from some form of memory impairment.  The question is, what do you do when your loved one’s memory impairment progresses?  That’s where memory care comes in. Let’s answer the question, “What is memory care?” and find out why it’s important.

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a way to reduce stress for people struggling with dementia and other severe memory problems. Memory care is for people who need more supervision and help than what standard assisted living communities offer, but who don’t need to be in a nursing facility or hospital.

People with memory loss are prone to getting lost or wandering away from where they’re supposed to be. This can lead to injury, or even end up with them becoming entirely missing. Memory care facilities help prevent this problem. One of the many services memory care communities provide is security. They have safety measures in place so that they can tell if a resident leaves the building.  Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments can also be a challenge.  Memory care communities offer this as well as transportation throughout the memory care community. They also provide medication management for people who may forget to take their medication, as well as a variety of memory care activities and services to help prevent further memory loss. 

Memory Care Options

There are many different memory care communities and memory care facilities available. You’ll probably want to research and see what options are available in your area. You should also try to tour several different communities so you can compare the benefits or drawbacks of each.  

While you tour each memory care community, you should ask about their staff specialties, certifications, licenses, and other qualifications. You want the best possible care team for your loved one’s health and having a trained and seasoned memory care staff is essential. You’ll also want to be sure the facility has an appropriate staff to resident ratio in order to ensure there’s always someone looking out for your loved one. 

Some communities will offer multiple senior care options, which will offer more flexibility as your loved ones’ needs change. There are also communities that offer different levels of dementia care, so no matter the stage or severity of your loved one’s memory issues there would be appropriate care for them. 

For your loved one to feel comfortable with the change, you will want to make sure the new memory care community is a place they will feel secure, cared for, purposeful, and at home. Think about the layout of the community and their apartment.  Take some time to meet some of the other residents.  

What Is Memory Care? 

In memory care communities, residents experience a safe, unique environment that is designed to improve quality of life, reduce confusion, and prevent wandering.

Senior Living Life at Juniper Communities is about living your third act to the fullest. Juniper Communities offer specialized memory care.  Their Wellspring communities, a small house model, enable individuals to fully maintain their sense of independence and well-being while still getting the help and supportive services they need.

If you’re looking into memory care options for yourself or a loved one, make sure that you contact Juniper Communities today.