Caring for a loved one comes with many different responsibilities, including knowing when they require additional memory care. Seniors who have progressing Alzheimer’s or dementia often need specialized care in an environment created just for them. To get them the best care possible, you may want to consider transitioning them into a memory care community.
To decide on memory care in Gambrills, MD, you will want to research the type of resources available. There are many different memory care options, and you want to make sure you choose the right fit for your loved one and their care needs.
What Is Memory Care?
A memory care community is very different from other types of senior living communities since it is highly specialized. These communities focus on residential, long-term care for seniors who have progressing memory conditions. This often includes Alzheimer’s and dementia, but it could include other types of memory loss.
These communities have highly trained staff who have experience working with people who have memory conditions. Top memory care communities are also able to adapt more depending on each individual's needs since memory loss can change on a case-by-case basis.
Resources a Memory Care Community Should Provide
Transitioning your loved one into a memory care community is a big step, and you want to do this with confidence. It’s also vital that you choose the community that meets your unique needs so that you do not have to later move your loved one if it doesn’t turn out to be a good fit.
Here are some resources memory care communities should provide that your loved one may need:
24 Hour Care
One of the most basic resources memory care communities should provide is 24-hour care for all of the residents. For many seniors who have memory-related conditions, 24-hour supervision and access to emergency services is an absolute necessity.
24-hour care ensures everyone stays safe, especially if there are residents who tend to wander, a common concern in memory care. This also ensures there is someone always available in case any needs arise.
Personalized Care Plans
Memory loss and memory-related conditions impact everyone differently and progress at different speeds. Because of this, memory care communities provide highly personalized care plans that are adaptable depending on the person. This provides a more suitable option for residents who have progressing memory loss since they will eventually need changes to their care plan.
A memory care community should also have a strong focus on personalized care so that each resident feels supported. Memory loss can feel very lonely and isolating, and the caregivers in your chosen Gambrills, MD, community should focus on fostering personal connections with each resident as well as treating them with the utmost compassion.
Interactive Activities
All senior living communities provide a variety of activities that help older adults stay active and engaged in their community. Memory care is no different, except they provide a different variety of activities for residents that are uniquely tailored to their needs and mobility.
Many residents in memory care communities may struggle with mobility or cognitive function. Because of this, special activities are provided that have a focus on stimulation, engagement, and social interaction.
Gambrills memory care communities also provide therapeutic activities specifically designed for dementia care and that help you stay engaged during colder months, when there is typically a desire for less movement. This can include things like specially designed interactive games, music therapy, pet therapy, and memory stimulation.
Safe Community Design
Memory care residents require a different kind of environment than residents in other senior living communities. Your chosen community should provide a dementia-friendly space that is both peaceful and safe.
Examples of a dementia-friendly community design include level walking surfaces, banisters, handrails, etc. Other community design elements are also added to prevent residents from wandering off or leaving the community unsupervised.
Family Resources
A high-quality memory care community should provide family members with plenty of resources to help them through this unfamiliar transition. This can include resources to help with navigating the progression of memory loss or better understanding what their loved one is going through.
The care team in the Gambrills, MD, community should also maintain open communication with the family members so that they stay up-to-date about their loved one’s care.
How to Choose the Right Memory Care Community
Choosing the right memory care in the state of Maryland can feel overwhelming since there are so many resources available. This decision can often be broken down into a few factors that will have the greatest impact on your decision. Here are some examples of the first things you should consider when looking into memory care communities.
Location
Most people want to transition their loved one into a memory care community that is local to them. Not only is this more convenient, but it allows them to stay in a familiar environment and makes visiting them much easier.
Living close by even after your loved one is in a memory care community will allow you to still play an important role in their care. You can check up on them regularly and gain a better understanding of how they are progressing.
Cost
A very important factor for most people when choosing Gambrills memory care resources is the cost. Memory care is a bit more expensive than other types of senior living communities because more resources and care options are required. It is also difficult to understand what the price will be since it is different for every resident.
You should also factor in how much future costs could be so that you choose a community that is affordable or offers financial assistance programs. For instance, if your loved one has dementia, this will most likely progress over time, requiring changes to their care plan.
Amenities
Memory care communities provide a similar range of amenities that keep residents comfortable and cared for. This includes things like:
- Dining
- Housekeeping services
- Laundry services
- Transportation
- Salon and spa
Some memory care communities may have a greater focus in certain areas than others, which can impact your decision. For instance, you may want to choose a Gambrills, MD, community that provides greater resources for dementia care, such as interactive game consoles and different classes and programs.
If you are planning on transitioning your loved one into a memory care community in Gambrills, MD, you may not know where to get started. Check out The Caregivers Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care to get a better understanding of what your loved one needs.
