Memory care communities are designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia by providing them a safe and secure community where they can live comfortably while battling the symptoms of their symptoms and disease.
For some, forgetfulness and confusion might be a normal part of the aging process. Perhaps it is normal for grandpa to lose his keys or grandma to forget her reading glasses.
But for many, debilitating memory loss can be a devastating condition that affects the entire family. Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive diseases that develop slowly and get worse over time.
The familiarity and home-like atmosphere of these types of senior living facilities contribute to the resident’s feelings of acceptance, well-being, and purpose.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Dementia is not a synonym for Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s may share similar traits, but they are very different conditions.
- Dementia: Dementia is not actually a disease, it is a symptom. Dementia is used to describe a group of indicators including short-term memory loss, problems with speech or comprehension, disorientation, delusions, that are often related to damage or disease in the brain.
- Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the brain caused by tangles in the brain tissue that interrupts the messages between nerve cells. This damage to brain tissue causes dementia, impaired thinking, and difficulty with language, reasoning, and controlled thought. People with Alzheimer’s experience dementia, but not everyone who experiences dementia will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s or Dementia
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia may start as simple signs of aging like mild forgetfulness, or difficulty completing tasks, but it’s often not serious enough to cause alarm.
As Alzheimer’s progresses, symptoms are more easily noticed and may include:
- Forgetting familiar people, places, or things
- Inability to complete simple tasks like brushing teeth or showering
- Problems speaking, reading, or writing
- Aggressive behavior
- Wandering away from home or getting lost in a familiar place.
As the disease progresses, the inability to reason or make decisions can impact the safety of the patient. This is why complete Alzheimer’s care from a memory care facility is critical to keeping patients comfortable, protected, and happy.
When is it time to consider professional memory care services?
The biggest concern for Alzheimer’s patients is safety and security. Wandering from home and getting lost poses a serious health risk.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six out of every ten patients become disoriented while away from home, often resulting in serious injury or death. Providing a safe and secure atmosphere with Alzheimer’s care is the best way to care for your loved ones.
Memory care facilities are designed to give patients a sense of security so they can maintain their daily routine, go on a walk, and continue to maintain their quality of life with the accommodations they need to keep them safe.
Talking with Your Loved One About Memory Care Facilities
Family members who are trying to place a loved one experiencing dementia must keep in mind that although their loved one may seem as if they are just being obstinate, they simply may not have the ability to go through the reasoning process with you. It’s at this point that a family member may have to make a decision which may go against the loved one’s wishes because it is in their best interest. Most patients will adapt to their new surroundings and thrive when placed in a secure facility that is geared to their individual needs.
Available Services and Amenities for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Preservation of dignity and maintaining a person’s skills and interests is a critical element of living an optimum life. Dementia care facilities have a specialized focus to care for your loved one in a home-like atmosphere where they can enjoy daily activities, maintain a sense of self, and still enjoy the company of family and friends. Some Alzheimer’s or dementia care facilities in the Louisville, KY area even offer couples programs where husband and wife and move in and enjoy their new home together.
Common services include:
- 24-hour care & assistance—licensed personal care
- Safe, secure environment with secured doors and fenced courtyard
- Care from staff members with specific training in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory care
- Three nutritious, home-cooked meals and snacks daily
- Rehabilitation therapies—physical, occupational & speech
- Ancillary health services—podiatrist, dentist & ophthalmologist
- Transportation secured for medical appointments
- Planned activities & outings
- Episcopal Chaplain—chapel services and counseling
- Weekly or daily housekeeping
- Full-time maintenance staff
- Beauty & Barber services
- Soda Fountain
- Business Center—copier, fax & computer lab
- Parlor and private dining to host dining guests, play cards or entertain visitors
- Evening security
- Spacious courtyards & gardens
- On-site Alzheimer support groups
Our FREE Placement Assistance Services
We work with families to find memory care facilities in Louisville, KY and surrounding areas that are the perfect fit for your loved ones. We get to know you, your needs, the personality and preferences of your loved one and we find a facility that everyone can be happy with. Best of all, our services are 100% free.
Let us lend our expertise to your search for memory care services at no cost to you. Contact us today!
You are not alone! We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your loved one!