Having a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's or dementia can be a painstaking experience. Memory care can help ease some of your concerns. Memory care is a form of long-term skilled nursing formulated especially for patients who are dealing with these medical concerns. These programs revolve around sensory based therapy, environments that foster healthy independence while ensuring safety and facility designs that make independent navigation easier. Enlisting this type of care for your loved can be especially beneficial.
Smaller Patient Ratio
Memory care facilities sometimes have smaller patient-to-resident ratios than traditional assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. In many instances, patients who are dealing with either of these diseases can sometimes get agitated when they need or want to communicate something, but have a difficult time doing so.
With a larger patient-to-resident ratio, caregivers are able to tune into each patient easier and address whatever concern the patient is trying communicate. With a greater patient load, it's more difficult for caregivers to offer this level of care.
Increased Freedom
The therapy programs at these facilities isn't the only thing designed for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. The facility itself is also designed with them in mind. Increased safety barriers, color-coded hallways and other features are just some of the measures in place. This allows residents to walk around the facility with greater freedom and independence.
In some traditional facilities, these patients are restricted to certain areas. Since every facet of the facility is designed with memory care in mind, instead of restrictions, your loved one will have the full-run of the facility including social programs, therapy and dining services.
Personalized Care
Although memory care facilities are designed for residents who suffer from Alzheimer's and dementia, this does not mean that all patients are grouped together. These facilities offer personalized care based on each person's needs. Typically, as part of the admission process, your loved one will be assessed a level of care.
This care level will determine what area of the facility your loved one will be housed in as well as the level of care and interaction they require from staff. In a traditional facility, all patients who suffer from these conditions are typically grouped together in one area, regardless of their degree of care needed.
Memory care facilities can help you ensure that you are pairing your loved one with the right type of care. Make sure you are considering the benefits of a memory care facility (or go to sites of memory care providers).