Memory care is a specialized type of senior living that caters to the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Although these senior-friendly communities are often thought of as strictly for people with memory loss, they can also benefit residents who need more support in their later years. For instance, many people choose memory care in Wilmington, NC, because it helps them feel safer and more secure than in an independent living facility (ILF). Still, others prefer this type of environment because it allows them to socialize with others who have experienced similar challenges. But how does memory care help improve their mental health?
Increased Social Interaction
Social interaction is crucial to a person’s physical and mental health. It can be especially important for golden-age adults’ well-being as they age. Memory care communities can help golden-age adults socialize in a safe environment with others who are around their age and share similar interests.
Memory care communities can also help those with memory loss cope with the changes in their lives by providing them with a social support system of experts and other residents who have experienced similar difficulties.
Safe And Secure Environment
When your loved one is in a memory care community, their safety and security are top priorities. The team will be trained to assess potential risk factors, such as wandering or aggression. They will also have access to a wide range of medications and treatments to help your loved one with their symptoms.
In addition, the memory care community should have security systems and procedures in place to ensure that everyone is safe at all times. You should expect that there will be both visual monitoring and alarms set up throughout the building. This helps ensure that no unauthorized persons enter the building or rooms where residents are staying at night; it also makes it easier for team members to keep track of who has entered or exited any given room at any given time during the day or night (so if someone does try something funny like hiding somewhere), an alarm will sound so that everyone knows about it immediately!
Daily Schedule And Routine
One of the first things to consider is the daily schedule and routine. A set schedule helps promote mental health, as it can reduce stress and improve sleep patterns. When relieving depression and anxiety, a structured daily routine can help make life more manageable for your loved one.
Routines offer structure in a world where confusion often reigns supreme, which allows golden-age adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to feel like they have some control over their lives again—even if only on a small scale.
Mental Stimulation
One way to keep your loved one’s brain healthy is by providing them with opportunities for mental stimulation. Mental stimulation refers to activities that use both sides of the brain. It involves multiple senses, such as playing games or reading books with words that have different meanings based on how they sound (e.g., “sister” vs. “city”). By encouraging this activity in your loved one’s daily routine, you’ll ensure they’re staying physically and mentally active!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this information useful and that it helps you make an informed decision about the best options for your loved one. If you’re still unsure about what type of care is right for your loved one, contact us today! Our team is here to help answer any questions or concerns you might have about memory care in general, as well as specific senior-friendly independent living communities near your hometown.
