Dementia can be a difficult condition to handle, thus it is important that persons with dementia get the right care they need, be it at home or at retirement communities. Memory care communities are an increasingly popular and common option amongst families of persons with dementia, but if you have never heard of it before, you might be wondering: What is that? What kind of services do they provide? Well, in this article we have compiled the key information you will need to know about these facilities.
What are Memory Care Communities?
They are either standalone facilities or part of retirement communities that provide specialized care for persons dealing with memory issues, such as the various types of dementia. The key differences between memory care communities and other living communities include:
- Smaller team member to resident ratio
- Specially tailored programs
- Higher supervision of residents to prevent wandering
- Increased safety features in the premises
- Team members that are properly trained to handle dementia-specific needs and behaviors
Programs They Offer
Memory care communities offer carefully curated activities and therapy suited for all types and levels of dementia. Aimed at slowing down cognitive decline and promoting activity amongst residents, these programs are run by specially trained team members.
Some programs offered include:
- Reminisce therapy: It encourages people to revisit positive memories of the past through the use of sensory and visual cues. As such, these communities often use old magazines, films and music from the residents’ youths to help them recall their treasured memories, which helps improve their process of concentration and recall.
- Art therapy: Residents may retain their creative touch even after getting dementia. Getting the residents creatively involved soothes them and gives them something to focus on. Common activities include listening to music, sing-along sessions, playing simple instruments like the triangle, painting, drawing, and coloring.
- Pet therapy: Memory care communities may offer pet therapy to their residents as animals can help to invoke positive feelings in the residents. The companionship of well-trained animals like dogs and cats is a great source of comfort for persons with dementia.
Features of Such Facilities
The layout of these communities includes relaxing spaces and design elements that help reduce stress and agitation, which are common behaviors of dementia.
Such features include:
- Color-coded or texture-coded walls to aid in navigation
- Rounded corners and walkways to prevent feelings of being trapped
- Controlled, soft lighting to reduce agitation and potential sleep disturbances
- Specialized rooms for multi-sensory therapy
Memory Care at Terrabella Hendersonville
If you are looking for a suitable memory care community for your loved one, Terrabella Hendersonville might just be the one you are looking for. Our Memory Care program has delivered exceptional care to many residents with dementia and continues to do so with our professionally curated programs and specially designed facilities. Our residents have positive experiences staying here, and if you would like to see for yourself what our residents love about the community, you can schedule a visit by filling in this form.
