Memory care programs are designed to offer specialized services and care to help the elderly who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Some of the important features and services of memory care programs include cognitive therapies, experienced and specialized team members, 24-hour care, and a secure environment.
Memory care programs help to provide enriching activities which stimulate the brain and ensure the elderly maintain their skills as long as possible. Memory care thus helps to provide exceptional care for them especially as their symptoms and conditions deteriorate over time. Here are some of the things to look out for in a memory care program.
Well-Trained and Experienced Memory Care Team Members
When looking for a memory care program, you want to ensure that the nursing and medical team members at the senior living community have the necessary qualifications and background to provide the required services. This is because caring for a dementia patient or a person with Alzheimer’s can be frustrating and emotionally draining for the ordinary person or people who are not well-trained.
Memory care services involve encouraging memory retention through cognitive care and stimulation. This is done through the usage of physical, or verbal triggers through various targeted activities and events. The team members of a memory care team should thus have undergone memory-care specific training and education so that they are ready and qualified to take care of the elderly with cognitive decline and memory issues.
The number, expertise, and quality of memory care team members can also affect the care provided to the residents. This is because if a memory care team consists of a larger number of team members working with a smaller resident population, more people can provide personalized and empathetic care services to the residents.
Team members who are better-trained and more qualified will also be better at understanding the needs of the residents and assisting them. Better trained team members are also more empathetic and caring and would create more positive experiences for the residents while using verbal and nonverbal methods of communication.
Comprehensive Therapy
Therapy is an important aspect of the memory care program and in cognitive stimulation for people who suffer from memory issues. Therapies help them to relax, boost their confidence, improve their mood, and also allow them to express their thoughts and emotions. Therapy is thus used to complement pharmaceutical care to ensure that residents receive holistic treatment and care. When choosing a memory care program, it is important to opt for programs that have more comprehensive and varied forms of therapy to exercise different skill sets.
There are various forms of therapy such as aromatherapy, gardening therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and occupational therapy. Having a memory care program that provides more therapy options will be better as your loved ones will have more options to choose from.
Comprehensive and regular therapy sessions will help your loved ones to be more empowered and capable in their daily lives. Do consider and thoroughly read through the various therapy sessions available and what they comprise of before choosing a memory care program.
