August 3, 2021
When you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, they might need services and care above what you can provide at home. While helping them make a new life transition might feel a little intimidating, many senior living communities now offer specialized memory care services designed for older adults living with dementia.
Like any major life change, moving a loved one to a memory care community is bound to spark some level of apprehension. However, learning more about memory care communities and knowing what to expect can give you peace of mind for your loved one’s well-being moving forward. Join us as we explain what you can expect from memory care communities like the ones found at Franciscan Ministries.
From the first steps your loved one takes into a memory care community, the goal is to help them achieve a higher level of wellness by building a familiar and engaging environment. The memory care staff at the community will take the time to get to know your loved one on a personal level. From there, they can help them decorate their apartment and find daily activities that help connect their meaningful past to the present moment.
During this initial stage of moving to a memory care community, it can help your loved one if you make regular visits. Not only will seeing a familiar face boost their spirits, but you’ll also be able to talk to the staff directly and check in on how your loved one is doing.
When your loved one transitions to a memory care community, you should expect them to enjoy a more active lifestyle. Many memory care communities will offer a variety of social programs and activities that are designed to help older adults with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia reach a higher quality of life. For example, your loved one might participate in art therapy or play an instrument to their favorite kind of music to help them ease any agitation they might be feeling. They could also join in on a morning exercise class that can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
The bottom line is that memory care communities work with your loved one to build a regular routine of engaging activities to boost their independence while ensuring a safe environment.
When you have a loved one who could benefit from a transition to a senior living community, it’s natural to wonder what the average length of stay in memory care is. It’s important to know from the start that memory care is designed to be a long-term living solution for older adults struggling with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The average length of stay in a memory care community is two to three years. However, the amount of time that residents spend in memory care varies. In fact, it’s common for residents to stay in a community for eight years or more.
A large part of what explains the average length of stay in memory care is the dedication of the staff. Each day these highly trained staff members work with your loved one, they learn more about their personal experiences, what the onset of their dementia symptoms look like, and how your family is adjusting to this transition. This means that the longer your loved one is in memory care, the more personalized their care will become. It’s part of the reason why older adults in memory care are usually happier and more active than they would be at home.
At Franciscan Ministries, we believe that every older adult has a story to tell. Our personalized memory care services specialize in helping your loved one find a meaningful way to continue their story. Every one of our memory care communities will take the time to get to know your loved one on a personal level so we can help them reach a higher level of physical, emotional and mental wellness. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your loved one find the support they need to thrive today.
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