Understanding Residential Memory Care Services
Roughly 7 million Americans are currently suffering from Alzheimer's and Dementia in 2024.
If you've got a loved one dealing with cognitive decline, it can be extremely difficult to know what to do to help them. Sometimes, the best help is to realize that you can't do it yourself. Finding the right memory care services is often the best solution for everyone involved.
In today's post, we'll take a look at some of the many advantages of a memory care community. Once you've got a better idea of how these communities operate and what your loved one will get out of the experience, it'll put your mind at ease knowing they'll be properly looked after.
Residential memory care has helped millions of Americans to date. Keep reading and find out how it can help your loved one as well.
How Senior Living with Memory Care Works
When you're looking at senior living communities, you'll be faced with a few options. Seniors with no health issues will look at independent living communities. Those with more pressing age-related health issues will opt for assisted living communities.
These communities have staff on-site to look after the various needs of its residents. This might include administering medication, helping them bathe, and performing housekeeping duties.
Memory care is offered through some, but not all, assisted living communities. It includes all of the same services as assisted living but with specialized care geared toward the unique challenges of cognitive decline.
At The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, our memory care staff are highly trained in helping those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The Prema Memory Support program helps residents manage their symptoms on a day-to-day basis, while our neighborhood gives them a safe and comfortable environment.
Advantages of a Memory Care Community
There are countless benefits of memory care. Here are a few of the most important things to think about when choosing a community:
Tailored Care
The second your loved one enters memory care, the community will work with them to assess their unique needs. They'll receive a care plan tailored to those needs so they're able to enjoy a fruitful experience in memory care.
It can be difficult for families to assess the needs of loved ones suffering from cognitive decline. Memory care facilities are staffed with experienced and highly trained professionals who can come up with a specific plan to maximize your loved one's quality of life in the community.
Safety and Security
One of the overlooked perks of memory care is the safety and security of residents. Studies show that around 60% of Alzheimer's sufferers wander at some point. If your loved one does this outside of a care community, it could put them at serious risk.
The community is appropriately monitored by staff. There's zero chance your loved one will be able to wander and put themselves in harm's way.
In addition, the community itself is set up to promote safe mobility throughout the grounds. Those with mobility issues will still be able to explore by themselves and staff are always around to help as needed.
More Socialization
Social isolation is prevalent in our senior population and even more so in seniors with Alzheimer's. This isolation can lead directly to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can begin to affect physical health in time.
Memory care communities have programming that facilitates social activity between residents. Each day, residents have access to a variety of activities and events, many of which are geared toward socialization, as well as enhancing memory.
Whether they've got dementia or not, seniors need social activity to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. Whether it's going for a walk or playing a game of bingo, the relationships residents form through activities will help them enjoy a better life in memory care.
Improved Fitness
Many memory care activities are also geared toward physical fitness. Seniors need around 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week to avoid age-related physical decline.
Some days will involve walking around the community grounds, while others will involve light yoga or Tai Chi. Your loved one will be able to improve their heart, bone, and joint health so they can maintain their vitality for longer.
Improved Diet
The other side of senior health is nutrition. Regardless of their cognitive state, all seniors need a balanced diet full of nutrients to boost their health and avoid the many health issues that can arise from poor nutrition.
Most commonly, older adults deal with heart issues, diabetes, and osteoporosis due to poor diet. When they live in a memory care community, eating a nutritious diet is made easy with in-house dining.
Our restaurant offers a rotating menu of delicious and healthy meals for all residents. Multiple times per day, they'll be able to choose meals that appeal to them and satisfy their unique dietary requirements.
Learning Programs
The best memory care communities take cognitive health seriously. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, for instance, offers signature programs geared towards continual learning for residents.
BrainCafe™ is a collaboration with the UCLA Longevity Center to provide a memory training series. A certified trainer will help your loved one enhance their memory through research-based techniques.
Community Outings
Not all memory care communities facilitate outings for residents. As a New York City community, we pride ourselves on providing our memory care residents with the ability to explore.
Outings themselves are diverse and always geared towards fun. Your loved one will be safe while enjoying all that New York and the surrounding area has to offer.
Choosing the Right Senior Memory Care for Your Loved One
The advantages of a memory care community are clear. If you've got a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's, memory care gives them the chance to live their best life. Doing it in the best possible community in New York City will maximize this lifestyle.
The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is New York City's top memory care provider. To learn more about our amazing programs, community, and other offerings, contact us today and book a tour.