Memory care is typically recommended for individuals who are not able to live on their own, or fully on their own, due to memory impairment. They may require assistance with daily tasks, safety monitoring, or help with memory health exercises.
If a person has become a danger to themselves or others due to their memory impairment, it is especially important to consider memory care.
When to Consider Memory Care
If you notice any of the following in your loved one, it may be time to consider memory care.
- Difficulty with daily tasks: Difficulty with grooming, bathing, dressing, and eating are often signs that memory care is needed.
- Increased confusion: If your loved one is frequently confused or disoriented, even in familiar settings, it may be time to consider memory care.
- Getting lost: If your loved one is wandering or getting lost with increasing frequency, memory care will increase their safety.
- Behavioral changes: Significant changes in behavior, such as agitation, aggression, or depression, can indicate memory challenges that may warrant memory care.
- Communication difficulties: Difficulty communicating or understanding others might point to memory challenges that can be supported by memory care.
Types of Memory Care
Memory care can look slightly different depending on the facility or provider. Two main types of memory care are assisted memory care and spousal memory care.
Assisted Memory Care
Assisted memory care is typically provided in a specialized memory care unit. This can be its own facility, but is more often part of a broader retirement or assisted living community. Staff is trained to work with memory impaired adults. Assisted memory care services include assistance with daily tasks, safety supervision, and specially designed activities to promote cognitive function.
Spousal Memory Care Units
Spousal memory care includes care for the spouse of someone who has memory impairment. This care can be provided in the home or in a memory care facility. The care helps both individuals live the best life possible, with assistance with medication management, daily tasks, and coordinating healthcare appointments. This can also reduce caretaker burnout on behalf of the spouse without memory care needs.
Memory Care Options to Consider
When considering memory care facilities, there are many factors that play into your final decision. The right choice ultimately depends on the unique needs of your loved one and family.
Level of Independence
Facilities offer varying degrees of independence. Some offer limited assistance so residents can continue to live their lives as normally as possible, Others may have a more restrictive environment where residents are closely supervised and monitored. The right option depends on what your loved one needs. At Copeland Oaks, our continuum of care makes it easy to transition to increasing levels of assistance as needs change.
Qualified Staff
In a memory care facility, it is extremely important to be sure that the staff are properly trained and experienced in working with individuals with memory challenges. Consider staff who work with residents on a daily basis as well as staff members who manage the facility and coordinate care.
Quality of Care
When assessing a memory care facility, take note of the overall quality of care. This may include noting whether residents receive appropriate assistance with daily tasks. You may also ask about specialized activities and programs that promote cognitive function. Finally, look around to see that the facility is clean, safe, and well-maintained.
Build a Custom Senior Living Plan With Copeland Oaks
Here at Copeland Oaks, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. It can be difficult to build a custom senior living plan on your own, especially when memory care needs come into play.
We’re here to answer all your questions. Click here to reach out to the team at Copeland Oaks.