Families are often concerned with how best to support quality of life with their loved ones living with dementia. While this is a life changing and progressive disease, there can still be many opportunities for joy and sharing meaningful moments.
When caring for an individual at home, it can be challenging to create a safe yet stimulating environment. But families who turn to a memory care community quickly discover how the lives of residents are enriched. How? The following information will help familiarize yourself with all the advantages this level of care provides.
Memory care residents and quality of life
It’s a mistake to assume that those living with dementia cannot experience quality of life. Even if your loved one is unable to recall and relate a wonderful day, it doesn’t mean the experience wasn’t enjoyed or sparked instances of true happiness.
Communities have the amenities and specially trained staff to provide memory care residents with opportunities to participate in activities that may also kindle memories or moments of delight.
Creating enriched lives for memory care residents
Take a look at the following features a memory care community provides that encourages residents to live an engaged life:
1. A genuine home
It’s important that memory care residents feel comfortable and at home wherever that may be. Communities who actively help their residents accomplish this task offer accessible and easily navigable residences that can be personalized and made familiar for loved ones to call home.
2. Support to live an independent life
While care and support will be needed, it’s still essential to remain independent for as long as possible. Memory care communities showcase design features that help residents find their way through the community successfully, including using signage, symbols and personalization to help more easily with identification and orientation.
3. Skilled and compassionate staff
A caring relationship between your loved one and those who are providing attention is key. As family members, you should feel reassured that the staff who will be helping your loved one daily is not only extremely kind but skilled in the latest practices of dementia care – including de-escalating anxiety and encouraging participation in activities.
4. Opportunities for friendships and social interactions
Interacting socially with others is essential to achieving quality of life for those living with dementia. Communities place a priority on creating several options for their memory care residents to connect with others as well as staff members. Group activities, dining and spending time on off-site excursions are only a few of the possibilities you’ll discover.
Download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Memory Care.
5. Safety and security features
A key to creating an effective community is to provide memory care residents opportunities to move freely while keeping them safe. This can often be seen in the design layout of the common areas or secured courtyards that allow residents to move from indoors-to-out when they wish but face no danger of wandering or leaving the community.
6. Tailored therapy programs
Programs that bring pleasure and appeal to personal interests allow memory care residents to enjoy variety in their lives – and possibly to stimulate memories. You might find pet therapies, aromatherapies, music and art activities that can enhance recollections, lower stress levels and perhaps improve cognitive behavior. Programs can also be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of your loved one.
7. Healthy dining
The benefits that nutrition provides to fuel the body and mind are also applicable to those living with dementia. However, eating can become more challenging. Communities accompany their memory care residents to the dining room and assist when needed. You’ll also discover special dinnerware, place settings and utensils to promote independence and help lower anxiety with the dining process.
8. The benefit of physical fitness
Staying in shape remains important for those living with dementia. According to the National Institutes of Health, being active and exercising can help those with Alzheimer’s disease keep their muscles, joints and hearts in condition while feeling better overall. Communities offer fitness activities for their memory care residents that match their abilities and preferences.
9. Families are integral members of the care team
Some families hesitate to move their loved one to a community because they don’t want to relinquish their role as primary caregiver. But communities encourage families and friends to remain actively engaged with their memory care residents. Quality of life is greatly impacted by the continuance of these relationships and family members are considered a vital part of the care team.
The Charleston Senior Living Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions, contact us today.
We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Memory Care.
