When a loved one living with dementia is receiving care at home, it can often become more difficult as the disease progresses. It’s not uncommon for quality of life to decline and the care needed to exceed what a family member can provide.
One option to consider is memory care. If you’re unfamiliar with the benefits of a community, the following information can offer a glimpse into the advantages your loved one will receive. While the care provided will be personalized to the preferences and abilities of each individual, here is a look at what a typical day might be like for a memory care resident.
What is memory care?
Memory care residents receive specialized attention from a team that is skilled in the best practices of dementia care. Your loved one will benefit from the compassionate care team, whether it’s receiving personal assistance, encouragement to join in an activity or a calming response to help lessen anxiety.
Families can help personalize the residence to make it comfortable and to help their loved one feel at home. The community’s common areas are designed specifically to help memory care residents with orientation, while minimizing frustration and anxiety.
Healthy dining will supply the needed nutrients but also provide the opportunity of social interaction. The daily activities and therapy programs are specifically tailored to the memory care resident. These activities contribute to helping the resident feel better but also may stimulate memories or reminiscing.
As safety is always a concern for someone living with cognitive impairment, you’ll find secured exit and entrance doors as well as a confined outdoor courtyard so a memory care resident has the freedom to go outside without the risk of wandering.
Download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Memory Care.
A typical day in the life of a memory care resident
Although each resident may experience dementia differently, the following describes what a day in memory care might be like for your loved one:
Good mornings
Greeting the new day: Residents wake up when they are ready. A specially trained staff member who supports those living with dementia will assist with whatever help is needed. This might include dressing, grooming or accompanying the individual to the dining room.
Enjoying breakfast: Your loved one will have a variety of menu options to choose from and will receive assistance if needed. Residents benefit not only nutritionally but from the activity itself.
Morning activities: Participating in a fitness activity is the perfect way to benefit both the body and mind. All routines are tailored to meet the needs and abilities of the memory care resident.
Mid-day programs
Lunch time: Communities understand the importance of a healthy diet and your loved one will enjoy one of our chef-prepared meals. Also encouraging family and friends to visit, this is a great time to join in and get to know some of the other residents.
Afternoon activities: Residents are offered several activity choices that suit their interests. There may also be an off-site excursion to provide a change in routine and scenery. Afternoons are a great time to spend with family or friends.
Games or quiet time: There is no boredom in memory care and residents are encouraged to join the others in spending time outside or participating in a program. Residents may also choose to relax or take a nap.
Dinner and evening programs
Dinner: Memory care communities make dining an enjoyable experience. Special utensils, place settings and menu selections are provided that can assist your loved one in maintaining as much independence as possible.
Winding down: Evening hours can often be more challenging for memory care residents and communities find it the perfect time to offer quiet activities such as watching a movie or listening to music together.
Nighttime in memory care
A good night’s sleep: Daytime activities and a calming evening routine can often help memory care residents to settle in for a restful night. Your loved one will have assistance getting ready for bed or with a routine that relaxes and encourages sleep.
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.
