What Is Memory Care In Assisted Living?

When a person undergoes memory loss due to age or disease, such as Alzheimer's, assisted living can be a wise choice in their care and safety. Many assisted living facilities offer what is known as 'memory care' for patients to help them lead healthier lives as they struggle through lapses in memory. Learn what memory care is and how it can be beneficial for your loved one who is experiencing memory loss.

Guided care

Many people who experience memory loss are otherwise very independent. Around 5% of people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, for example, are under age 65. This means that a person may need to live in a facility where they cannot wander off and get lost or accidentally leave a stove on, but can otherwise take care of themselves. Memory care is designed around independence so people with varying degrees of memory loss can live in private comfort, yet still have 24-hour care when needed. Ways that memory care facilities keep patients safe include: 

• locking doors and hallways at night to prevent accidental wandering
• guided walks and exercises outside the facility's premises
• 24-hour surveillance or live security to watch for accidents or accidental escaping
• therapists and doctors on staff to assist with frightening memory lapses in patients

Memory exercises 

Memory care facilities revolve as much around helping patients cope with and slow down the progression of their memory loss as they do protecting their residents. Studies show that music has an uplifting effect on patients with Alzheimer's and other types of memory loss, and aids in stimulating the mind and keeping depression at bay. Other memory exercises, such as repetitive chores and tasks, board games, and physical exercise, help keep patients mentally stimulated and emotionally uplifted. Assisted living facilities that offer memory care ensure that patients have access to music and other tools that help keep them mentally and physically stimulated, and allow residents to enjoy these activities at their own leisure.

If you have a loved one who is suffering from memory loss, the choice to place them in assisted living can be a difficult one. With memory care, a family member or friend who is struggling with memory but is still relatively independent can live a safer, more comfortable life. Ask your local assisted living facilities if they have memory care available for their patients, or get a referral from a doctor to find the best care for your loved one.

For more details, contact a center like River Grand Senior Living.