MEMORY CARE COMMUNITIES

Written by Libby Jensen, CSA(R)

A Look Inside

If you have a loved one experiencing cognitive decline, you know how difficult it is for everyone in that person’s life. My mother had Lewy Body dementia and, many years later, my oldest sister was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The symptoms were different from one another, yet each presented tremendous challenges. It was heartbreaking to witness the decline.   And for our families to realize there was a limit to the care that could be provided at home. That’s when we started our search for Memory Care communities.

We needed to educate ourselves on what those settings were about- what they offered and how they may benefit my mom. Our first lesson was they are not all alike, which made the search a little more interesting. Let’s start with a basic definition:

Memory care communities are designed to meet the social, medical and safety needs of people with cognitive impairment. 

Things they have in common:

• staff training that includes caring for those with unique needs
• higher staff to resident ratios
• activities specifically designed for those with varying levels of impairment
• a focus on safety.

From there, you will find a range of options.

Care settings:

• Stand-alone – these are communities who offer care only for those with some form of dementia.
• Assisted Living and Memory only residents – no independent living option.
• Continuum of Care – here you will find independent and assisted living along with memory care. There is a designated, secured neighborhood where these residents live.

In recent years there has been a higher emphasis placed on “person centered care” (many communities have their own name for it -Dimensions, Reflections, Care Redefined, to name a few).

Dementia Care Communities Focus

• Calm environments – limited number of TV options – many with soothing images/music
• Exercises/movement – stimulates both brain and physical activity
• Music – providing entertainment, sing-a-longs, music therapy
• Nutrition – recognizing the important role it plays in managing a disease
• Individuality – celebrating each resident’s distinctive life-story and current abilities
• Customized care – understanding different sleep cycles, eating patterns and personalities

These are important aspects to keep in mind when you are considering a new home for your loved one. As an advisor, I work with a variety of families – some feel a large community full of people and activity would be a perfect fit while others have loved ones who like to keep to themselves, so activity level is not a top priority.

Other Factors to Consider

Cost – what is the rent, what is the cost of the various care levels; what happens if we run out of money – are their government programs/funding that we may qualify for

Size of apartment – studio, one bedroom or something larger

Neighborhood – where is the best location for resident and family/friends

Atmosphere/environment – what does the community look like, what’s the vibe

Reputation – are there any “red flags” you should be aware of

Staffing – how many staff are there, what do they train their staff on

Behavioral issues – what is their process for behaviors by other residents or my loved one

Our team of advisors hear from clients that feelings of guilt is a factor in putting off a move. Below is a story about a wife in that very position.

While working in a senior community in southwest Minneapolis, I met with a woman who could no longer care for her husband – she was sleep deprived, couldn’t leave the house and was experiencing her own health issues but her guilt was paralyzing. After an in-depth consultation, she agreed to “try it” for 2 months. When the trial period was over, a happy Susan came to tell me she was Tom’s wife again, not his caregiver. She knew Tom was safe and thriving in his new home which gave her the peace of mind to get back to things she enjoyed.

Memory Care communities have come a long way over the last decade. As they learn more about the nuances of dementia, they continually add innovations which serve to enhance the environment and care for their residents.

For information, please visit our website – www.choiceconnectionsmn.com