Living with Dementia; Advantages of Memory Care in Senior Housing

George has been living with memory loss for years.  Family and facility staff recognized that George was more confused.  Recently, he moved from his assisted living apartment to a memory care unit.  There are benefits to living in memory care for people with moderate to advanced dementia.  Here are 3- S’s that make memory care desirable for people with dementia:

Structure

As dementia progresses confusion becomes more frequent.  Routine becomes more important than before.  So, in memory care, the days are scheduled.  This includes:

• Mealtimes
• Activity programs
  • Recreational programs
  • Exercise
  • Outings in the community
  • Outdoor walks (indoors in the winter)
• Personalized care plan
  • Medications
  • Bathing times
  • Other personal care services

Sometimes people with dementia will ask what to do or where they should go.  And the structure allows the facility staff to answer that question.  It helps to direct the person living with dementia to what is next in their day.

Security

First, safety is important.  This is why memory care units are locked.  To that end, they are locked to keep people from getting hurt or lost.  Because of confusion, people with dementia may have a hard time finding their way.  Some states have Silver Alert.  This is a public notification much like Amber Alert that alerts the public when a elderly person or someone with a cognitive disability goes missing.  Minnesota does not have Silver Alert.  They do use a system that can include any vulnerable adult and it is called a missing endangered person alert.  Report on the Need for a Silver Alert System in the State of Minnesota (senate.mn)

Staffing

The staffing in a memory care unit is higher than assisted living.  This provides for more supervision, interaction, and care.  It is also one of the reasons that memory care costs more than assisted living.  Ratios in memory care can be about 1 caregiver to every 6 to 8 residents.  In assisted living the staffing ratio will be much lower.

Summary

In conclusion, structure, security and staffing are three differences that set memory care units apart from assisted living apartment.  They do cost more. You are paying for the benefit of safety, specialized programs, and more staff to respond to needs.  If you are not sure the time is right, talk with a trusted Choice Connections advisor and we can educate you on options available.