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All About Seniors: Memory Care 101

By May 18, 2021October 4th, 2021No Comments
blog about memory care

People who have never had a loved one move into memory care, or who are not familiar with dementia or Alzheimer’s, often don’t know what memory care is. When searching for senior housing, it’s common for independent living, assisted living, and memory care to be listed as an option. But what exactly is memory care, and who will benefit from it?

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a form of long-term care that specializes in intensive care for those who are living with memory issues. Memory care residents have often been diagnosed with dementia. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals that require memory care can range in severity. It may be time to start looking for memory care services for a loved one when they need:

  • Medication management
  • Care coordination
  • Transportation
  • Grooming
  • Meal preparation
  • Laundry
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Activities
  • A safe, structured environment
  • Set routines
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 up and awake staff
  • Engaging and watchful caregivers
  • Redirection and regular reminders

Memory care homes consist of a specialized team of compassionate caregivers whose mission is to watch over and serve the residents in an encouraging environment. A memory care home typically consists of caregivers, nurses, administrators, assistant administrators, activities coordinators, bus drivers, marketing directors, and maintenance technicians. The residents can expect to have private living quarters, access to activity rooms, dining areas, spa rooms, and accommodations for private family gatherings. Activities and routines are based on the individual’s needs and desires. Regular coordination with medical professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, doctor’s, nurse practitioners, and other specialists can be expected. Families should anticipate regular communication from the administrator on how their loved one is doing. The administrator’s job is to help make the stay at the memory care home as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

What Should People Look for In a Memory Care Home?

Choosing the right memory care home is vital. Helping a loved one that is struggling with memory loss find a home where they feel comfortable, loved, and can engage in personal interests will make all the difference. When searching for a memory care home, we recommend that you look at:

  • Staffing Ratios
    • How many staff members are there compared to the number of residents? The higher the staffing ratio, the better. If your loved one needs assistance, are they able to care for them quickly? It is important that the appropriate number of staff are readily available to tend to your loved one’s needs.
  • Delicious and Nutritious Meals
    • Do they provide home-cooked meals and tailor to special dietary needs? It is essential that the food that is being served not only looks and tastes good but is full of health-promoting nutrients.
  • Engaging Activities
    • Do they have a dedicated activities director that helps the residents participate in engaging, life-enriching activities? It is one thing to participate in an activity. It is another thing to participate in one that genuinely interests your loved one. Find out if the activities that are offered can be tailored to your loved one’s interests.
  • Accessible Administrator
    • Is the administrator readily accessible to answer your questions or address needs? It is important that you can discuss needs or concerns quickly and not have to wait several days before gaining a response. Assess whether you can easily communicate with the administrator, and how likely they will be able to address you and your loved one’s needs.
  • Residents are Content and Well Groomed
    • Are the residents happy and look well cared for? It is crucial that your loved one receives the attention, care, and respect that they deserve. Observing the residents at the facility you are visiting will give you a good idea as to how attentive the staff are and the type of care that is being provided.
  • Inviting and Calm Atmosphere
    • Does the atmosphere feel right, and does it feel like home? From the moment that you drive up to the memory care home, what type of a feeling do you get? Does it feel welcoming, light, and portray an encouraging atmosphere? When you walk up to the door and enter the building, does it give you a positive impression? Are you warmly greeted by the staff? An inviting, calm, and welcoming atmosphere is important when choosing the right memory care home for your loved one.
  • Great Survey Outcomes
    • Does the facility have good survey outcomes, and have they been awarded local and national quality awards? When deciding which memory came home to select, investigate the facility’s survey outcomes. Look at their survey history and determine whether there have been positive or negative outcomes.

These are just a few questions to ask when searching for the perfect memory care home.

Choose the Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care

The Cottages Senior Living will provide the best environment for your loved one. Their small, home-like atmosphere and high staff-to-resident ratio helps ensure that the residents are well cared for and their needs are addressed. The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care homes only have a maximum of 16 residents per home, which enables our staff to give more personalized care. The home-cooked meals not only follow dietary guidelines but are delicious and nutritious. The activities are tailored to the residents’ wants and desires, creating life-enriching moments. The administrator has an open-door policy and is never too busy to meet with family or answer questions. The home and atmosphere feel calm, happy, and look like a home. The Cottages are secure but never feel like an institution or hotel. The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care has received numerous national and state quality awards for their well-run homes, exuding superior care.

If you are looking for an exceptional assisted living or memory care home, look no further. Call The Cottages today to schedule a tour or speak with one of our experts! (208) 475-1805.

Schedule a tour!

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about the care you or your loved ones will receive at one of our Idaho locations.

If you have any questions, would like to tour one of the Idaho assisted living homes, or receive a no pressure consultation with one of our licensed Administrators, please fill out the form below. Please mention which location or locations are of interest to you.