The struggle is real, and millions are being impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, over six million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease every day. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that impacts one’s cognition, memory, behaviors, and daily life. Alzheimer’s is one of the most common forms of dementia. Up to 80% of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s. The older that a person gets, the higher the risk of being affected by it. Typically, the disease impacts those who are 65 years of age or older.
Is There A Cure For Alzheimer’s Disease?
There is not currently a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. There are some treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and reduce cognitive decline. However, once a person has been diagnosed, the symptoms typically worsen with time. At the beginning stages, a person may experience forgetfulness. In the later stages, an individual may not be able to have a typical conversation, struggle with motor skills, and experience confusion with their environment and those around them.
What Are Some Of The Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s can progress slowly, and it can take some time before an individual or loved one recognizes that something isn’t quite right. Occasional forgetfulness is one thing, however consistent poor memory and memory loss that negatively impacts daily life means it is time to speak with a medical professional. There are several symptoms that accompany Alzheimer’s disease, such as:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Difficulty solving challenges
- Inability to complete tasks
- Spatial and visual trouble
- Speaking and writing complications
- Irritability
- Wandering and getting lost
- Paranoia, depression, and hallucinations
What Is A Memory Care Home?
Memory care is a form of long-term care housing for seniors who suffer from dementia. These individuals typically need assistance with daily living activities such as:
- Medication management
- Care coordination
- Housekeeping
- Transportation
- Bathing
- Redirection
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Dressing
- Grooming
- Meal preparation
- Recreational activities
- Socialization
Memory care homes consist of a vast team of compassionate and specially trained individuals who share a mission to serve the residents and provide an uplifting environment. A memory care home typically consists of caregivers, nurses, administrators, assistant administrators, activities coordinators, bus drivers, marketing directors, and maintenance technicians. Although there is nursing oversight, they may not have an RN or LPN physically in the building 24/7. The residents can expect to have private living quarters, access to activity rooms, dining areas, spa rooms, and accommodations for private family gatherings.
What Should People Look For In A Memory Care Provider?
Choosing the right memory care provider is vital. Helping a loved one find an assisted living or memory care facility 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.
- Specially Trained Staff
- Does the staff receive specific dementia training so that they know how to properly care for your loved one? Is this training on-going and contain the latest strategies and techniques? It is crucial that those who are watching over your loved one know how to care for and work with your loved one.
- Inviting And Fully Furnished Room
- It is important that your loved one feels comfortable during their stay. An inviting, fully furnished room is essential. Ensure that the room is well kept, has a private bathroom, temperature control, comfortable bed, and linens.
- 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.
- Pleasing 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 pleasing 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 care 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 And 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 staff receive consistent and updated dementia training. 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 memory care home, look no further. Call The Cottages today to schedule a tour or speak with one of our experts! (208) 475-1805.
References
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease
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