What are Memory Care Facilities?

Memory care is a type of long-term care that is designed for those living with types of progressive-degenerative dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is ideal for residents who require more support compared to that which is offered at assisted living facilities, or people with advanced dementia that means it is dangerous for them to be on their own at home. Memory care facilities offer a structured and safe environment that is designed to protect residents against harmful behaviors or wandering.

In general, residents are free from other major health concerns aside from dementia, which makes it impossible or difficult for them to continue living safely in their own homes.

Services Provided

If you are looking for memory care facilities near me, then you may be wondering what kind of services you can expect these facilities to provide. Most memory care facilities offer the same services that you would expect to find in assisted living facilities such as private or semi-private accommodations, three meals served each day in a dining hall, housekeeping and laundry services, daily recreational and social activities, exercise and fitness facilities, day trips and more. Residents are typically provided with in-house medical alert systems and there is assistance provided when needed with everyday activities like dressing and bathing.

Memory Care Specific Services

In addition to the above, a memory care facility will often provide services that you would not expect to be available in assisted living. These include 24/7 security, anti-wandering systems to track the location of each resident, more help with daily living activities, more staff per resident, and daily group and individual therapeutic recreational programming such as brain games designed to slow down memory loss progression. Facilities may also offer family support groups, while others offer enhanced services like on-site occupational, speech-language and physical therapies.

What to Expect

Most memory care facilities will look and feel quite similar to a regular retirement or assisted living community. They will usually have one or more dining rooms where residents are served their meals, along with several common areas like fitness centers, games rooms, lounges and more. There will usually be resident gardens, courtyards, and other outdoor spaces available that are secure. Accommodation types vary but will usually be studio or smaller apartments or homes with private bathrooms, small kitchenettes and an emergency call system fitted.

In order to keep the residents safe, memory care facilities will often have enhanced security features including 24/7 security staff, digital locks on exterior doors, cameras and alarms and motion-activated lights. They may also include a range of memory-enhancing features including curved walls that reduce disorientation and confusion among residents, muted colors and soft lighting to reduce overstimulation, and memory boxes that are placed outside each apartment with small personal items to help residents remember where they live.

Many older people who develop issues such as dementia may not be able to live at home safely. In this case, a memory care facility can be an ideal option to consider.