Ways Memory Care Assisted Living Helps Seniors with Alzheimer’s
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Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease to accept, handle, and endure, though millions of Americans are having to do that very thing these days. Memory care services are crucial to support someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia. Without proper memory care, a lot of things could be missed and you could find it more difficult to handle the increasingly difficult situations that will lie ahead. Memory care assisted living is arguably one of the best forms of elder care out there, and there are numerous reasons why.
Let’s look at a few of the most important to consider when discussing any type of elder care with an aging loved one (or considering it for yourself).
1. Experienced support.
Memory Care Greenville SC – Ways Memory Care Assisted Living Helps Seniors with Alzheimer’s
Most family members have never done anything like elder care before; they have no direct experience. As such, they don’t know what to do, what can be effective, or what to avoid. The more a person has worked with seniors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the more effective they can be.
For example, most family support members don’t realize that inspiring mental stimulation for the senior with Alzheimer’s may slow down its progression (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation). Most people have heard that mentally active people may be at a reduced risk of developing some form of dementia, but that once you’re diagnosed with it, there’s no current cure.
However, that study highlights the importance of keeping people with Alzheimer’s mentally stimulated and engaged is crucial. It may not appear to make much of a difference, but it most certainly does.
2. Activities.
Keeping a senior with Alzheimer’s active is not just vital for good physical health; it’s also crucial for mental health. As you discovered in the first point of this article, mental activity is vital for slowing down the progression of the disease, but so, too is the physical side of life.
A person who has activities to participate in, whether it’s arts and crafts, music, gardening, entertainment, or more is a person who has reason to get up in the morning, a reason to live.
A quality memory care assisted living facility will understand this and provide ample opportunities for residents to be as active as they desire.
3. Engagement in a social setting.
Just as important as mental and physical activity is for people of all ages, whether they’re dealing with dementia or not, social interaction is equally critical. A quality assisted living facility will provide plenty of occasions for residents to interact, enjoy one another’s company, and make friends. This can be vital for those feeling a bit lost in the world as they struggle with memory.
4. Patience.
The more experience assisted living staff have with memory care challenges, the greater their patience will likely be. That patience will become critical for quality support and care in the months and years ahead.
It also means family and friends can focus on their relationship with the senior with Alzheimer’s rather than being a caregiver first. Sometimes, that’s more than enough blessing for family and loved ones.
