Memory care centers are unique long-term care accommodations for older adults with neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. According to reports from the Department of Health and Human Services in the U.S., about seven in every ten older adults who are 65 years and above need the services of a long-term care community.
As highlighted, a huge chunk of elderly people in the centers suffers from some kind of cognitive impairment owing to the complicated nature of managing such conditions. The symptoms that come along with memory loss as well as other progressive cognitive disorders can only be contained by specially trained caregivers in memory care communities. Otherwise, the symptoms such as wandering and unpredictable behavior can pose a significant threat to the health and safety of older adults. Our publication focuses on memory care centers and how they compare to other long-term care options concerning service delivery.
Understanding Memory Care Centers
Memory care centers can either be a whole community or a specialized unit within a larger community designed to help elders with progressive cognitive conditions manage their conditions or meet their needs.
Caregivers within such centers possess specialized skills and experience to tend to elders with memory loss. Moreover, memory care centers are equipped with the right amenities as well as proper safety measures to protect the elderly and keep them from self-harm.
Most importantly, care providers in these communities focus on providing personalized care aside from assisting in managing the healthcare and medications of the residents. There are also events and activities meant to enhance socialization besides keeping the elderly active.
Advantages of Memory Care Services
To begin with, this kind of long-term care features care providers with the knowledge and competence to render efficient care coordination. In addition to that, the centers are equipped with the right amenities to promote an active life among the residents. The communities also have on-site medical experts who can help out in the event of medical emergencies. Primarily, memory care centers provide a healthy, supportive, and safe environment for aging individuals living with progressive cognitive conditions.
How Memory Care Compares to Assisted Living
As mentioned before, memory care specializes in providing care for older adults with cognitive disorders. On the other hand, assisted living is meant for elders who require assistance to carry out activities involved in their day-to-day lives. Caregivers in assisted living communities typically do not have training in memory care.
How Memory Care Compares to Nursing Home Care
Memory care centers have care providers who are particularly trained to provide their services to older adults with memory loss. They are also equipped with the expertise to offer specialized and extensive care to the residents in memory care centers.
On the other end, nursing homes are meant to offer medical care at a relatively intensive level. Most residents in nursing home care are unable to get by on their own. Nonetheless, the services offered at memory care centers are largely focused on medical care instead of memory care as would be the case in memory care centers.
Memory Care Communities are Worth It
If your aging parent has been diagnosed with some kind of progressive cognitive disorder or neurodegenerative condition moving them to a memory care center would be perfect. The memory care communities feature a secure environment with the right amenities as well as caregivers who are trained to look after elders with problems related to cognition.
