Why Moving to a Memory Care Community is the Right Choice Wednesday, October 14, 2020 If your loved one has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia or is showing signs of memory loss that may go beyond normal aging, it’s time to start considering memory care. It can be tempting to try to provide care yourself, but memory care communities offer significant advantages. Families can focus on quality time instead of caregiving. Caring for an aging parent or loved one can be incredibly challenging. Moving a loved one to a memory care community, while not always an easy decision, allows families to let go of the responsibilities of day-to-day caregiving. This in turn reduces the stress of time together, letting families focus on their relationships and finding new ways of connecting with each other. Dedicated memory care communities are designed specifically for those living with cognitive impairment. When it comes to providing the appropriate level of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, not all senior living communities are equal. A dedicated memory care community provides many of the same services as you would find in assisted living, such as three daily meals, assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. There are important differences, however. Memory care communities use design elements and color cues to promote comfort, familiarity, and safety. When the community focuses only on memory care, residents can move about freely, providing as much independence as possible. Residents can enjoy nature in enclosed courtyards, and find serenity in specialized areas like relaxation rooms. Memory care communities provide the right level of respectful, supportive care. Memory care communities help those with Alzheimer’s and dementia experience the best possible quality of life through respectful, supportive assistance. Highly trained care teams assist with everything from bathing and dressing to providing reminders about medication and meals. Specialized memory care programming that reflects individuals’ past interests and hobbies, while also accommodating their changing abilities. Cognitive impairment can often lead to unintentional isolation, whereas memory care communities provide opportunities for connection and engagement with others every day. Families can enjoy the confidence that their loved one is receiving the care and support required to live well and with dignity.