Memory care a component of assisted living
Aging brings about many changes,
including some that may compromise
seniors’ ability to remain
independent. In such instances,
many families consider assisted-living
facilities for their aging relatives.
More than 835,000 Americans currently
reside in assisted-living communities,
according to the National
Center for Assisted Living. While
communities and homes provide various
services, one service in particular
may be needed for seniors with Alzheimer’s
disease, other dementias, or
memory problems. Memory-care units
are separate facilities that cater to people
with dementia or other memory issues.
According to the senior residence
referral and resource guide “A Place
for Mom,” memory care is a distinct
form of long-term skilled nursing.
Also called special-care units, memory
care facilities provide 24-hour supervised
care. This care is often carried
out in a separate wing or fl oor of a
residential facility or community.
Memory-care facilities aim to provide
a safe and secure environment for
residents. This means limiting entry
or egress to other areas of the facility
for those who may have trouble navigating
and remembering where they
started out. The Alzheimer’s Association
notes that six in 10 people with
dementia will wander and become
disoriented. This is dangerous for the
individual and others. Memory-care
units often have alarms and “wander
guard” precautions in place to make
sure residents cannot roam unsupervised
and risk injury.
Another goal of memory care is to
provide a stress-free, structured lifestyle
that has set schedules and routines,
states Brookdale Senior Living.
This can help keep distress minimal
and make for more comfortable and
happy residents.
In addition, memory-care units offer
programs that help slow the progression
of dementias and cultivate
cognitive skills. Fitness exercises,
games, specialty food programs, activities,
and much more may be offered
to make residents more comfortable.
Memory-care facilities include common
spaces for socialization, meals
and activities.
“Alzheimer’s patients must maintain
their activity, walking, interacting
with music, and art,” says Lory
Bright-Long, MD, CMD, of the American
Medical Directors Association.
“We have to awaken the senses so that
the memory can have a hook. This is
Gift ideas for the special seniors in your life
COURIER L 46 IFE, DEC. 21–27, 2018 M B G
Memory-care units are separate facilities from-assisted living communities that cater to
people with dementia or other memory issues.
accomplished in the memory-care setting.”
It is important for those considering
assisted living and nursing home
facilities to inquire about specifi c
memory-care units if a loved one requires
this environment. Start the
search at APlaceForMom.com.
Wellness
With lifetimes of experiences
and seemingly everything
they could ever want or need
in life already at their disposal, seniors
can be difficult to shop for
come the holiday season. Many even
insist that their family members
save their money and not buy them
anything for the holidays.
But if the thought of grandma or
grandpa not having something to
open come the holidays is simply unacceptable,
consider the following
gift ideas:
Activity assistance
devices
The realities of getting older often
mean the body slows down and
activities may not be as easy as they
used to be. Many active seniors are
not ready to live sedentary lives, nor
should they be forced to do so. Plenty
of products exist that can make life
easier and more comfortable for
older adults.
Television-amplifying headphones
are one product that can be
a great fit for seniors, particularly
those having difficulty hearing their
televisions. The headphones amplify
the sound of the programming without
disturbing others in the room,
and many such headphones even allow
users to mute their televisions.
This feature is perfect for someone
who likes to watch TV while a
spouse is sleeping or reading in the
same room.
Other devices that can make
life easier for seniors include magnifying
products or bookholders.
In addition, gel seat cushions
can take pressure off of the spine
in the car or at home.
Food
Food is always a handy gift because
it doesn’t take up much room
and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s
leisure. Perhaps there is something
the senior in your life used to enjoy
as a child but now finds hard to come
by. A search of the internet may uncover
that special treat.
You may be able to ship a specialty
soft drink or favorite cookie that is
not available in a nearby store. Otherwise,
ask a store manager if a particular
item that’s not in stock in the
store can be a special order.
Photos
What grandparent does not enjoy
looking at his or her family members?
Computer-savvy men and women can
use photo software to design personalized
photo books, calendars, mugs,
and other photo-related gifts. Just
about anything can be emblazoned
with a photo, including tote bags and
pillows.
Another idea is to collect old photos
and compile a memory book. Scan the
images so they are preserved digitally
and then print out the images in a book
that includes the family history.
Time
Seniors who truly do not want or
need anything probably will likely
jump at the opportunity to spend
time with loved ones. Treat a friend
or family member to a meal out, or
simply spend a few hours chatting
at his or her home. Sometimes the
company of a new face and good conversation
is the ideal gift.
With lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life
already at their disposal, seniors can be diffi cult to shop for come the holiday season.