Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. Nevertheless, this serious health issue affects many of the world’s seniors. If that includes you or your loved one, a memory care program may be just what you need. This kind of program provides specialized support for seniors with symptoms of Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. In this way, it helps preserve the dignity and comfort of everyday life.
Basics of Memory Care for Seniors
More than six million Americans are affected by dementia. Most of these seniors have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common dementia-related condition. Several other conditions can also involve or lead to dementia, including:
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Mixed dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
A memory care program is designed to help people affected by any of these issues. It does so by providing a variety of services that help affected seniors maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Typical Features of Memory Care for Seniors
A memory care program is similar in some ways to an assisted living program. That’s true, in large part, because all residents receive support for their daily living needs. However, memory care also differs from assisted living in key ways.
The most important difference is in the staff. Staff members in a properly designed memory care program are specifically trained to help people living with dementia. There are also crucial differences in the program setting—specifically, memory care emphasizes structured environments that maximize safety and security.
Memory Care Activities for Seniors
In addition to structured environments, seniors in memory care programs thrive on certain kinds of activities. The long list of these activities includes things such as:
- Modified exercise routines
- Assisted cooking
- Scrapbooking
- Knitting
- Working on jigsaw puzzles
- Listening to music
- Singing
- Reminiscing with friends and loved ones
- Creating memory boxes
- Going on day trips and other outings
These kinds of memory care activities for seniors offer enjoyment and fulfillment. Just as importantly, they can help stimulate seniors’ minds with dementia. This stimulation can help your senior loved one retain mental vigor for as long as possible.
Activities for Memory Care Seniors – Important Considerations
When providing activities for memory care seniors, well-run programs keep certain things in mind. First and foremost, not every senior will enjoy the same kinds of activities. For this reason and others, it’s essential to keep personal preferences in mind. This approach promotes dignity. It also puts the emphasis squarely on people, not the limitations of dementia.
Flexibility is also important in other ways. For example, not all memory care activities need to be planned in advance. More spontaneous activities can also be stimulating and enjoyable. As dementia advances, both planned and unplanned activities may need to be modified.
Quality memory care for seniors takes all of these considerations into account. In this way, it goes beyond the basics of care. Doing so helps seniors continue to make the most of their lives. It also contributes to a positive overall living environment.
Learn More About Memory Care for Seniors at Parkway Place
Have more questions about senior memory care? The specialists at Parkway Place are standing by to answer them. We can help you determine when this kind of program is the right option. We can also help simplify the transition into a memory care program.
Parkway Place features a dedicated memory care program. We provide everything your loved one needs to meet the challenges of life with dementia. That’s just part of our overall commitment to quality senior living services. For more information, call us today at 833.539.1363. You can also fill out our online contact form.