Memory Care 101: A Closer Look At Common Questions

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Handling the care of a person who is suffering with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can be one of the most challenging things to do if you are the child of an aging parent. Even still, the idea of placing your parent in a nursing home or assisted living facility is difficult. However, if you can find a home that offers memory care, you will definitely know that your parent is in good hands and in a structured environment that will only be good for them. If you are considering transitioning your parent to a nursing home that offers memory care, you are bound to have questions. Here are a few of the most common questions about memory care provided by a nursing home. 

What exactly is memory care?

Memory care is a form of nursing home care or assisted living that is designed to be the most beneficial for those who are suffering from diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia that affects the memory. A strict daily routine of living activities prevents changes in a patient's schedule and therapeutic activities are performed to help the patient remember things from day to day.

Do you have to find a certain type of nursing home for memory care?

Not all nursing homes offer extensive memory care programs, but many do offer some basic form of care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Nursing homes that specialize in memory care have a staff that is trained in caring for those who have problems with their memory and the entire facility is designed to be a suitable environment for these patients. Most traditional nursing home facilities do not have the same amount of time and resources to devote to specifically memory care. Therefore, it is a good idea to look for a facility that specializes in memory care. 

What are the advantages of memory care for your elderly parent?

If your elderly parent has Alzheimer's disease or struggles with dementia, there are a lot of advantages to finding a nursing home centered around memory care for patients. Patients with memory loss fare well in a structured, scheduled environment because they have an easier time remembering their daily activities and experience less confusion in general. The staff at a memory care facility will work with your parent on a daily basis to ward off progression of the diseases that are affecting their memory as well. Additionally, you can rest assured knowing your parent is not just having their needs met by the nursing facility, but they are in an environment where they can learn to feel familiar. 

For more information, contact a company like Gateway Living.

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