Alzheimer’s and other dementia associated disease are growing concern not just for those who come down with the illness and those caregivers who live with it as much as the patient. Recently certain strategies of treatment known as memory care have been utilized in the treatment which has been shown to be effective means of long-term treatment for patients by designing vare that focuses on providing an environment that maximizes the patient’s autonomy, providing care that is reaffirming without being overly intrusive, ensuring that a dementia patient engages in activities suited to the stage of their condition and whenever possible, giving them familiar objects and environments to ease any anxiety.
Memory care is not a total solution for patients whether living in their homes or in assisted living facilities but it provides a positive addition to the course of treatment other than simply waiting for a loved one to further fall into decline.
In the United States, there are only five greater causes of death than Alzheimers. Of the top ten causes of death, only Alzheimers has no cure or means of prevention. This is despite the U.S. government spending 450 million dollars annually for research. What memory care can provide is a mix of therapy, medications, and specialists that are adjusted to the stage of the disease the patient is experiencing.
Comprehensive memory care requires an assisted living or nursing home facility that has staff, treatment, and programs designed to serve the patient with dementia. For example, without restricting the ability to move around more than necessary, a dementia patient should still have protection from wandering away. If a resident with Alzheimer’s becomes unable to speak, they still may be to communicate in other ways which in other ways which require staff to be patient and attentive to nonverbal communication. Memory care activities can provide social interaction and sensory stimulation pegged to a patient’s current abilities and condition.
Over 12% of people over 65 have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. with almost two-thirds of all nursing home residents having some form of dementia. The need for memory care that ensures that our loved ones receive care tailored to their needs, respecting them as individuals while providing the correct of treatment, attention, and service will only continue to grow in the future.
If someone you know or love may need care more specialized than what can be given at home, consider checking and touring a facility that provides memory care. Ask questions, observe how the patients are treated and discuss if it can be an option that will work for you and your loved one.