Taking care of an elderly individual who has dementia or Alzheimer's is a very challenging thing. Even if these individuals do not have major health problems other than memory loss, keeping tabs on them all day, every day can be more than a full-time job. Memory care facilities are designed to cater to those who are having problems with memory loss. With properties built around the premise that the patients who live there will have problems with memory, these facilities are an excellent care environment for memory-loss patients. Here are a few things you can expect. 

Your loved one will still be allowed certain freedoms. 

Memory care facilities tend to take in patients who have problems with memory, but these patients can oftentimes still do a lot of things on their own. For instance, the patients may still be able to leave their rooms to go eat lunch in the dining area, decide when they prefer to bathe, or go outdoors when they choose to do so. Patients may have certain issues and need help with these things, but they can still make some of their own decisions to retain some of their independence. Each patient is assessed when they come into the facility to determine what level of independence is safe for them specifically. 

The building will be aptly secured.

Memory care facilities are highly secure, unlike some other places. If your loved one is moving into a memory care community, for instance, the community will likely have a perimeter fence and several staff members who keep an eye on patients at all times. Since people who have issues with memory tend to wander away or leave one place and forget where they are or where they are going, it can bring you peace of mind knowing your loved one is at a place where they are under constant surveillance and cannot leave the premises freely. 

Programs for memory encouragement will be available. 

In a memory care program, patients will have access to a range of therapeutic programs that are meant to help them remember. Even though diseases like dementia are progressive, memory exercises and therapy may help a patient with certain aspects of the disease. Additionally, therapy will be available to help individuals cope with the feelings they are facing due to memory loss because the whole life change can be a lot to process emotionally. 

For more information, reach out to businesses like Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living.

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