Memory care is a new term for something that’s been around for quite a while. It is senior care with a specific focus on elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care puts the focus on the special needs that those with memory impairment face by providing them with safe and reliable care. This can take place in a number of locations, but there are three main locations that memory care is most effective within. These include in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes. All three have the ability to enhance the lives of those suffering from Alzheimer’s, but the severity of the disease will impact where the right location is for your loved one.
In-Home Care
In-home care is best for those in the early stages of the disease. People with Alzheimer’s do better when they are in a familiar location as long term memories fade a little more slowly than short term memories, especially those that have been in their lives for years. This is not uncommon, and keeping someone suffering from this in a place that they have already built firm memories within will help them to keep their mental edge longer, studies show. Putting someone with memory problems into an unfamiliar location can actually make their dementia worse, and this si something that should be avoided if possible.
Assisted Living
Many of the services provided for within an assisted living facility are the same as those that would be provided with in-home care, but there is one key difference. Being in a removed location might be unfamiliar, but it provides an element of safety that might not be present within their own home. Monitoring is accomplished on a more professional level, and care is provided around the clock. Some facilities will even have security to prevent late night wandering so that everyone is kept as safe as possible.
Nursing Home
The nursing home serves an important purpose, although it is one that is often overused. The nursing home setting provides medical care around the clock instead of the supervision and minimal care given elsewhere. It is intensive care, but it is expensive, Also, because nursing homes are often funded by the state in some way, care might not be as thorough as you would wish for someone you love–especially someone in need of memory care.
Whatever kind of care you decide is best for your loved one is up to you. Just make sure that you weigh your options and go with what is truly best. Just remember, the earlier that Alzheimer’s is addressed, the easier it is to treat it. there’s no cure for the disease, but the progress can sometimes be slowed when it’s caught early enough. These are the stages when care is important, and it sets the stage for what care will be best later on. Aging in place is still a choice here, and taking steps, such as going with in-home care first, can help you to minimize your expnses all while providing top level care.
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