subject: Alzheimer's Care - Improving Quality Of Life With Memory Loss [print this page] It's so hard to see a family member or parent struggling with memory loss. The care of a home can exacerbate the frustration and worry if the senior citizen loves alone. Alzheimer's care has evolved greatly in the past two decades. What was once understood very little has been enlightened somewhat. Trained staff members in a secure senior dementia care facility can help your loved ones retain more memory and live stress free. Offering as much independence as possible while still within the confines of a secure facility, modern memory care facilities are set up more like homes and less like nursing homes.
Many patients are perfectly fine physically and can lead rich, carefree lives when relieved of the everyday responsibilities of caring for a home and yard. Alzheimer's care facilities are different from assisted living facilities because they take advantage of scientific research in to dementia and Alzheimer's. Social interaction in areas of interest is balanced with challenging activities to help with mental stimulation and memory retention. Physical exercise is also emphasized to keep the body strong and the improve brain function. Nutrition and hydration are also maximized to help residents live at their most capable and functioning levels.
Highly accessible apartments are accented by richly appointed group areas, such as a living room or lush garden path. In fact, outdoor garden paths can provide a secure way for residents to enjoy the outdoors and get fresh air and sunshine. To increase the home-like atmosphere, some facilities have a pet for the home. Residents can enjoy interaction with a gentle and loving animal. To help with memory stimulation, care givers are assigned with specific patients. The repetition of the memory trigger helps to put the resident at ease. Also, the care is more personal and individualized because the caregiver gets to truly know the Alzheimer's care recipient.
Other memory triggers are also used, such as family and personal photos marking the rooms, so residents are assisted in remembering which room is their own. Personal items in the apartment also serve as memory triggers. The comforts of home are available in modern Alzheimer's care homes without the worry and stress of a memory care patient being alone or hurt. These homes have twenty-four hour emergency care available. The care-givers check on residents often so any possible confusion or injury is picked up on very quickly. Respectful, caring, and research-based treatment at senior dementia care facilities has dramatically improved. Don't settle for the standards of the past.
