Memory care and Alzheimer’s care services are specialized physical and mental healthcare services for people who have been diagnosed with dementia. Memory care services are designed to improve the quality of life of those with dementia, and to support them through all stages of dementia by providing mental stimulation, cognitive exercises, companionship, healthcare services, medical services, and safety services.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia and can’t live at home safely, hiring an in-home caregiver who specializes in memory care can give your loved one the extra support they need. If your loved one cannot safely age in place at home, you may need to consider moving them into an assisted living facility that specializes in Alzheimer’s care or memory care.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a structured form of mental stimulation that slows the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Memory care includes a set of routines that lower stress, enhance comfort and quality of life, and reduce the risk of injury to people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Memory care can be provided in the comfort of your loved one’s home, or in a specialized assisted living facility like a continuing care retirement community or nursing home. Whether you choose in-home care services or assisted living, memory care services should include physical and mental stimulation, like art and music classes and programs designed to improve cognitive function and slow decline. They should also offer socialization, family involvement, and physical and mental healthcare services.
Who Needs Memory Care Services?
As soon as your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, begin looking into memory care services. The sooner your loved one begins receiving memory care services, the better chance you have at slowing cognitive decline and minimizing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Making the decision to hire an in-home caregiver or transition your loved one into an assisted living facility is emotional and challenging. In the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, your loved one may be able to continue living independently in the comfort of their own home.
However, they will need increasing levels of support from you, other family members, and an in-home caregiver. As the disease progresses, they will need increased support and you may need to move them into a facility that specializes in dementia care services.
How Do You Know if Your Loved One Is Ready for Memory Care?
Alzheimer’s and dementia can progress slowly at first, and the earliest signs of the disease can be subtle and hard to recognize. However, as it advances, you will begin to see signs that your loved one needs a more advanced level of care than you can provide. Here are some of the signs your loved one needs Alzheimer’s care or memory care services:
- An increase in accidents, falls, or injuries in the home
- More frequent illnesses
- Forgetting to take their medication or accidentally taking too much
- Decline in personal hygiene and grooming
- A messy house, a house that is in disrepair, and forgetting to take care of household chores like dishes and laundry
- Agitation or restlessness
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Mood swings and/or aggressive behavior
- Increased anger or frustration
- Depression or feelings of helplessness
- Disinterest in normal activities, routines, or hobbies
- Wandering or leaving the home alone with no destination in mind
- Forgetting why they left the house, what they are looking for at the store, or where they are driving
- Missed personal or medical appointments
- Forgetting special dates, holidays, or family events
- Neglect or death of pets
Benefits of Memory Care Services
People who provide memory care services are experts who have received extensive education and training. They know how to deal with the unique issues that result from Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms, and they can provide the support you need as you manage your loved one’s health.
Hiring an in-home caregiver who specializes in memory care services can improve the health and safety of your loved one, slow the decline of the disease, and offer you and your family some relief from providing caregiving services. The benefits of professional memory care services are:
- Professionals who have advanced training and extensive experience
- Activities that stimulate mental and social engagement and slow cognitive decline
- Increased safety and reduced risk of wandering, falls, accidents, and injuries
- Medication administration and tracking
- Tracking your loved one’s symptoms, mood, and health
- Improved diet and nutrition
- Reduced risk of illness
- Assistance with tasks of daily living, like bathing, grooming, dressing, and meal preparation
- Mobility assistance and help with toileting
Finding an Experienced In-Home Caregiver
If your loved one has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may need to find a specialized in-home caregiver. Hiring an in-home caregiver allows your loved one to remain in their home for as long as possible, which enhances their independence, comfort, and quality of life.
Ask your loved one’s physician to recommend caregiving agencies that specialize in dementia care. You can then schedule consultations with a few different agencies to ask questions, learn more about their caregivers and services, and determine which one is a good fit. Make sure they are fully licensed and insured and that their caregivers undergo a background check and extensive training. You should also check their reviews and make sure there are no complaints or license violations.
Choosing a Quality Memory Care Facility
When you have decided to move your loved one into an assisted living memory care facility, you will need to find the most reputable one in your area. These are some of the most important factors for you and your family to consider:
- Location – The facility should be conveniently located so that family and friends can visit.
- Cost – The facility should be affordable and you should be able to work with Medicaid and other financial services agencies to cover the cost.
- Amenities – The facility should offer amenities like social events, family events, spiritual or religious services, security, fitness services and classes, outdoor spaces, and comfortable living quarters.
- Services – The facility should provide a wide range of memory care services, as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistance with the activities of daily living, exercise therapy, dining services, housekeeping, medical services, transportation, medical care, onsite security, and anti-wandering protocols.
Schedule a Consultation for Memory Care Services in Arizona
At Placita In Home Care, we offer in-home dementia care in Tucson, Phoenix, and throughout Southern Arizona. Our experienced in-home caregivers can provide physical and mental health services that improve memory and engagement and slow the cognitive decline associated with dementia.
We provide assistance with the activities of daily living as well as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation to medical appointments. We can improve your loved one’s quality of life and safety while they remain in the comfort of their own home. When the time comes, we can also provide complimentary assisted living placement services to help you and your family find the perfect assisted living facility. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation.