The Many Benefits of Memory Care Explored

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Seniors with Alzheimer's or any other form of dementia require assistance at some point in their journey. Although deciding to move from independent living to a retirement home can be challenging, it can be helpful in many ways. 

Memory care refers to a specialized treatment designed specifically for those living with dementia or other cognitive or memory disorders. The staff at memory care homes are trained to help people with their memory needs. Due to the sensitivity of memory issues, a skilled team must take care of the senior that needs help. 

At SageCare, our registered nurses and other highly skilled staff members offer the residents a wide range of medical, social, and emotional benefits, due to which we are recognized as one of the best retirement homes in Toronto.

Here are some of the many benefits of memory care, making it an ideal choice for seniors with memory issues.

Access to On-Site Medical Care

Receiving medical attention is one of the critical components of living in a memory care home with registered nurses. Specialized staff members can keep both the senior and their family members' minds at ease, which is one of the most significant benefits of memory care.

Access to on-site medical care is essential for seniors with dementia because they may experience disorientation or other health problems. Having experienced nurses on-site allows the seniors to be examined immediately to stop any more significant problems from occurring. Whereas, living at home alone limits the access to specialized staff.

Assistance During Daily Living Activities

Your loved one with dementia may require assistance will daily activities. Dedicated dementia care staff understand that individuals with Alzheimer's or any other form of dementia may require assistance for daily activities, such as eating, exercising, or bathing.

It is common for a senior with dementia to forget their medication timings. The staff members at memory care homes can also motivate the seniors with medication compliance to ensure that the senior is correctly following medical advice.

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Comfortable, Home-like Setting

Many memory care homes provide a home-like environment instead of a traditional nursing home setting. SageCare is a family-oriented retirement residence that allows all its residents to age in place.

Along with the assistance of registered staff nurses, our home also consists of music and art therapists, culinary professionals, speech-language pathologists, and many other professionals allowing the residents to feel special and comfortable, unlike a medical clinic.

Management of Cognitive Impairment

The stress and anxiety from dealing with a cognitive impairment can be overwhelming. A senior with dementia may not know how to manage their symptoms. You may also have a tough time figuring out how to help your loved one best. One of the benefits of memory care is that it allows specialized staff to take care of the seniors and ensure proper care.

Managing any cognitive impairment is essential as it reduces the risk of the disease affecting the individual to a greater extent. Adequate management of the impairment with proven tactics will also allow the senior to live a better quality of life. The caregiver will learn about each senior and suggest a regular physical activity, a healthy diet, social activity, and intellectual stimulation, potentially slowing down cognitive decline.

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Engaging Activities for Cognitive Stimulation

Keeping seniors with dementias actively engaged in memory care activities can benefit their bodies and minds. It can also slow down the disease in some cases while reducing sleep problems that many seniors with dementia face. Using their current abilities will help them maintain skills for longer while boosting their self-esteem.

Both physical and mental activities can help people with dementia. Providing a range of activities will keep them engaged for a long time and help stimulate their brain. Some people prefer physical exercise, while others may opt for crosswords or puzzles. You may need to explore the interest of each individual before determining appropriate activities for them.

Opportunities to Socialize

Living in a memory care home allows seniors to meet other residents. They will come across the opportunity to socialize and make friends, which is healthy for every participant. Socializing is necessary for seniors with dementia because it is healthy for the brain and can slow down symptoms, including deteriorating memory.

Spending time with others will encourage growth for each senior in their unique ways. Interaction with people around can also reduce loneliness in seniors, which may occur when they miss their family. Socializing also encourages seniors to participate in activities, such as exercise or games, that could help their mental and physical health.

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Sense of Freedom

Although some seniors may feel more dependent on others while living in a memory care residence compared to their own home, there are ways to feel a sense of freedom. When an individual with dementia lives alone, the family may encourage them not to leave the house alone or install video cameras for surveillance, taking away the sense of freedom for the senior.

Living in a memory care home will allow the senior to wander around the residence, interact with others, and visit the garden or other components of the home. This freedom and independence will help the senior live a happier life.

Peace of Mind for Family Members

Knowing that your loved one is in good hands while receiving memory care services will allow you to have peace of mind. One of the benefits of memory care is that you can rest assured that your loved one is being taken care of 24/7. You can still visit them whenever you want, especially to ensure they don't feel neglected.

A memory care community can offer a high quality of life for individuals with dementia. You can focus on your life and daily activities when you know that trained staff members are taking care of your loved one.

There are many benefits of memory care for you and your family member. Your parents or other loved ones can spend their golden years with a big family in a comfortable, home-like setting. Living in an environment surrounded by specialized staff and other seniors may provide a sense of comfort for your loved one. The high levels of personalized care will allow your loved one to feel at home at all times.