Vista Springs | Memory Care

Memory Care

As our loved ones age, some memory loss is expected. In fact, losses in memory, processing speed, and attention are totally normal as the years progress. Some people will experience profound memory loss, however — the type that is associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. As these diseases progress, it will become more difficult for them to care for themselves, and you will need to consider long-term care solutions.

One option is memory care, a specialized type of assisted living for people suffering from Alzheimer's, dementia, and other types of progressive memory loss. When our loved ones need care that we can no longer provide, assisted living or continuing care communities are safe places that can help.

Understanding a Dementia Diagnosis

In the beginning, dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis can be frightening or even unbelievable. What starts out as forgetfulness will progress into more profound memory loss until it eventually impairs daily self-care. At that point, your loved one will need more focused, supervised care. Not all people experience dementia the same way, either and the symptoms affect a broad range of functioning:

In-home care is an option, but as dementia progresses, around-the-clock help might become necessary, and at that point, it's a good idea to consider a long-term care facility. While most retirement centers and advanced care facilities can help someone with advanced memory loss, memory care facilities are better equipped for these patients.

Nutrition, treatment, and engagement

Memory care staff are trained to spot the signs of the progression of dementia. This means they can better adapt to the changes that occur as dementia gets worse. Early, middle, and late stage dementia each present a different set of circumstances that need to be addressed.

Nutrition is critically important for dementia patients. For some, they begin to reject foods they formerly enjoyed and ensuring they get adequate calories and nutrition becomes more complex. Additionally, the need for nutrient and omega-3 dense foods is utterly important, as both support brain function and memory.

Engagement and the importance of guided activities increase as dementia progresses as well, because patients may lose the drive to seek out social activity. They may also simply forget the things they like doing, but in many cases, being reminded of them will bring them back to enjoyment and engagement.

What is memory care?

As people with progressive memory loss advance in their condition, they will require more care. Though many will be able to take care of themselves at first, it will become increasingly difficult to do so. Memory care offers both a therapeutic and residential program that protects, nurtures, and assists them.

Employees in memory care facilities are trained on the specific issues that might arise with memory-impaired residents. For instance, many people with Alzheimer's tend to wander, and this can be traumatic and dangerous for them. A memory care facility will have methods to ensure residents can't wander away, including:

Alarms on the main entrances
Codes on elevators or dangerous areas
Common areas that are enclosed or otherwise protected
Staff that is trained to help a patent who is confused and is trying to leave

In addition to dementia-specific training and facilities, a memory care community employs strategies, therapies, and activities that strengthen resident mental faculties. These activities help improve memory, concentration, and retention of new faces, names, and other facts.

Memory care facilities also focus on the specific situations that arise in memory-loss patients. This includes checking on them more often, ensuring they're regularly coming to meals, getting exercise, and engaging in activities to sharpen their minds and social skills.

Determining If Memory Care is Right for Your Family

If you have a loved one that has been diagnosed with dementia and you're considering the best possible care for them, consider Vista Springs. Our memory care facilities are warm, inviting, and equipped to make our residents comfortable, safe, and happy. We pride ourselves on making life in our communities joyful, vibrant, and social, offering a perfect transition from catered living to whatever comes next.

We welcome patients at every place in their dementia diagnosis, and our staff is trained to help, treat, and engage with all of our residents. Contact us today and see if one of our facilities is near you. We'd love to give you a tour and show you how our desire to help our patients is exemplified every single day.

Memory Care

Memory Care

Understanding a Dementia Diagnosis

Memory loss

Speech

Attention

Coordination

Mood

Executive functioning and self-care (eating, bathing, putting on clothes)

Nutrition, treatment, and engagement

What is memory care?

Determining If Memory Care is Right for Your Family

Find Memory Care at Vista Springs Near You