Services Offered with Memory Care

Services provided within memory care are like those in assisted living. Where a dedicated team provides personalized care and support. Care services can include:

• Bathing: Caregivers provide help that range from preparing bath items to dignified personal assistance
• Dressing: Services can be as simple as helping with putting on socks or as comprehensive as wardrobe selection and assistance dressing
• Grooming: To help residents look and feel their best, services include areas important to self-esteem, like hair, nail, and oral care
• Sensory Aids: Staff is available to help with the cleaning and maintenance of hearing aids, glasses, and other sensory support devices

Benefits of Memory Care

There are several benefits to consider memory care for a loved one:

• Environment: Memory care communities have features suited to meet the needs of residents. This includes features like a keypad-protected area
• Specialized Care: Staff serving residents are empathic and specially trained to provide care to residents. This means taking the time to get to know them and becoming a familiar part of a resident’s daily life
• Individualized Support: Every resident has unique needs. Caregivers tailor support within memory care communities to meet those needs and provide as much independence as possible
• Personalized Meal Plans: Part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is nutritious food. Communities take special consideration in the snacks and meals provided to residents that meet their dietary needs
• Social Interaction Opportunities: Communities organize a variety of events to encourage residents to spend time with their peers. Increased socialization benefits residents by minimizing loneliness and isolation

Difference Between Memory and Dementia Care

Memory care providers focus on providing support to individuals with memory-related conditions. Which are specific to neurodegenerative conditions affecting memory.

Dementia is a term that broadly describes a decline in brain function that comes with age.

In terms of care, services overlap with most of the support provided. The variances lie in how the community supports the residents. Where caregivers provide support based on the needs specific to the resident.

Memory Care Activities

It is important to encourage residents to remain active and engaged. So, communities offer a variety of activities residents can enjoy. Activities can include:

• Puzzles
• Gardening
• Board games
• Music
• Knitting
• Pet therapy
• Exercise
• Reading
• And more!

Tips for Choosing the Right Care

Finding the right care can feel like an overwhelming process. You must ensure that your loved one receives the care they need but can still enjoy their passions. That they have opportunities to spend time with friends and family but have options for quiet time.

So, what do you consider during your search?

Amenities

Through your research, learn what the community offers residents. It is important to learn if the community features can meet the needs of your loved one.

Take the layout, common spaces, apartments, support, and services offered into consideration. Community amenities should more than meet the needs of the residents.

Level of Care

Learn how the community determines the level of care residents require.

The support they provide should meet the needs of residents, and the staff should receive training in supporting residents with memory care needs.

Cost

A critical aspect in any level of senior living.

Talk to the community regarding the costs for memory care and determine monthly expenses to provide support for your loved one.

Knowing cost details helps families plan for current needs and future changes.

Community

Most communities welcome visitors. So, schedule a visit!

If possible, visit with your loved one to get a better idea of what the community offers. Visits provide you with a better idea of the services and amenities. And they provide you with an opportunity to meet with caregivers and staff!

Availability of Staff

Memory care is more involved than other types of senior care. It is important that there are enough caregivers available to provide support to residents.

Find out their staff to resident ratio to ensure that support is available for residents.

Dining

Nutritious food is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

Communities often offer meal choices to residents. Ask them what options residents have at mealtimes and how they support those with special needs.

Ask Questions

When it comes to the care of your loved one. It is better to know than to guess.

So, ask every question you have. Communities are happy to provide answers and details regarding their services. Through conversations, you will learn more about the community.

The Beacon Neighborhood

Benton House’s approach to memory care is the Beacon Neighborhood.

A dedicated area within our communities that serves those experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory loss.

We designed this bright, beautiful space offers comprehensive support within an innovative design that is open, homelike, and keypad-protected.

The neighborhood’s design is an important aspect of our care philosophy. With few apartments, it is large enough to have a community feel, but not so large that it feels overwhelming. Its open design feels spacious but offers the reassurance of seeing others around if help is needed. Residents also have access to an outdoor courtyard that provides them with a place to enjoy fresh air.

Our daily life within the Beacon Neighborhood is a special calendar that blends familiar routines with unique events. They are all designed to celebrate ability, rather than focusing on loss.

Other hallmarks of our neighborhood include higher staffing ratios and a dedicated coordinator. Which ensures residents have all the support they need within this unique lifestyle approach.

To learn more about how Benton House can serve you, please fill out the form found on this page. One of our team members will reach out soon and can discuss your needs in more detail.