Having a loved one move into a memory care facility is an extremely difficult choice for many to make. After all, there is a negative light cast around the general impression of memory care facilities. This is usually caused by many myths and misconceptions since they were established many years ago.
However, depending on individual circumstances, memory care facilities can bring about many benefits for families. With the growing numbers of people living with dementia globally approaching 50 million, a projected tripling of that number predicted by 2050. Healthcare experts are more knowledgeable about dementia contributing to an increase in dementia education, training, and care practices. Due to this increased knowledge. Memory care facilities have also advanced and made changes in response to this information and are now providing a dementia-friendly, home-style, and enjoyable setting for their residents. Let us take a deeper look into some of the common myths about memory care.
Memory Care is Dull and Cold
The first thought of a memory care facility that springs up in people’s minds are images of white walls, steel bed frames, and just a dull and unenjoyable setting. If you do visit a memory care facility, you will find that those thoughts are simply not true. Nowadays, modern memory care facilities are designed with safety in mind, have a warm home-like feel, and secured outdoor spaces, including formal dining and social spaces, with individual apartments for residents.
Memory Care Strips Away Independence
Many believe that residents living in memory care facilities are unable to care for themselves and live in housebound wards.
There is some element of truth to that if you are talking about memory care facilities that existed many years ago. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see residents with dementia gaining confidence and independence under memory care. A resident who is unable to dress himself can still be capable of dining by himself. Residents are encouraged to remain independent and assisted where needed.
Memory Care Residents are All Sedated
In the past, several types of medications were used to combat unwanted behaviors caused by memory issues, leading to the widespread belief that all residents are sedated.
Over the years, research studies conducted on dementia behaviors have help to create a much more personalized approach in understanding possible triggers that can create behaviors in individuals with dementia. Different techniques are employed to engage, calm, distract and redirect residents with unwanted behavior.
Memory Care Residents Sit on the Couch All Day
If you were to think about the daily activities that residents in memory care facilities do, the likelihood is that the activities you thought of are probably along the line of watching television on a couch.
Nowadays, memory care facilities have placed a huge focus on engaging their residents in a variety of meaningful and engaging activities. It is crucial that people diagnosed with dementia and other memory issues have adequate cognitive stimulation in their daily lives in order to help preserve cognition, connecting new memories to old memories.
Memory care facilities believe that getting residents engaged in daily activities that are meaningful, relate to their Life Story, provide quality life and opportunities for socialization and joy to residents.
Should You Consider Memory Care?
Memory care facilities help provide families with peace of mind that their loved ones are safe, receiving quality care and are provided meaningful social engagement opportunities.
If you are looking for a facility that offers memory care for residents, we recommend that you consider Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso.
