Clearing Up a Common Misperception About Memory Care

November 20, 2024

Among the numerous myths about memory care, one stands out, and it frequently causes families to put off seeking help for their loved one.

At Emerald Heights, one of the main concerns we hear when people talk with us about memory care is the potential for isolation. Because the ability to communicate typically deteriorates in people who are living with dementia, particularly in the later stages, they often become frustrated and may stop trying.

Families worry that their loved one will withdraw in an unfamiliar setting—which does happen and can be addressed with patience and skill. They might also believe their loved one will be intentionally isolated. This is not a standard practice any more.

Like other common myths about dementia, the notion that residents in memory care are kept apart from others is usually based on outdated information. Many decades ago, when people with dementia reached the point where family members could no longer provide the care they needed, the alternative was to place them in a psychiatric facility or similar setting. Although their basic needs were met, in many cases the main focus was on keeping patients under control—which often meant keeping them separated and sedated.

Fortunately, since then, behavioral studies and other research have provided valuable insights into dementia’s impact, not only on the person living with it, but also on those who provide supportive care. Today, professional caregivers of dementia patients have effective ways of interacting with adults who are experiencing dementia, even in its more advanced stages.

What’s more—and we see this regularly at Emerald Heights—simply being around other adults who are also living with dementia can set new residents at ease. New relationships blossom among neighbors in memory care just like they do anywhere else.

What Memory Care Looks Like Now

Memory care communities that provide high-quality care take a multipronged approach to enhancing residents’ quality of life, starting with a philosophy grounded in respect for who each resident is as an individual.

This comes naturally at Emerald Heights because virtually all residents in memory care started out in our independent living or assisted living neighborhoods. We already know them, and they’ve formed relationships with other neighbors and staff members throughout the community. Knowing they can maintain their existing friendships in memory care is a tremendous source of comfort.

Dementia affects people differently, making it vital for caregivers to get to know each resident’s preferences, unique patterns of behavior, triggers and responses. This allows them to develop a personalized care plan that can be modified as the resident’s journey with dementia proceeds.

Environment Plays a Prominent Role

Today’s memory care communities are designed so that residents can easily find their way around. There are no interminable corridors or maze-like hallways with dead ends. Helpful navigation tools include clear signage and color cues—for example, different door colors for each resident’s personal living space.

Interior finishings and furnishings are comfortable, with calming hues and textures. Common areas often feature large windows that let in lots of light and offer outside views. Most memory care communities have secure outdoor areas, such as courtyards, where residents can go for walks or sit outside while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

While an emphasis is placed on keeping residents secure (to prevent those with a tendency to wander from getting lost), newer memory care communities integrate technology and devices that don’t cause residents to feel confined.

Staff members are part of the environment, too, in the sense that they’re always present and accessible. Their presence reassures residents who may be feeling anxious or confused.  

Activities Engage and Stimulate—But Not Too Much

While memory care communities have distinctive physical environments, there can also be significant variations in the types of activities they offer.

An experienced and creative activities director will be adept at finding appealing activities residents can participate in as a group, such as music therapy, animal therapy and baking sessions that stimulate the senses.

Quality one-on-one time between caregivers and residents is important as well. This may involve attentive conversations in which caregivers use their knowledge of residents’ past to evoke happy memories. It may involve activities residents enjoy, such as going for a stroll or playing a favorite game.

Some activities are developed specifically for people with dementia and are designed to help preserve cognitive function. Others are purely for enjoyment or to provide a sense of purpose or accomplishment.

Staff Members Have Specialized Training

Licensing requirements for those who work in and manage memory care communities vary from state to state, but most states require at least the community’s administrator to have specialized dementia training.

Those who provide direct care to residents are usually certified nursing assistants (CNAs). They often have additional training in dementia care so they can better connect with residents and understand their specific needs.

If you’re researching memory care for a loved one or planning ahead for any and all eventualities of your own, ask about the type and extent of training staff members are required to have when you visit communities.

Memory Care Benefits in a Life Care Community

If you’ve checked into pricing, then you know that memory care can be expensive—and it will only become more so. But there’s a way to protect your financial assets and ensure you’ll have access to top-rated memory care if you need it later on: choose a Life Care Community, such as Emerald Heights, which offers a full continuum of care.

As an independent living resident in our community, you can take full advantage of all the services and amenities that are available. You’ll be assured lifetime access to higher levels of care at the Corwin Center, right here in the community, if you should need any of them in the future—with no increase to your monthly service fee for the higher level of care services. This includes memory care, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and skilled nursing care.

Couples have another benefit when they choose a Life Care Community. Even though spouses may plan on growing old together, they don’t always age at the same rate. In the case where one partner eventually needs a higher level of care, both partners can stay in the same community.   

If you’re interested in learning more about Emerald Heights and how Life Care can help you plan for the future, contact us to arrange a visit.

Featured Image: pics five / Shutterstock