A person with dementia will go through changes in behavior. They may become anxious, irritable, or withdrawn. Most will have difficulty with memory, concentration, and visuospatial skills. These changes will mean deep understanding on your part as you live with a loved one who is showing these symptoms.
Other than patience and extra love, people with dementia will need specialized services. Memory care facilities would be a good option because they provide programs that enable patients to manage their condition. But not all facilities offer the same services. For example, memory care services in Layton might come with spiritual services, entertainment programs, and fitness classes while a similar facility in Salt Lake City might offer digital programs, physical exercises, and social activities.
Your choice for memory care services will be crucial to the quality of life your loved one will have as they struggle with a cognitive condition.;So how do you choose?
Determine Their Needs
Whether you’re looking after your parent or spouse, you need to first figure out their needs. It may help you to go through a list of questions.
For example:
- Does your parent or spouse need special medical care for a condition, e.g., diabetes, hypertension, colostomy care, etc.?
- Does he or she need 24/7 care?
- Does he or she exhibit aggression or any extreme behavior?
- Does he or she have mobility issues?
- Does he or she need assistance when eating?
When you have the answers to these concerns, then you’ll be able to narrow down your choice for a memory care facility.
Evaluate the Facility’s Services
The next step is to learn more about the memory care facility’s services. Ask about the daily activities and the typical routine for patients or residents. Some facilities may offer the following activities as a way to stimulate the mind, engage the senses, and restore movement.
- Easy cleaning activities (e.g., sweeping, wiping the table, folding towels, and other light cleaning activities)
- Looking at books (like picture books or old favorites of the patient)
- Visiting the garden or planting flowers and herbs
- Arts and Crafts projects, like basic painting and knitting
- Cooking and baking simple recipes
- Organizing a few office or household items
- Watching funny videos
- Reading the newspaper
- Singing to the music
- Solving easy puzzles
You may also want to look into facilities that include pet therapy. Dogs, cats, and other pets can be beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Time with pets can trigger pleasant memories;and potentially alleviate anxiety or depression.
Talk to the Staff
All facilities rely on the training and professionalism of its staff. Where seniors with dementia are concerned, it is especially crucial to consider personnel who are passionate about their work and care for their patients. You’ll want to make sure that your parent or spouse is in good hands. ; In addition, check if the facility has sufficient staffing for its patients. How many patients or residents does one employee take care? What is the staffing like during the day and at night? You can spend some time with the staff as you take a tour of the memory care place. You can also observe how they handle the residents. Overall, be finicky about the people who will manage your loved one’s condition. Dementia is a difficult condition. Its effects can extend to the family. But with the right support, you and your loved one can get through this challenging time in your lives.