What is Memory Care?

Change is a constant in life. Though we know this is true, accepting it can be a more challenging prospect.

If someone you love is experiencing changes in their thinking skills, memory, or physical abilities, it can be tempting to look the other way or try to sweep things under the proverbial rug.

But the difficult truth is cognitive changes in seniors are usually progressive in nature. Often, the evolution is gradual. Sometimes, however, changes can happen more quickly.

Your loved one still deserves to be treated as the dynamic individual they are and enjoy the freedom of choice we all crave. But they may benefit from extra assistance and support to live a rich, full life and feel safe and secure.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia reach a point where they’re unable to live independently on their own.

Thankfully, Memory Care is a type of senior living that’s made to support and empower people with dementia, while offering their loved ones peace of mind.

But what is Memory Care and what does it offer?

In this article, we’ll unpack the key facts about Memory Care, so you can decide if this level of senior living and care is right for your loved one.

Senior living communities offer distinct levels of care, designed to cater to seniors with a variety of daily needs.

Memory Care delivers residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia the comprehensive care and consistent support they need to live in safety and comfort.

Memory Care communities focus on providing care from trained caregivers, who recognize residents’ personal preferences and needs.

Most quality Memory Care communities provide staff training and education in approaching and assisting individuals with dementia and understanding the condition and how it affects those who experience it.

Depending on the community and their approach to care, this may include staff training and education in:

• The effects of dementia on the brain and its symptoms
• Strategies to approach individuals with dementia who may have challenging behaviors
• The use of effective communication strategies for individuals with dementia, to promote understanding and engagement

Resident safety and security are also top concerns, as Memory Care residents may experience confusion, forgetfulness, or wandering behaviors because of their cognitive changes.

Memory Care communities are designed to promote a sense of familiarity and a home-like environment where residents can feel comfortable and at peace.

Memory Care communities are typically designed with easy-to-navigate layouts, to encourage residents’ independence, while upholding their security.

Memory Care communities also offer staff to resident ratios that allows for more personalized care and time with trusted caregivers.

In addition to consistent, personalized care in calming surroundings, Memory Care communities also provide consistent daily structure. This promotes residents’ engagement and independence, while offering the predictability of a regular routine.

This includes scheduled mealtimes and regular daily activities and programs for residents to participate in and enjoy.

Social engagement is another focus of Memory Care communities, as quality social connections are positively correlated with enhanced health and well-being in seniors.

Memory Care communities typically offer private and shared apartment options. Care is available 24 hours a day, with healthcare support onsite. Medication management is provided, as are housekeeping and laundry services.

Many Memory Care communities utilize unobtrusive monitoring to promote resident safety. Depending on the community, resident, and state, these may include:

• Pressure sensors for beds and wheelchairs for those who may forget not to get up without assistance
• Door alarms to alert staff when a resident may be attempting to leave a part of their community (these can be silent so as not to upset residents)
• Cues and reminders from staff to help residents remain safe
• Visual aids posted in residents’ room and within the facility to promote awareness of safety strategies and protocols

In addition to trained caregivers and medical support, residents in Memory Care also typically have access to additional support as needed.

These can include skilled therapists like physical, occupational, speech-language, and behavioral therapists. Social workers are also available to support residents and their loved ones. Music and art therapy may also be offered, along with programs like pet therapy visits.

​​If you are currently evaluating Memory Care options for a loved one, b​​​e sure to inquire about specific programs at the Memory Care communities on your list. Knowing what’s offered can help you select the ideal community for your loved ones’ preferences and needs.

Memory Care is the ideal level of senior living and care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia, or conditions affecting cognitive skills (such as Parkinson’s disease or traumatic brain injuries).

Memory Care communities nurture the holistic health and well-being of residents, by providing consistent care and supervision, trained caregivers, and a safe and calming environment.

Those with progressive cognitive conditions like dementia benefit from consistent care to ensure their safety, as well as from programs and activities that stimulate their minds and bodies and encourage participation and social engagement.

Memory Care focuses on fostering empowerment, supporting independence, and promoting quality of life.

In addition to enrichment programs and social opportunities, Memory Care provides​ nutrition and​ dining ​assistance ​for residents.

Individuals with dementia may experience difficulties with eating and drinking safely and effectively. Changes in the brain and body may lead to swallowing problems, chewing issues, or challenges with self-feeding or getting adequate daily hydration and nutrition.

Memory Care communities support residents during meals and snacks with individualized support, dietary modifications, and adaptive equipment. Swallowing therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and nursing staff work with Memory Care residents and their loved ones to ensure they’re able to eat and drink safely and enjoy mealtimes.

Memory Care residents also require assistance to complete daily tasks. Staff are always available to support them throughout the day. This includes personalized assistance as needed with grooming, dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, standing, and walking.

Dementia symptoms often make it difficult to live at home alone or without consistent assistance. But Memory Care communities offer a positive alternative to life at home for those with dementia.

Memory Care communities also support residents in continuing to feel in control of their daily lives. Through choice-making, engaging activities, and personalized support, Memory Care communities provide an enhanced quality of life for those living with cognitive change.

Family involvement is also typically an important aspect of Memory Care. Loved ones are encouraged to visit and are kept in the loop of their loved one’s life.

Now that you know ​what ​Memory Care is and who it’s for, let’s explore how MorseLife Memory Care delivers award-winning care in our exceptional West Palm Beach Memory Care communities.

Memory Care at our beautiful West Palm Beach, FL senior living community delivers innovative programming and specialized support, with a focus on life-enrichment. Our community, approach, and offerings cater to those with progressive memory disease.

Our highly trained caregivers take the time to get to know our residents on a deeper level, so they can offer the personalized support and care each of our community members deserves. This includes communicating regularly with families to share information and learn a resident’s history, preferences, and personality.

At MorseLife, we believe people always come first. Your loved one with dementia is more than a collection of symptoms, and they deserve to be empowered and supported as the unique individual they are.

Our exceptional, specialized programs foster engagement and active participation, enhancing our residents’ daily stimulation and quality of life.

We offer two unique and exceptional Memory Care community options, to meet a variety of Memory Care needs.

When someone you love has increased daily needs and progressive memory issues, it can be stressful for both of you.

When providing care for them at home is no longer a viable option, MorseLife Memory Care offers an excellent alternative.

Delivering luxury Memory Care accommodations, ​innovative therapies, ​engaging activities, and personalized care—MorseLife Memory Care provides much more than the average Memory Care community.

• Our private​, spacious​ resident ​apartments​​ ​ promote security and autonomy, and our home-like surroundings provide a calm, familiar setting where residents feel safe and at ease
• ​​Our ​full-service dining room provides ​​ ​three sumptuous meals each day with snacks always available, and our onsite salon delivers the pampering and self-care experience our residents deserve to feel their best​​​
• ​​​Our specialized services and innovative programming like ​​Music & Memory™, virtual reality, ​​iN2L, and the Happiness Programme are designed to enhance the mind, body, and spirit of those with cognitive issues.​​​​
• Our secure resident courtyard and gardens encourage safe exploration and foster joy
• And our in-house clinic ensures residents’ health and wellness needs are always met

Our residents’ loved ones appreciate our range of floor plan options and all-inclusive care. They also love our signature programming and innovative approach to Memory Care.

Our unobtrusive resident monitoring includes an individualized resident locator system, to enhance safety and reduce wandering behaviors. These innovations offer loved ones peace of mind, knowing the safety and security of our residents is our top-priority,

From state-of-the-art technology that enhances resident’s lives and security, to staffing ratios that mean highly trained caregivers are always available ​to ​offer respectful assistance and considerate support—your loved one will discover more life as a valued resident of our exceptional MorseLife Memory Care community.

Discover more about MorseLife Memory Care and download our free community brochure.

When your loved one needs memory care to ensure their safety, comfort, and security, you may worry this level of care will be out of your budget.

At MorseLife, we believe everyone deserves access to the care they need to thrive. That’s why we created our Resnick Memory Care community. Here, we deliver top-quality ​assisted​​ ​ living and ​memory ​care that’s designed to be affordable.

In our Resnick community, your loved one will receive award-winning care that’s made MorseLife a senior ​health​​ ​ leader for more than 40 years, at a price point that works for your monthly budget.

At Resnick, we offer robust programming, compassionate care, and personalized support. Our goal is to enrich the lives ​of​​​ all who call our community home.

Our highly trained caregivers provide individualized care and respectful assistance, while our comfortable, home-like community design uplifts and empowers our residents to feel safe and secure.

As a valued member of our community, your loved one will receive the support and encouragement they need to feel actively engaged in daily life. We believe everyone deserves to live life on their own terms, and dementia doesn’t change that.

Discover more of what we offer at our Resnick Memory Care community in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Just because your loved one has increased cognitive needs doesn’t mean they can’t continue to live a rich, involved life, full of opportunities for contentment, exploration, and connection. Discover the innovative Memory Care options you’re seeking at MorseLife.

Reach out to our team for personalized support and assistance with your Memory Care questions and needs.