It’s the most difficult decision for any spouse or family. It’s natural to delay this important decision to transition a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s to long-term care. Even the most exhausted caregivers are reluctant and allow guilt to be their guide in deciding when, where, and how to make that move. Take heart! The good news is that there are important life-prolonging benefits to making that move sooner, rather than later.
Consider the importance of meeting nutritional needs of older adults. The Executive Chefs at Residences Senior Living Communities emphasize food must look appealing, taste delicious, and be balanced in a variety of nutrients so that residents will enjoy eating and therefore enjoy good nutrition. Special diets must also be accommodated with these same high standards. In Memory Care communities, residents receive simple supportive steps to help them dine with ease and dignity. Such as bite sized servings to eliminate needing to navigate with utensils and aromatic spices to stimulate tastebuds to name a few.
Memory Care activities serve many beneficial purposes, with a major initiative of bringing residents together for social interaction. From daily physical and mobility exercises to games, art and crafts, musical entertainment and even visits from puppies and unusual pets such as potbellied pigs, there is always something to do, every day. The specials are listed on the Calendar, encouraging family to participate and enjoy rewarding visits, beneficial for all.
Nursing staff are located in the secured, purposefully design, Memory Care neighborhood 24/7; physicians and nurse practitioners round regularly to support resident needs and identify when further care is necessary. This daily attention is truly beneficial to maintaining wellness and delaying the advancing of any health conditions, especially for those with dementia who may have barriers to communicating problems. In fact, all Residences Senior Living staff arespecially trained to understand the needs of those with dementia.
Together, these routine dimensions of wellness, good nutrition, socialization, physical and mental stimulation and frequent care monitoring when implemented early and consistently can serve to delay the advancement of dementia.
If you are struggling to decide when it might be time for Memory Care we invite you to attend an interactive monthly support group at Residences at Coffee Creek in Chesterton, IN or at Residences at Deer Creek in Schererville, IN led by professionals. To view a list of upcoming support groups near you click here.