Suppose you are contemplating a move to a nursing home or assisted living facility, or if you know someone who has been recently admitted. In that case, it can be tremendously challenging to know what to look for in an institution. These situations can seem very foreign and confusing when the time arises. It is difficult but essential to make informed decisions about where your loved one will live. The most cutting-edge institutions offer the following services for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory Care Units
Memory care units offer a safe environment for seniors experiencing severe memory loss. You can find the special units in most nursing homes. However, you can get the best of them in advanced assisted living and memory care facilities. The units are specifically designed to address the needs of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In most cases, the unit is just like a typical residential facility. However, it mainly focuses on maintaining the quality of life for patients. They are suitable areas where patients can get assistance with daily living tasks.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Specialists
The best memory care units have professionals specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. The specialists help residents with every aspect of daily living. Some of the activities range from bathing to eating, brushing their teeth, and managing their medications. Those affected by these disorders can often benefit significantly from the level of attention that they get in a memory care unit. They offer specialized care that regular nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or senior apartment buildings cannot provide. Some facilities may offer some level of assistance. However, only a specialized unit can do it at the level required for those with severe cases of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Find out more about residential aged care by checking out Melbourne Aged Care Group.
Medication Management & Monitoring
One of the most important aspects of caring for those with severe memory impairment is ensuring that they get their medications right. For this reason, it is vital to know the difference between nursing home and assisted living services. If a resident forgets to take their medication, they could become aggressive or violent. It can often be challenging for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s to swallow pills and capsules properly. This leads to many of them either resisting taking medicine altogether or having difficulty with the process. Specialized care is essential to getting medicine right.
Meals That Feature Sensory Stimulation
Another aspect of caring for those with memory loss is ensuring that they get sensory stimulation from their food. For example, some nursing home patients can express their moods through how they eat. If a patient does not like something, they can either refuse to eat it or refuse to swallow it. The best care facilities provide meals with plenty of texture and taste to give their residents proper sensory stimulation.
It is crucial to consider seeking the services above from a suitable facility for a person with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. You need to research and compare all of the available options. Ensure you determine what each facility offers so you can make the best choice for your loved one.