If your loved one is suffering from cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia, you may have considered placing them under the specialized care of a memory care facility. The key benefit that memory care facilities offer is peace of mind that your loved one will be kept safe and healthy. Let’s consider six ways this is accomplished below:
1: Secure Facilities
The worst nightmare of anyone caring for a loved one suffering from cognitive decline is that they have wandered off somewhere. In a residential setting, this can happen quite easily and put loved ones in danger if they are not constantly supervised. Memory care facilities are designed to secure your loved one in the safety zone of remote areas so that they can’t wander off into danger.
A secure facility will also protect them from dangerous chemicals and other hazards that they may confuse for food or drinks at home. Simply mixing common household cleaners, such as ammonia and bleach, can create deadly fumes that will quickly overcome someone who is suffering from cognitive decline.
2: Electronic Monitoring
Residents at a secure facility can be fitted with mobile health monitors and fall detection sensors to protect them from injury no matter how fragile they may be. These facilities also integrate WiFi networks into everyday life to keep residents surrounded by the virtual presence of family and friends.
3: Specialized Patient Interiors
The interiors of memory care facilities are often designed to promote an additional level of safety. Instead of long winding halls, dead ends, and confusing patterns, residents are provided with bright open spaces that allow them to wander about without the risk of getting lost or confused.
4: Outdoor Activities
Memory care facilities often create scenic views and serene garden settings for residents to spend time outdoors while surrounded by the aesthetic beauty of nature. They will also feature properly maintained parking lots that allow them to travel to and from medical appointments and outings without risk of injury.
These settings may also provide an array of interesting features for them to visit a fish pond, walk on soft grass, or sit in the shade of a willow tree. Exposure to fresh air and sunlight can cheer up and free residents from the insipid decay of a hospital setting or home they are unable to maintain.
5: Constant Supervision
When your loved one is housed in a quality memory care facility, they’ll have access to immediate help if they fall or experience a health crisis. As people age, it is not unusual for them to suffer mini-strokes or heart attacks without warning. The availability of prompt medical care can mean the difference between paralysis and death or growing old gracefully and enjoying more time with friends and family.
Most memory care facilities will be equipped with medical experts and convenient access to emergency rooms and hospitals a short distance away. Most facilities will also have staff qualified to perform CPR and defibrillation procedures.
6: Researching the Resident
Memory care facilities will research and develop a profile of residents to ensure that they know their habits. This can help them to provide a home-like experience of catering to their preferences and ensuring that they are comfortable.