Memory Care is More Than Assisted Living

Posted by oysterbayseniorcampus on December 4th, 2018

Many older people enter into assisted living facilities once they reach their advanced years. For many of them, it's just easier to live in an environment where help is just a few feet away, along with the chance to live in a social environment filled with others their own age. However, patients with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia may need assisted living quarters that specialize in memory impairment. Homes like Harbor House fit the bill. But, you may wonder what makes them different.

Various Levels of Care

Each memory care facility features various levels of care, based on patient needs. That, along, isn't really all that different than traditional assisted living places. But, when you factor in that the level of care isn't always based on physical abilities, the differences become more apparent. With dementia patients, they may be fully capable of walking, eating or completing other physical tasks. But, with their memory impairment, they may have forgotten how to do them or have other social/memory issues that prevent them from living in a less supervised environment.

Many memory care facilities feature safety components to ensure that residents don't leave the campus. Patients may receive more personal care, as they often forget to tend to daily hygiene needs. At advanced stages of dementia or Alzheimer's, patients live in an environment where they require care to do most of the things they want to do in life.

However, despite the levels of care required, social activities are encouraged and customized for the differing stages of dementia.

Nursing Staff

While most assisted living facilities have nursing staff members who are skilled and experienced with geriatric patients, a memory care facility like Harbor House employs nurses and aides who are trained to work especially with dementia and Alzheimer's residents. Compassion, patience and knowledge about the disease help these nurses assist patients coping with both physical and cognitive deficiencies.

Additionally, nurses and aides are trained to help patients work through emotional struggles and stress related to their declines. For patients, it's incredibly frustrating and scary to not remember people's names or how to brush their teeth. Nurses and aides are skilled in handling difficult situations and encouraging residents at all stages of the disease.

Nurses also provide family support. Family members often have many questions about what is happening to their loved one in facilities like Harbor House. Nursing staff members help educate and support family and friends of residents.