What are the Best Memory Care Communities?

For family members of seniors with early-to-mid stage memory loss, one of the biggest difficulties is knowing where the path inevitably leads. The person who has guided so many over the years is now struggling with the memories of their long and eventful life. It is worse still for seniors who are fully cognizant of the process in play, and are aware that their memories will soon dim, and ultimately be wiped clean. At a time when cherished memories should bring comfort, solace, and joy to a senior, these moments are slowly stolen. The best Memory Care Communities are designed with care and support to help facilitate as much memory reinforcement and cognitive expansion as possible. Memory Care brings hope, and solutions.

How to Determine the Best Memory Care for a Loved One

For seniors who have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of memory loss, physical abilities are often unaffected. Because of this, long-term Memory Care isn’t an oddity, but rather more the norm. The need to move about, without complication and with security, makes where these seniors live even more important. The right Memory Care Community can enable them to interact and engage with life in the moment.

Finding a Memory Care Community with experience, care, empathy, and sensitivity to these conditions is essential, and we assist with this constantly. Our team has the expertise to help you find a community that will support your loved one with day-to-day challenges and moment-by-moment variances.

Referah has a full portfolio of resources for seniors and their families who are working through Memory Care options. You can learn more about this care type in our article “What is Memory Care?”

Common Memory Care Questions

Not all Memory Care Communities are alike, so customized care that best suits your loved one’s needs is critical.

What is the Best Place for a Dementia Resident?

Some communities are stand-alone Memory Care Communities that provide comprehensive security and structure for all activities. Others have separate areas for residents with varying Memory Care needs. For example, those with later-stage memory loss may benefit from higher security. Needs are often addressed in what is loosely defined as the 7-14 stages of dementia.

Do Memory Care Residents Take Part in Activities?

Apart from maintaining living quarters that are safe, comfortable, and appealing for the senior, your Referah counselors will help identify communities that have both physical and mental stimulation programs to help mitigate symptoms. Keeping the resident comfortable and as active as possible helps thwart the further onset of dementia or the other type of memory loss they fight.

Some communities will conduct and supervise activities for everyone, irrespective of where on the spectrum they find themselves. These activities can vary widely; residents may have the opportunity to get involved with everything from art projects to physical exercise. For example, tossing a ball may be suitable for everyone, but for some seniors, a dodge ball is too hard, so they might use a beach ball or a balloon. Swimming pools aren’t unusual at all, and are a favorite amenity for exercise and relaxation. All activities are supervised by specialized, experienced staff. Learn about the services and engaging activities offered by Memory Care Communities.

Are There High or Low Staff to Resident Ratios?

With unique situations and specific care needed for each resident, the best Memory Care Communities provide staff to resident ratios that ensure every individual receives the attention they deserve. This varies from community to community as levels of care and care needs are different, however, it will roughly equate to one staff member to every six or eight residents.

What Types of Communication are Available to Families?

All Memory Care Communities welcome family visits. Normal daily socialization is not only provided for, but considered essential to the overall care of each resident. Staff will always assist with making one-on-one time and birthday parties possible. Many Memory Care Communities also facilitate FaceTime or Zoom calls with family, when distance or time makes visiting in person a challenge.

Find a Memory Care Community Near You

Without question, residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and their families can find the support they need within Memory Care communities. Referah counselors will help you locate a suitable Memory Care Community that will provide safe and professional care. Get started today and find a Memory Care Community that meets your loved one’s specific needs.