The Benefits of Memory Care for Seniors With Dementia

As our loved ones get older, they may start to experience symptoms of cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Symptoms of dementia negatively impact seniors’ ability to care for themselves and can often lead to them becoming socially isolated and unhealthy. Navigating this change with family can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Explore the many benefits of memory care that can assist your loved one in achieving an elevated quality of life. 

At Wilshire Senior Living, we are experts in memory care and dedicated to helping dementia parents thrive. We provide specialized care tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors with dementia. Interested in learning more about the benefits of memory care? Discover how your loved one can be empowered with constant, quality care. 

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a customized type of long-term medical care intended for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory loss disorders. This is one of the fastest-growing types of elderly care because dementia-related disorders are extremely common among the senior population. These specialized neighborhoods aim to maintain the safety, dignity and independence of their residents while also keeping them healthy. 

Memory care staff members are specially trained to meet the unique needs of their residents with dementia. These communities are also adept at providing comprehensive daily care, organizing social gatherings and coordinating fun activities for dementia residents to enjoy. The benefits of memory care can improve all areas of your loved one’s life and offer you peace of mind. 

Physical and Wellness Benefits of Memory Care

Improved Health

A common side effect of dementia is the inability to take care of one’s health. Seniors with dementia may struggle to take medications, forget to eat and decline to stick to a healthy sleep schedule. Moving into a memory care neighborhood ensures your loved one is surrounded by staff to help with their health and wellness. Other benefits of memory care include a consistent medication schedule, nourishing meals and exercise classes, which all boost seniors’ quality of life while supporting their mental and physical health. 

Improved Diet and Wellness Thanks To Personalized Meal Plans

Memory care communities take the burden of cooking off your loved one’s plate by providing personalized meal plans to suit their tastes. Staff members include nutritious superfoods into every recipe to boost your parent’s health and help slow down the progression of dementia. Care partners provide three balanced meals a day and snacks to ensure your loved one is well-fed. The unique offering of personalized meals brings comfort and serenity to residents while keeping them happy and healthy. 

Round-the-Clock Support

Another one of the many benefits of being in a memory care community is 24-hour medical support. As your loved one’s dementia progresses, they may need more care to complete daily tasks like getting dressed or using the restroom. At a memory care community, highly trained staff are on hand to provide top-notch care to your loved one throughout the day and night. 

Help With Appointments and Medications

Many seniors with memory loss require medication for other chronic health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. Forgetting to take medications or skipping doctor appointments for these conditions is extremely dangerous. Another benefit of memory care is having staff coordinate medicine distribution and doctor visits. Care partners ensure your loved one is consistently taking the correct dosage in a safe manner. They can also coordinate, schedule and assist your loved one in attending their appointments with a doctor. 

Physical Safety

When exploring the benefits of memory care, physical safety is immensely important. Resident safety is the primary concern for care partners as they work to eliminate dangerous behaviors like falling, exploring or getting lost. 

Social and Emotional Benefits of Memory Care 

Compassionate Social Interaction

One of the unfortunate side effects of dementia for seniors is social isolation. As they slowly lose the ability to care for themselves, they may also lose touch with friends and family. One of the benefits of memory care is that it combats social isolation. 

Care partners encourage residents to engage in meaningful social connections throughout the day. Social time is built into your loved ones’ schedule with group activities and shared meals, which helps seniors connect with their peers. Social interaction has been proven to slow down the decline of dementia, and it fosters positive emotions and a sense of belonging for your parent. 

Specialized Daily Activities

Participating in specialized daily activities is another crucial advantage of a memory care community. These activities are specially planned to help your loved one enjoy their life to the fullest extent. Specialized activities in memory care might include:

• Art therapy: Creative visual expression offers emotional and physical release. Art can also help seniors with dementia retain their fine motor skills.
• Music therapy: Listening to calming tunes or playing songs from their pop-culture heyday sparks a cognition boost and lessens agitated feelings.
• Aromatherapy: Tuning into their sense of smell provides seniors with powerful reminders of the past or anchors them to the familiar present.
• Pet therapy: Spending quality time with friendly dogs or cats helps soothe dementia seniors’ agitation and loneliness while offering a meaningful connection. 
• Memory gardens: Spending time outdoors and experiencing nature’s sensory stimulation can be both relaxing and deeply therapeutic for residents. 
• Cognitive exercises: Engaging in tasks like puzzles and games supports mental agility and can help slow the progression of dementia. 

Decreased Stress

Easing the stress of dementia symptoms for seniors is one of the essential advantages of a memory care community. Living in a supportive community provides residents with a consistent routine and stable environment that lessens stress. Healthcare is also provided in the community, so seniors aren’t constantly transitioning to foreign environments, which helps keep them calm.  

Peace of Mind for Families

While there are many advantages of a memory care community for your loved one, what are the benefits of memory care for you? Choosing a reliable memory care neighborhood for your parent gives you a deep sense of peace, knowing your loved one is safe and cared for. Care partners handle tedious daily tasks, allowing you to focus on connecting with your loved one in meaningful ways. 

Explore the Benefits of Memory Care at Wilshire Senior Living Community

Professional memory care services elevate your loved ones’ daily lives by providing specialized support and comprehensive compassionate care. Care partners address the unique physical, emotional and cognitive needs of seniors with dementia, helping them thrive while also providing peace of mind for family members.

Memory care at Wilshire offers numerous health benefits for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our specialized care, professionally trained staff, secure yet homey environment and focus on quality-of-life upgrades make us a top choice for premier senior living. By choosing our senior living community, you can be confident that your loved ones will receive the nurturing and holistic care they deserve. Schedule a personal tour to learn more about memory care living at Wilshire and its many profound benefits.