Caring for a senior with memory loss is difficult. If you’re looking for help for a loved one with memory loss you’re not alone. According to The World Health Organization, more than 55 million people are living with dementia.
Memory care is a type of long-term residential care designed for seniors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia. Memory care communities provide safe, structured, intensive, specialized care, that supports residents throughout the stages of cognitive disease. Understanding memory care and how these communities can support you and your loved one is key!
Memory Care Services & Amenities
Although services and amenities offered vary from community to community, most offer residents a wide range of services and specific care that may include:
- Three Scheduled meals daily and snacks
- Weekly Housekeeping
- 24-hour staffing
- Beauty/barber parlor
- Private dining rooms
- Daily Liturgy (Except Saturdays)
- Emergency response team
- Exercise classes
- Spiritual and emotional support
- Apartments with unique floor plans
How Is Memory Care Different from Other Types of Long-term Care?
Assisted living communities are designed to for seniors who are healthy and active but need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, and toileting. In addition to help with activities of daily living, memory care communities are specifically designed to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For example, an assisted living community may have a memory care neighborhood giving residents access to many of the same amenities and services of the assisted living community, plus specialized treatment for residents experiencing memory loss.
Memory care units like Notre Dame Health Care include interior design elements specific to the well-being of residents with memory loss.
Eye catching bright colors, fresh flowers, the aroma of lavender and baking bread to help calm senses, soft music, and quiet spaces to reduce anxiety are common in memory care units.
Benefits of Memory Care
Seniors with memory loss and their families need specialized care and support. A memory care community can help you understand the complexities of memory loss while teaching you how to support and care for your loved one.
Although moving a loved one into memory care can be an emotional, stressful, and challenging choice.
Memory care communities are beneficial for both families and seniors in the following ways:
- Staff trained to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- 24-hour security
- Safety features like monitored and locked entrances/exits and tracking bracelets Planned activities designed to promote relaxation, reduce agitation, and slow cognitive decline
- Therapies specific to seniors with memory loss
- Peace of mind for families knowing loved ones are safe and well-taken care of
About Notre Dame Health Care
Notre Dame Health Care (NDHC) offers a range of post-acute programs and services to the community, including an Assisted Living Residence; Adult & Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care; Post-Acute Recuperation; Short-Term Rehabilitation; Skilled Nursing and traditional Long Term Care; Specialized Memory Care; and an educational resource center which serves our employees and community. We embrace the individuality, spirituality, and wholeness of each member of our community, including our residents, patients, families, volunteers, and staff.
Notre Dame Health Care is proudly non-profit and honored to carry on the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to care for the sick and vulnerable and to educate for life through our NDHC Educational Bridge Center.
Notre Dame Health Care
555-559 Plantation Street
Worcester, MA 01605
(508) 852-5800
notredamehealthcare.org