Assisted Living Communities For Memory Loss Residents
If your loved one has cognitive deficits such as memory loss and is living alone, they may be at risk for accidents or injuries. Residing in an assisted living community can help keep your loved one safe because the staff has the experience and training to identify and address safety risks. In addition to providing added safety measures, assisted living communities offer numerous memory-enhancing programs and social activities to help enhance cognitive function. Here are some beneficial services your loved one can expect from residing in an assisted living community.
Assistance With Activities Of Daily Living Tasks
People with memory loss may need assistance with their activities of daily living, also known as ADLs. These activities include bathing, eating, dressing, and grooming tasks such as brushing their teeth and hair.
Since many people with memory loss still want to remain as independent as possible, the care staff will simply supervise and prompt your loved one while they are performing their ADLs. However, if the resident is unable to perform their activities of daily living without physical help from another person, they will be assisted by a nurse or certified nursing assistant.
In addition to ADL assistance, caregivers will monitor your loved one for behaviors such as wandering and increased confusion. If your loved one wanders into another resident's room or is nearing the stairs, elevator, or exit, the staff will gently redirect them back to safety.
Memory-Enhancing Activities
An assisted living facility typically has an activity department where the staff plans fun and memory-enhancing activities for the residents. Some of the activities involve reminiscing about childhood memories, recalling plots and actors from old movies, and engaging the residents in their favorite music. The activity department staff may ask the residents about the memories they have of their favorite songs and which songs were popular during certain time periods in their lives.
Dancing may also be incorporated into these activities because it helps bring back pleasant memories of days gone by. Dancing is also an excellent aerobic exercise that may help boost cognitive function and memory. Dancing, music, and other memory-enhancing activities may also have a positive impact on your loved one's mood. People with decreased cognitive function and memory deficits sometimes become anxious and depressed and may even exhibit combative or aggressive behavior.
If your loved one is unable to live independently because of memory loss, consider the above benefits of residing in an assisted living community. Once they have settled into the community, they can look forward to receiving excellent physical and emotional care and engaging with new friends. Not only will this enhance the quality of their life, but will provide you with more peace of mind knowing that they are being well-cared for. Reach out to an assisted living service near you to learn more.