Memory Care Rehabilitation: A Path to Improved Quality of Life

Memory loss is a common sign of aging, but when does it become more cause for concern? According to NPR, around one in seven people over 60 have a brain condition that might indicate Alzheimer's disease. It can be challenging to navigate typical cognitive impairment with an additional memory condition on top of that.

One way to manage dementia and Alzheimer's disease is with senior rehabilitation in a memory care community. These communities put the mental, emotional, and physical wellness of their memory care patients at the forefront of their programming. Every activity residents take part in is designed to stimulate their brains and minimize the side effects of their condition.

This blog will discuss the benefits of memory care in senior communities. We'll also talk about what you can expect from senior living memory care.

What Is Memory Care Rehabilitation?

Memory care is a form of long-term care that's geared toward those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. It's often unsafe for individuals coping with these conditions to live at home alone. As the disease progresses, it becomes essential that seniors live in a secure environment.

Memory care is different from skilled nursing care. It differs because it provides a more tailored approach to caring for its residents. These communities are designed to protect residents from self-harm and wandering off.

Essential Strategies Used in Memory Care Rehabilitation

There are various approaches a senior living memory care community uses for its residents. These tactics are intended to help seniors cope with their memory loss and any related feelings.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

Cognitive rehabilitation refers to a type of therapy that involves the affected individual working with a therapist. They focus on specific skills they want to develop with their therapist. Examples of these skills may include:

Cooking meals
Using a smartphone
Typing
Playing an instrument
Sewing

This approach focuses on things that are important to the person and their loved ones. It can help the seniors focus on the knowledge and abilities they still possess.

Reminiscence Work and Life Story

The person with dementia or Alzheimer's makes a personal record of important things in their life when doing life story work. This can include:

Places
People
Experiences

Memory care professionals will work with them during the process as they create a personal record. This account can take various forms, such as a photo album or book.

Reminiscence work falls in the same category as life story work. It refers to encouraging a memory care resident to talk about a subject or event from their lives. This can be done one-on-one or in a group setting.

Various prompts are used in reminiscence work, such as:

Photos
Objects
Music

These prompts can be specific to the individual. For example, if they have always loved traveling, showing photos of places they have visited could be beneficial. The photos don't have to be specific to their journeys.

Some of the benefits of these senior rehabilitation methods include:

Maintaining a person's sense of self and confidence
Experiencing joy as they look back on their lives
Improving the individual's social interaction skills
Helping caregivers understand more about the resident

Unfortunately, with these methods, residents may experience sadness or upset feelings. Individuals need to have a safe space to address their memories and express their feelings.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

CST utilizes exercises and activities that encourage certain skills. These may include:

Memory
Communication
Concentration
Thinking

Caregivers can talk about various things with memory care residents, such as memories and events, relating to a current place and time. Keep in mind that this approach is recommended for those with mild to moderate dementia. It's not intended for those who've progressed further with the disease.

Explore the Benefits of Memory Care Rehabilitation

Having your loved one in a memory care community provides them with countless advantages. In addition to being surrounded by their peers and part of a larger community, they'll be in a secure environment. You'll feel confident that their safety is the top priority.

Life-Enriching Activities

As we've mentioned, memory care communities offer stimulating services and programming to their residents. These activities are designed to keep your loved one engaged and challenged.

Rather than focusing on what skills and memories they've lost, residents will experience therapies and activities that highlight what remains. Examples of these types of activities may include:

Music therapy
Music
Massage
Gardening
Baking

Numerous Socialization Opportunities

Your loved one will attend meals, events, and other gatherings with others in the community. They may even share an apartment unit with a new or old friend. Residents can create meaningful connections with peers and staff members through some of the following things:

Communal areas
Homelike settings
Dining rooms
Planned activities
Outdoor spaces

Personalized Care Plans

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to memory care services. Senior living communities work closely with their residents and loved ones to learn everything they can about them. This includes where they're currently at cognitively and what therapies they've experienced in the past.

These highly-trained individuals use this information to tailor the services and programming your loved one receives. These items can be tailored over time as the side effects of their memory condition change.

High-Quality Support and Safety

Security and support are some of the top priorities for those dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia. Memory care communities employ staff members to be on-site 24/7. This ensures your loved one's needs are taken care of no matter what time of day it is.

Other ways these communities may offer safety include:

Enclosed patios
Secure entrances
Supportive staff members
Multiple daily check-ins

Find a Community That Focuses on Memory Care Senior Rehabilitation

Senior rehabilitation in the memory care sphere is a slow-going process. Despite how hopeless it may be, it's important to provide your loved one dealing with a memory care condition with support and stimulation. You need to find an experienced senior living community that specializes in this area.

If you're looking for a senior living memory care community, Addington Place of Burlington is here to help. Our memory care services and amenities provide our residents with a quality of life improvement.