Assisted Living in Edwardsville, IL: Premier Memory Care Services
Alzheimer's disease and dementia are tragic yet, unfortunately, common memory conditions. Around 5.6 million people older than 65 in the United States live with one of these conditions. It can be challenging to care for your loved one if they're dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's.
Caregivers may want to explore assisted living in Edwardsville, IL, with memory care communities. Residents can experience a wide range of benefits, from stimulating activities to quality care. Your loved ones will live in a secure environment surrounded by highly experienced staff members.
This blog will cover the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia care in Edwardsville. We'll also discuss why you should explore Addington Place of Edwardsville when exploring assisted living communities for your loved ones.
What Is a Memory Care Community?
Memory care communities are designed to give specialized care to those living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Seniors need to have a diagnosis from a medical professional to qualify for living in these communities.
The activities and programs offered in these communities are tailored to each resident's interests and required level of care. The goal of this is to promote independence, support their cognitive abilities, and improve their quality of life. This person-centered approach allows residents to feel more of a purpose.
Memory care spaces are often in a separate area within a larger senior living community. This allows the community to ensure that residents are secure, reducing the risk of residents getting lost and wandering off.
Personalized Care
One of the great things about dementia care in Edwardsville is that the staff takes the time to learn what each resident needs to thrive. This allows them to create personalized care plans that ensure every aspect of their health is addressed.
Many seniors in memory care communities need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as:
- Bathing
- Eating
- Dressing
- Incontinence care
- Toileting
- Moving around
Staff in memory care communities are trained to help residents with ADLs based on their abilities.
24-Hour Experienced Staff
Memory care communities have staff members on-site at all times. This ensures that residents have the support and care they need.
These team members have received training on how to best interact with memory care residents. They also are well-equipped with reassuring communication tactics that address memory condition-related behaviors, including:
- Agitation
- Confusion
Another benefit of elderly care in Edwardsville is that there's a high staff-to-resident ratio. This enables caregivers to build meaningful connections and personalize their care for residents.
Therapies and Activities
The therapies and activities in memory care communities are designed to provide residents with specific benefits. This can include:
- Enhance their memory
- Improve their mood
- Manage their behaviors
Activities and therapies can cover a wide range of topics. Residents are given opportunities to take part in things that appeal to their interests, such as:
- Social events
- Art therapy
- Live entertainment
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- Classes
- Aromatherapy
- Brain exercises
- Exercise classes
Memory care services may also include on-site rehab, such as occupational, speech, or physical therapy.
Increased Safety Features
Safety is one of the top priorities in memory care communities in Edwardsville. A secure environment prevents residents from wandering and not knowing how to get back to their rooms. Common safety features you might see in a memory care community include:
- Color-coded spaces
- Secured outdoor courtyards
- Grab bars
- Transitionless thresholds
- Locked exterior doors
Medication Management
It can be challenging for seniors with memory care conditions to remember when to take their medications. Staff at memory care communities work with residents to stay on top of their medication schedules.
Nutritious Meals
There are numerous dining options in memory care communities. Residents dine in communal spaces so they can have social engagement and interact with their peers.
Each meal is intended to give residents the nutrients they need to ensure they retain their muscle mass and improve their health. Senior living communities offer meals to residents to fit their dietary needs, including:
- Preparing food that's easy to swallow and chew
- Serving entrees and sides one at a time
- Offering finger food to those who have a hard time with utensils
Benefits of Memory Care Communities
Memory care communities provide residents with many more benefits than what we've already discussed. Let's discuss some of the top advantages of placing your loved one in a memory care community.
Opportunities for Socialization
Many seniors struggle with isolation and loneliness. This becomes more pronounced for those dealing with memory care conditions, especially if they live on their own.
Living in a senior care community full of others the same age allows residents to partake in meaningful interactions. They can connect in the hallway, during meals, and in other communal areas.
Understanding and Compassionate Care
Caring for a loved one with dementia and Alzheimer's disease can be very taxing on the primary caregiver. They may not be specially trained to deal with their health condition. Caregivers also have to juggle other responsibilities on top of taking care of their loved ones.
Staff members in memory care communities understand how dementia and Alzheimer's progress and what the different stages look like. They have the skills needed to respond appropriately in different situations. Staff can also provide family members with resources and support as needed.
Injury Prevention
As we talked about earlier, memory care residents tend to wander off. Unattended residents can unfortunately become a threat to themselves when they do this.
Memory care staff members are committed to keeping your loved ones safe. They're able to safely transition them from their bed to other spots without causing them injury.
Assisted Living in Edwardsville, IL, With Memory Care
At Addington Place of Edwardsville, we understand that it can be stressful to decide when it's time to put your loved one in a memory care community. Our team is available every step of the way to ensure your mind gets put at ease.
If you're looking for assisted living in Edwardsville, IL with memory care services, look no further than Addington Place of Edwardsville. Our highly-trained staff members are available to provide your loved one with exceptional memory care. Contact our main office to schedule a tour and learn more about senior living in Edwardsville.