Many older adults envision a future where they can age in place at their family home. However, this isn’t a realistic option for many aging adults. At some point in the aging process, older adults will likely need additional support with activities of daily living, especially if they develop chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Most family members and even hired in-home caregivers aren’t equipped to care for someone with complex medical conditions, especially when a loved one requires round-the-clock care. Fortunately, there are other options available to older adults when the time comes for a higher level of care. Memory care communities provide trained staff who are specialized in caring for people living with dementia, later stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss conditions.
The memory care program at Maplewood Senior Living communities specializes in helping seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of age-related dementia. Our goal is to help your loved one age in place by providing long-term stability and holistic comfort. Our memory care program is founded on the emotion-based philosophy, HEART, which emphasizes humor, empathy, autonomy, respect, and trust. This philosophy is woven into every aspect of life in memory care, from physical and mental fitness programs to socially engaging activities.
Transitioning a loved one into memory care can be challenging for the entire family. However, knowing what to expect can help ease worry and answer questions you may have along the way. Here’s what you can expect from memory care at Maplewood Senior Living:
Creating and maintaining daily routines is an important element of caring for an adult with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, structured routines and activities can help reduce agitation, improve one’s mood, and help reduce challenging behaviors often linked to memory conditions. Memory care communities, like Maplewood, often assign the same care team to residents to help promote familiarity and reduce anxiety and agitation. Our memory care program offers predictable schedules for social opportunities, hygiene activities and mealtimes.
While schedules are important for memory care residents, what works best also depends on the individual. Memory care programs that offer structure and personalization often work best when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety. When making a care plan, our team takes into consideration how a resident prefers to structure their day, what time of day the person functions best and provides ample time for meals, bathing, and dressing. The best routines leave room for flexibility—as the needs of our residents change over time, our staff uses creativity and problem-solving to make sure they receive the care they need every step of the way.
Many older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia experience behavioral changes that worsen over time. Some of these behaviors signal unmet needs or desires but show up as anxiety, pacing, depression, agitation, and aggression. For many older adults, these behaviors present themselves in the later part of the day, often referred to as sundowning. Our team is highly trained in dementia care and uses a non-pharmacological approach to manage these behaviors and find solutions that work best for the resident and their family members. While some behaviors can signal needs such as hunger or boredom, others can signal an unmet emotional need. Our staff forms close relationships with our residents which help them understand what the behaviors signal and how to identify a successful intervention. In addition, our team works closely with family members to educate them on best practices and provide tools and techniques to manage these behaviors.
As we get older, nutrition continues to play a crucial role in our overall well-being. Our memory care communities offer balanced meals and assistance with eating, including modified diets such as mechanical soft, puree, chopped, finger foods, and thickened fluids for those who face difficulties with swallowing. Using evidence-based design, our dining room is structured to create social connections and multisensory experiences that boost appetites and encourage autonomy. Our memory care team closely monitors changes in appetite and weight to reduce the risk of malnutrition.
Along with prioritizing a healthy diet, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to promote healthy aging, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Daily exercise can prevent and even delay many health problems that are linked to aging such as an increased risk of falling. According to the National Council on Aging, physical activity is the key to longevity. Not only can physical exercise boost our mood and prevent illness, it can also help build greater self-confidence in our later years. While some memory care residents may struggle with mobility, many exercises can be adapted to fit all ability levels. Our residents take part in morning and afternoon exercise classes such as chair yoga, walking groups, stretching and dancing. Residents have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of exercises depending on their interests and abilities.
Art therapy sessions are used among older adults to help facilitate self-expression through art with the help of a certified art therapist. These sessions provide a safe space for older adults to explore their emotions, thoughts, and struggles through a wide range of art mediums specifically designed to improve a person’s quality of life. Through art therapy, individuals are able to explore their feelings, manage behavior, develop social skills, and reduce anxiety and agitation. Art therapy services have been implemented into memory care communities as a way to support those with dementia. Creative activities, such as art projects, allow non-verbal expression and help reduce agitation, boost mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Our memory care residents are exposed to a wide variety of artistic mediums including watercolors, clay, paint, and crafting. These classes help build opportunities for relationship building, artistic expression, and promote a sense of independence.
In music therapy practices for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, music is used as a way to maintain or increase levels of physical, mental, social, and emotional functioning. Music can evoke emotion and emotion often leads to recalling memories, especially when the song is from one’s past. By pairing music with everyday activities, memory care residents can develop a rhythm that helps them remember the activity and improve cognitive ability over time. As the disease progresses and communication becomes difficult, music is a great way to connect. Musical aptitude and appreciation are some of the last remaining abilities for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Music is used in our memory care communities to help trigger memories and help residents connect with their past. Memory care residents have the opportunity to participate in drumming circles and enjoy live performances from local singers and bands.
The memory care program at Maplewood Senior Living specializes in helping seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of age-related dementia. We support residents and their families alike. This means you’ll experience complete comfort knowing your loved one is receiving the customized care you want for them in a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more about our offerings, please contact us.
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