If you have a friend or relative with a memory impairment, you may already be considering a memory care community. Memory care communities help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia get the support they need. Many adults with dementia start receiving that support at home, but when caregivers are unable to continue with full care at home, you might consider transitioning into a memory care community in Florida.
In this article, we’ll go into more detail on what’s included in a memory care community, as well as why many adults and their families choose to make the transition to a community like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes.
What is Memory Care?
A memory care community is a residence specifically designed to meet the needs of people with memory impairments. Every aspect of the community — from the floor plans to the wellness planning to the memory-care trained staff —is designed to help those people with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease thrive.
Memory care communities have a registered nurse available on-site. These communities are required to have a nurse on the premises for a minimum of 8 hours a day, but many have skilled nurses available 24/7.
What’s Included in Memory Care Communities?
Memory care communities provide for the majority of their residents’ daily activities of living. Aside from medical procedures and support, which is usually provided in a hospital, memory care communities include necessities and lifestyle enhancements including:
Accommodations
All memory care communities include housing, although living accommodations vary from community to community. A virtual orientation or in-person tour is a crucial part of the decision – it’s important to see what accommodations your friend or family member will have and whether the space will create a supportive and comforting new home.
You should know that some communities operate exclusively as memory care centers, whereas others have a separate building or wing devoted to memory care. You might find continuing care communities with independent living, assisted living, and memory care at the same location. Other communities don’t offer independent living but provide both assisted living and memory care services.
Accommodations typically include private rooms or semi-private rooms, where one resident shares a room with another resident. All rooms have an attached bathroom to ensure privacy.
Outside of individual rooms, you may see circular walkways, brightly lit, spacious halls, and color-coded areas. All these features reduce stress in memory care residents and let them have the freedom to explore, connect with other residents and staff or simply enjoy time in comfortable common areas.
Dining
Memory care communities typically include daily meals, although meal plans may be different depending on the community you choose. The best communities offer dining services that fit the specific needs of people with dementia. If residents prefer privacy, they may also be able to have meals brought to their room.
Meals are also customized to individual needs. Many residents have dietary restrictions or medical needs that must be taken into account. When touring communities, make sure to tell staff about any dietary considerations. In some cases, they can accommodate and personalize meals so they’re delicious but meet all your relative’s needs.
Our very own Chef Kevin Morrow highlights the importance of food and lists 5 BrainBoosting foods that have proven to aid cognition.
Services
A memory care community provides the services residents need for a comfortable and wellness-oriented lifestyle as part of the monthly charge.
What can you expect residents to receive? Like accommodations and dining, services vary by community. In many cases, they also vary by a resident, with support and services personalized to meet individual needs. In general, most communities can offer the following services:
- 24-hour monitoring for health concerns
- Medication management
- Assistance with daily activities, including eating, grooming, and personal care, among other tasks
- Room maintenance and repairs
- Laundry services
- Housekeeping
- Wellness programs
Other services may extend beyond normal tasks. For example, what makes The Cabana at Jensen Dunes different from other Florida communities? We offer a rehabilitation clinic on site for physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Other services may also be available depending on the community, its staff and their areas of expertise.
Amenities
While services make daily life easier, amenities are designed to improve comfort and enjoyment. Some of the best memory care communities take a holistic approach to amenities, offering options that address four dimensions of wellness— physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. Here are some common amenities in memory care communities.
- Planned leisure activities
- Beauty and barber services
- Fitness classes and programs
- Resources for family members
- Secure courtyard
- Art center
- Fitness room
- Library
- Music room
- Game room
- Gardening plots
Why Move Into a Memory Care Community?
Acting as a caregiver for your friend or family member can strengthen your relationship. However, as memory impairments progress, you may find that providing the best level of care is a full-time role you can’t accomplish on your own.
Those with memory impairments need help with daily tasks and activities. They might need assistance with walking, eating, or using the bathroom. They might wander and become confused. They may even develop hallucinations or show behavior that is more aggressive.
You shouldn’t feel guilty if you can no longer care for your relative at home. A memory care community is designed to meet the needs of people with dementia while honoring their legacy and preserving their dignity. It’s also designed to help caregivers – who continue to be pivotal in residents’ lives – reduce their own stress levels with professional support. People move into memory care communities to:
- Get personalized services from trained memory care professionals
- Enjoy a more engaging atmosphere with activities tailored to their abilities
- Improve overall wellness through physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social resident programming
- Simplify finances and get daily care needs in one location
- Ease the burden on friends and family so they can enjoy more quality time together
How to Help a Parent Transition into Memory Care?
Perhaps your friend or relative has long called Florida home or need to move to be closer to you. . Either way, if you’re looking for Florida memory care options, consider The Cabana at Jensen Dunes. The Cabana at Jensen Dunes provides assisted living and memory care services. Our trained team members are dedicated and passionate about the residents they serve.
We offer memory care residences that include studios and one-bedroom apartments, each with full access to the community’s amenities and services. Each secure private residence, ranging from 360 to 475 square feet, offers a full bathroom, bright interior with heating and air conditioning, a dining table, sizeable bed, and linen closet. Contact us to schedule a tour to see how The Cabana brings out vitality in memory care residents.