Most of us spend decades chasing the fountain of youth, and no one dreams of the day they can finally move into assisted living. If it comes to memory care, that’s even further from our minds until the time comes when it’s truly necessary.
When most people think of memory care or memory loss, the word “can’t” comes to mind. Someone with memory loss can’t safely cook, they can’t or shouldn’t drive, and they can’t remember short-term information about daily life.
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With that said, not everyone with memory loss experiences the same “can’ts.” Thinking about memory loss is anything but positive, but with the right help available, people CAN still do many things that fulfill their days and bring them happiness.
Navigating the What Ifs:
Imagine daily life with unfamiliar faces and surroundings. You can probably relate to it if you ever got lost in a big crowd when you were young. Searching for a familiar face in a sea of strangers likely made you panic.
While this isn’t always the case for those with memory loss, these similar bad days can happen. Having a plan and help available if someone feels afraid is important.
It’s difficult for family members to set aside their roles as spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings and quickly shift into being professional helpers. Meeting those with memory loss where they are versus where they used to be and how they used to be doesn’t work for everyone.
Helpful Resources:
Learning as much as possible about the type of memory loss you or your loved one is experiencing is essential. It’s not always Alzheimer’s disease, which is one form of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is very commonly known, but what most people don’t realize is not every person with Alzheimer’s or memory loss is the same. Just because one person experienced or did something doesn’t mean everyone will have the same journey.
Each person’s memory loss progresses at a different rate, and there are methods to help ease the symptoms. Paid care, medications, and specialized behavioral support are available to help families cope.
One of the most impactful resources is a local support group. Frequently, these groups offer free services coordinated by volunteers who have been impacted by memory loss.
By attending support groups and speaking with people who understand the journey, helpful resources can come out of the woodwork. From recommendations on doctors to how to get the most out of each appointment to paid daily support services, those who have been through it are a wealth of information!
Specialty Care:
Memory care services are typically provided by caregivers trained in memory-related problems. They’re well-versed in the symptoms and behaviors accompanying memory loss, so they can offer help without being offended by someone who may verbalize something out of character or off-color.
Sometimes, it’s hard for caregivers who are also family members not to take things personally. It’s easy to talk about separating feelings, but if it’s your parent or someone you’re very close with, emotions are part of the deal, no matter how hard we try.
Not every person with memory loss will require a memory care community immediately. For this reason, Edgewood has created options for those with memory-related care needs.
Adult day services help someone with memory loss temporarily. Folks can join us for the day or 24 hours to receive care, meals, medication management, supervision, and support.
Temporary support can help those with memory loss to socialize comfortably with skilled staff and with others facing memory loss. It can also allow loved ones and caregivers to take a break. It’s an added benefit when they can enjoy their days, too, and that’s precisely what we strive for at Edgewood!
Another option that allows temporary help is a short-term stay. This support can be a trial stay to see what long-term residential care could do for someone. It’s also an opportunity for caregivers to take a much-needed break without the commitment of moving in. For those who have caregivers who like to snowbird, this option can work great over the winter months.
We also offer assisted living and memory care communities for those with longer-term needs. Each option at Edgewood allows residents to thrive. Our communities provide far more than just an accessible place to live and receive care. The services we offer are individualized to make the most of each day. Services at Edgewood are about living, not just surviving.
We tailor care to each person’s unique needs and provide as many on-site services as possible, including healthcare. Our goal is for all our residents to have activities, healthcare, social opportunities, and fantastic food right where they call home.
Memory loss can be sad and scary, but life can still be great with excellent helpers. If you or someone you love would like more information about memory care services, email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.
