How Personalized Care Plans Make a Difference in Memory Care
As your loved one gets older, they may experience a decline in their memory and cognitive function, leading to memory-related issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Memory impairment is very common among seniors, often challenging seniors and their families.
According to a study published by NIH, about 40% or 16 million seniors in the US have age-related memory impairment.
Memory care communities provide specialized care to support the growing number of seniors with memory-related issues and help them maintain a quality of life. However, one thing that makes all the difference in memory care is the development of personalized care plans.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of care plans that are personalized for seniors with memory-related issues. Let’s get right to it!
What is a Personalized Care Plan?
People with memory-related issues face unique challenges and find comfort in personalized routines. A personalized dementia care plan is carefully designed to meet your senior loved one’s unique needs, abilities, and preferences, helping them lead a healthy life through targeted and compassionate care.
For instance, if your loved one enjoys listening to music, a dementia care plan will include songs that will bring them comfort and familiarity throughout the day. On the other hand, if someone finds comfort in following one routine, they’ll be given a consistent routine and activities to follow.
A personalized plan will allow your loved one with memory impairment to feel supported while keeping their individuality.
4 Key Advantages of Personalized Care Plans in Memory Care
With a personalized care approach, a dementia care community can greatly benefit its residents and improve the quality of their lives. Here are a few advantages of personalized plans for memory care residents.
1. Enhanced Safety
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can have extreme difficulty remembering familiar faces and places. Thus, they are susceptible to wandering and getting lost. However, not every senior with memory impairment would have the same tendency to wander.
That’s where a personalized plan can be developed to help mitigate the safety risks. It will assess their tendencies to wander or if they have difficulty with mobility.
If your loved one has no mobility issues or a higher tendency to wander, caretakers would suggest adding another supervision for them or implementing specific environmental adaptations like securing doors and windows.
Moreover, in a senior living community with memory-impaired residents, personalized care will cover all health needs, such as specific dietary requirements, medication schedules, and physical therapy routines. This allows them to provide a clear roadmap for each resident to maintain optimum health while considering their preferences and habits.
2. Improved Mental and Emotional Well-being
Beyond enhancing safety and physical health, personalized care plans are also essential in improving your loved one’s emotional and psychological well-being. Every senior with memory impairment has some hobbies or activities that bring them joy and comfort.
Alzheimer’s or dementia residents can benefit from personalized plans that address their specific interests and preferences. It will allow them to engage in familiar activities and routines that will not only bring them joy but also prevent agitation and confusion and reduce anxiety.
3. Enhanced Cognitive Functioning
While there might be no cure for cognitive impairments, personalized care plans can help manage and slow cognitive decline through targeted social events, activities, and therapies. Activities such as puzzles, memory games, and crafts can engage the mind and be effective in maintaining cognitive abilities.
Moreover, a personalized plan may also encourage social interactions among memory-impaired residents while considering their comfort level. It will help prevent feelings of isolation or depression, which will improve their cognitive functioning.
4. Greater Independence
Retirement communities with memory care aim to provide residents as much comfort and care as possible despite their declining cognitive health. While it’s easier to confine memory-impaired seniors in one space to keep them safe, that will adversely affect their mental and emotional well-being.
That’s where these communities design personalized care plans to provide just the right amount of support, allowing residents to participate in daily activities at their own ability level. With this thoughtful approach, residents maintain their dignity and sense of purpose while receiving the appropriate level of assistance their condition requires.
Looking for a Safe and Secure Environment for Your Loved One? Explore Memory Care at Waterview The Cove
All in all, every resident with memory-related issues, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, can benefit from a personalized care approach to memory care. By creating tailored care plans, communities can ensure each resident receives the right attention and support while receiving quality care and comfort.
At Waterview The Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care, your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia will receive personalized dementia care from our specially trained staff, ensuring they thrive in our safe and secure environment. We offer various activities, such as music therapy, cherished memories collection, aromatherapy massages, and more, to help your loved one’s cognitive functioning.
Schedule a tour today to meet our specialized memory care team and learn more about our offerings!
