Moving into a Memory Care Facility: What You Need to Know

Getting older means that your health will naturally get worse. But if someone you care about has Alzheimer's or another memory loss, it can make their days harder. When someone in your family forgets your name or has trouble remembering something meaningful for the first time, it can be scary and make you feel a little confused.

But just because a loved one is losing their memory doesn't mean they have to give up on living a good life. Even though it's hard to think about, a Memory Care community, like Bridgeway Senior Healthcare, can give your loved ones high-quality care and help them live happier lives.

What is a Memory Care Facility?
Memory Care facilities usually give your loved ones the care they need in a safe, stimulating environment. Memory care is a specialized field established for people with Alzheimer's or other conditions affecting their ability to think. Bridgeway Senior Healthcare communities with Memory Care teams will give your loved one a safe, secure place to live where well-trained staff can keep a close eye on their health around the clock.

The type and amount of care given to each resident are based on their needs and preferences, and personal service plans may also include other one-time, short-term, or ongoing services.

Figuring out the cost of a memory care facility is important. Long-term care insurance plans may help pay for care in some situations, but the coverage depends on each policy's details. They may also be covered through life insurance conversion benefits and certain benefits for veterans. We'd be happy to talk with you about the choices you have.

7 Advantages of Memory Care Facilities
Below are some of the long-term benefits your loved one will get from joining our Memory Care community.

A Helping Hand
Your loved ones will get help with daily tasks that they may be having trouble with if they live in our Memory Care community. Team members can help your loved one do things like get dressed, clean, and make meals every day.

Engaging Opportunities
Residents of Memory Care are encouraged to live a fuller life by having a full calendar of activities and events. By focusing on living actively in the present, residents and team members learn the power of a single moment and how it can bring true happiness.

Independence
When your loved one lives in our Memory Care community, they will still be able to do some things independently. They'll be able to do their favorite activities and hobbies, and our team will be available to assist them both physically and emotionally.

Medical & Mobility Assistance
It may be harder for Dementia patients to take their medicines on time and as prescribed. Once they move into our Memory Care facility, our team members will help them keep track of their medications and remind them to take them on time.


Personalized Care
Our dedicated Memory Care team members take the time to learn about each resident's personal life story, strengths, and experiences. This helps them find a clear sense of purpose in each new day. This focus on the person makes our communities feel like a big family.

Safety & Security
Wandering off is a common sign of memory loss. In our Memory Care community, our staff will ensure your loved one is in a secure, safe place and stop them from doing something dangerous, like getting lost or wandering outside.

Specialized Services
Our Memory Care community has special services for people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia or memory loss. Your loved one will get extra help from these services.

Tips for Moving Into a Memory Care Facility
Many people like taking care of a loved one by moving them into their own home. This keeps the loved one close and may be cheaper. Misconceptions about what it's like to live in a community for people with dementia may also stop families from going that route.

When deciding how to care for someone, you should also think about the following:

• Don't promise a loved one they won't move to a community for seniors. You can't know how many needs your loved one will have or what will be best for both the person and the caregivers. Instead, tell the person you care about that they will always be cared for and safe. 

• Think about how living is different from thriving. How would a day go for your loved one with dementia who lives with you? Are they talking to other people? Are their days set up to meet their changing physical and mental needs? People with dementia do better when in an environment that minimizes their problems and makes the most of their strengths. Social interaction can also slow the progression of dementia, so think about this before letting your loved one move in with you.

• Check to see if your home is safe. People with dementia are more likely to get hurt or have an accident, especially in places that aren't set up to keep them safe. Before moving a loved one into your home, you can use the Alzheimer's Association's thorough safety checklist.

If a family member needs memory care, there are other things you can do to make a move as easy as possible for your loved one. Talk about moving, but if those talks don't go well, don't bring it up again and again. Talk to the care team at the community about how to move your loved one in during a meal or activity. It will give your loved ones something to do and get them excited about moving.

Talk to your loved one's care team about visits and decide if they would be helpful or upsetting in the first week. This time of change can be challenging, and a visit from a family member may slow down their progress toward feeling at home. Your care team is there to make the transition more accessible, and they will check in with you often to ensure your loved one is doing well.

When the time comes to go, don't expect too much. Don't ask your loved ones about the details of their days or how they are being cared for. People with dementia may find it hard to answer these questions, making them angry. Ask your care team for new information about your diet, activities, etc.

Instead, ask questions that leave room for answers. Say things like "The courtyard looks nice and warm today" or "I like the music here" to get people talking and telling stories. Think about bringing your loved one's favorite sweet treat. Also, don't think your visit has to last long. Quality, not quantity, is what your family and friends care about most, so don't feel you have to stay for a certain amount of time if you're getting frustrated and focusing too much on the disease.

Most importantly, know that it's normal to feel guilty after putting a loved one in place for people with dementia. Remember that you are taking care of them and have made a choice that puts your family's and your loved one's health and well-being first. Find a support group for people with dementia to help you work through your feelings during this time of change.

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