Issue 1.13
A memory care environment is designed for individuals with a level of cognitive impairment that makes it unsafe for him or her to continue to stay at home. They typically do not require the intensive care of a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home, but nonetheless need increased safety and security.
Memory care communities are often incorporated as separate care units of assisted living communities. In memory care, memory-impaired residents have access to 24-hour support and programs that strive to ensure their quality of life. Residents may live in private or shared suites. ”Shared” simply means a living environment where two unrelated people live within the same suite or apartment.
Memory care units are typically secured with alarmed or locked areas to help prevent residents from wandering off. Usually within these secured areas, residents can enjoy indoor walking paths, outdoor paths, or garden areas. Common area spaces are provided for socialization, meals, and special activities. With the help of trained staff members, there are often times scheduled activities and programs designed to enhance memory. The decor of memory care facilities varies greatly, but most strive to achieve a home-like setting.
It was once thought that progressive memory loss was a “normal” sign of growing old. Many seniors have come up with the catch phrase “senior moment.” But memory loss is no laughing matter, nor is significant memory loss a normal sign of aging.
Progressive memory loss is likely a sign of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other forms of senior dementia. Alzheimer’s disease currently affects more than 4 million Americans. Risk factors include age, heredity, gender, ethnicity, and poor intellectual ability and difficulty with complex thinking. Women, on average, are at greater risk than men of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
If there is one cardinal rule when it comes to memory problems, if you or a loved one thinks there is a problem, you need to be evaluated by your health care provider sooner rather than later.
The Retreat at SunRiver St George offers a state-of-the-art memory care unit. We offer 12 private and/or shared suites. We encourage you to consult your physician to determine whether our memory care facility is the right move for you or your loved one.
Please feel free to call us any time at 435-216-3905 or visit us on the web at www.SunRiverAssistedLiving.com if you have any further questions. We look forward to hearing from you!