Memory Care
Memory care is a distinct form of long-term care designed to meet the specific needs of a person with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other types of memory problems. Memory care goes beyond what is traditionally offered in an assisted living setting. Housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation services are provided but the level of assistance with other activities of daily living is dramatically increased. Often the daily activities are designed specially to allow the individual to reconnect with favorite hobbies or interests.
At a memory care community, skilled staff handle all the responsibilities of life—from housekeeping and laundry to meal preparation and transportation. Assistance with activities of daily living is also a standard service offering.
Because of the unique challenges that Alzheimer’s and dementia pose, many communities may only provide memory care, or in the cases of a continuing care community, have a neighborhood solely for residents requiring memory care. Often these communities incorporate design elements that research has shown to lower stress in individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These elements include increased natural lighting, memory boxes outside the room and a circular neighborhood design that allows for safe wandering.