An assisted living facility is not a nursing home, but that doesn’t mean a quality facility won’t provide some type of medical support to its elderly residents. There are different types of assisted living communities; including one that offers basic support and experiences and another, like memory care assisted living which provides additional services catered to dementia residents.
If you know somebody who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, a memory care assisted living community might be optimal for their needs, not just now but well into the future.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s will progress.
Initially, when a person is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they may exhibit some mild forms of memory-related challenges and other symptoms. While it seems straightforward and perhaps easy to assist them as a family member or friend, the challenges will increase. That’s where professional, experienced support becomes so critical.
At a quality memory care facility, a senior diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will have access to around-the-clock care and support. That means an experienced staff member will be on hand any time of the day or night should the senior require some assistance.
Seniors in the advancing stages of Alzheimer’s, for example, will have significant memory loss. They may not recognize their surroundings or the people with them. This can cause extreme confusion, stress, and anxiety. The results of that can be verbal and physical aggression, terror, extreme distress, and duress.
A family member may want to be there for this loved one during those moments, yet some of the things said and done can be extremely hurtful emotionally and possibly even physically, if that family caregiver is not adequately trained or experienced to handle such situations.
Staff members at memory care facilities will understand the progression of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They will be prepared for moments when their residents are confused, agitated, and will have the best tools on hand to temper the situation.
What other memory care support could somebody with Alzheimer’s receive?
Of course, that depends on the memory care facility, but generally, a quality community will offer either transportation to regular doctor appointments or nurses and doctors who stop by and provide on-site care and visits regularly.
The right facility will also be able to administer medications. An individual needs to either be certified or licensed to administer medications to another person, so it’s important to choose an assisted living facility carefully to ensure they have staff properly certified or licensed and trained to provide the right care needed.
Many family members incorrectly assume it is well within their rights to help an aging parent or spouse, for example, take their medication. In most states, the law restricts these behaviors, so a person is not legally permitted to even open a prescription bottle belonging to somebody else, shake out a few pills, and give it to them, not unless they are properly certified or licensed.
You can avoid a lot of unexpected challenges when you encourage an aging senior who may need ongoing medical support to consider assisted living.
If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to an Assisted Living Facility for Memory Care Services in Marietta GA please contact the caring staff at Woodland Ridge today. 770-431-7055
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