Supporting a loved one who is struggling with memory loss can be challenging and stressful for all involved.
The safety of your loved one is a top priority, as well as helping them maintain the highest level of independence and best quality of life possible.
As a family caregiver, that’s a lot to juggle in addition to your own daily responsibilities.
When your loved one’s safety or happiness becomes a concern to you, it may be time to consider moving them to a memory care community with around-the-clock care.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of memory care, and how to find a loving community that is fully equipped to support your loved one’s health and happiness.
What is a memory care community?
Memory care communities are thoughtfully designed to accommodate the unique needs of those experiencing any degree of memory loss, from the early stages to the late stages.
Expert memory care generally includes higher staff-to-resident ratios to allow a greater focus on the preferences of each individual. The living spaces are designed for maximum comfort, familiarity, safety, and security.
Specially trained staff care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia, including Parkinson’s disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and more.
Strong emphasis is placed on individual comfort and quality of life, which includes encouraging family and friends to visit often and share meals with their loved ones.
Communities such as Kensington Place Redwood City also offer a robust life enrichment program, including Pocket Programming.
Pocket Programming is a small-group activity focused on individual interests and likes. Here at Kensington Place, one of our many programs we offer is called Morning Wake Up. Together, residents can either listen to music, walk outside, partake in seated exercises, or even just enjoy each other’s company.
8 benefits of memory care
The benefits of memory care are endless, but here are the eight greatest benefits to help you explore whether this option is right for you and your family.
1. Safety and security
Some of the most common symptoms of dementia include confusion, poor judgment, wandering, or hallucinations. Seniors also may experience issues with balance or movement as memory loss progresses.
If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it can be emotionally and mentally taxing.
You may wonder about their safety any time you aren’t physically with them — even when you’re sleeping, using the restroom, running errands, or tending to another family member.
Memory care communities are specially designed for resident safety and security. Kensington Place Redwood City offers two memory care “neighborhoods,” Connections and Haven, that meet specific levels of memory loss.
The neighborhoods are designed to be a cozy, safe setting that allows residents to move freely while so being surrounded by staff 24/7.
2. Greater independence
Because memory care communities are designed with safety and security in mind, they actually allow residents to have greater independence.
Within their soothing, familiar environments, residents are free to enjoy their surroundings and the company of other residents and staff.
Life enrichment activities and time outdoors are highly encouraged, as well, so residents can live their lives to the fullest in a beautiful, safe space to call home.
3. Personalized care
Memory care is a unique type of care, and no two individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are the same.
As a result, memory care communities must be able to dedicate extra time and support to each resident to understand their specific needs and preferences — as well as how these needs change over time.
All staff in expert memory care communities such as Kensington Place Redwood City are trained in memory care. Residents are evaluated for their degree of memory loss, and all the ways staff can enhance their quality of life.
Kensington Place also encourages spouses to live in the community, and pets are welcomed.
4. Fun, social activities
Fun, meaningful activities, and social interactions have numerous cognitive health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety and increased confidence.
Social activity also keeps the mind active and helps brain health. Memory care communities offer activity options all day every day, including music, sports, cooking, arts, crafts, and more. We offer daily live music where our team members and residents can enjoy singing, dancing, or just listening!
These activities feed the soul and are tailored to the specific interests and talents of residents to boost their overall well-being and feelings of worth and fulfillment.
5. Nutritious meals
A healthy mind, especially memory health, and body require proper nutrition.
In a memory care community, meals are more than just food. They are comforting and nourishing. Our dining staff understands the unique nutritional needs of residents with cognitive impairment, and which foods nourish both the brain and body.
Chef Tony at Kensington Place Redwood City acknowledges that seniors require nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet dietary needs and food sensitivities. In addition, he bakes homemade bread everyday. It not only provides our residents with a fresh, healthier option, but additionally provides a pleasant sensory experience.
6. Help with medical appointments and medication management
Memory care communities have onsite nurses and physicians, psychological and psychiatric services, and medication and diabetes management.
They’re equipped for extensive support programs, including wheelchairs and wound care, and they offer rehabilitation and fitness services.
Kensington Place Redwood City is proud to partner with HealthPRO® Heritage, a regional leader in outstanding therapy services, and offer comprehensive rehab services, present wellness opportunities, and promote acute health education.
7. 24-hour access to specially trained medical professionals
Round-the-clock supervision is necessary for memory care residents, to ensure they receive the proper assistance when and where they need it.
Caregivers will feel at ease knowing that their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is monitored and supported throughout the day and night.
At Kensington Place, licensed nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support residents.
8. Quality time with family
Since everything else is taken care of in a memory care community, family members are free to simply enjoy their loved one.
The role of a caregiver is beautiful and necessary but sometimes can become too much.
When this happens, the quality of care may suffer—not because the caregiver is failing, but because they simply don’t have the proper equipment or training to assist.
That’s where memory care services come in: We focus on the health and wellbeing of your loved one, so you can take hold of all the precious moments to come.
How do I know if it’s time for memory care?
Your loved one requires specialized care when their needs exceed what you’re comfortably able to do.
Families must make this decision based on the unique needs of their loved ones, and the progression of their disease.
If you’re unsure whether your loved one requires specialized care, reach out to a memory care community such as Kensington Place Redwood City to discuss your options and receive support during the transition.
Kensington Place Redwood City provides true ‘aging in place’ for residents with specific needs
Kensington Place Redwood City is led by a simple yet powerful Promise: To love and care for your family members as we do our own.
In our community, your family is our family. We’re a team of loving, specially trained individuals who deeply understand the needs of those who require dementia care.
Our Connections neighborhood is designed for those in the early to middle stages of memory loss, while our Haven neighborhood is for those in the middle to late stages.
These cozy, intimate neighborhoods provide soothing, cheerful, home-like spaces, and are fully secured for resident safety.
We also are fortunate enough to be situated in San Mateo County, a beautiful, sunny community that is senior-friendly.
In addition to providing hands-on daily support, we also are passionate about sharing dementia resources and support with families to help you better understand the disease.
If you’re ready to take the next steps, contact our team today to learn more about our services, how memory care works, and to visit the community. We will be here every step of the way to ensure a smooth, successful transition to memory care.