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Caring for a Loved One with Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Importance of Early Memory Care

When a loved one is experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), their world—and yours as their caregiver—can suddenly feel unsteady and overwhelming.

MCI could lead to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia, which is why early intervention with memory care is so important.

Kensington Place Redwood City provides a sanctuary where families find support and residents are treated with dignity beyond their mild cognitive impairment, where their essence as an individual is celebrated daily.

Learn more about the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, the importance of early detection, and how a memory care community can maintain and improve your loved one’s quality of life.

Recognizing the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment in your loved one

It’s not uncommon for older adults to occasionally forget names, misplace everyday items, or be momentarily challenged by a familiar task.

However, it’s always essential to differentiate between common age-related changes and symptoms of more significant cognitive disorders.

Early detection can open doors to treatments that slow the progression of certain conditions, allowing families and individuals to plan and make informed decisions about the future.

Look for the following symptoms of MCI:

  • Memory loss affecting daily activities
  • Difficulty planning or solving problems
  • Frequent difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Changes in mood or personality

If you notice these signs frequently occurring in a loved one, seek advice from a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance, potential diagnoses, and support options tailored to your loved one’s needs.

The impact of early memory care for a loved one’s MCI

As the subtle signs of memory challenges emerge, it’s not just the cognitive functions that are affected. A senior’s emotions, self-esteem, and relationships with loved ones can also become strained.

By intervening early with specialized memory care, you can provide the following:

  • Preservation of independence: Tailored activities and therapies help seniors maintain their skills and confidence for longer, fostering a sense of autonomy.
  • Personalized care: Early assessment allows for a more customized approach, addressing each individual’s unique needs and preferences.
  • Emotional support: Professional caregivers provide emotional reassurance, helping older adults navigate their feelings and concerns, thus reducing anxiety and depression.
  • Strengthened social connections: Social engagement opportunities can combat feelings of isolation, reinforcing bonds with family and new friends in similar situations.
  • Safety and well-being: Early memory care facilities are designed to be secure and comforting, minimizing risks while maximizing comfort.
  • Family respite and education: Loved ones are given a chance to rest, learn, and gather resources, ensuring they’re better equipped to support their family member.
  • Early medication and intervention: Timely access to suitable medications or therapies can potentially slow the progression of memory loss conditions.

Distinctive memory care in Redwood City, California

At Kensington Place Redwood City, our utmost priority is providing compassionate, expert memory care that evolves according to the needs of our residents.

That’s why we provide the following:

  • Two dedicated levels of memory care: Connections and Haven
  • A team of nursing professionals (RNs and LVns) on site 24/7
  • Partnering physicians
  • Expert medication and diabetes oversight, including professionally-administered injections
  • Psychological and psychiatric care
  • Rehabilitation and fitness services in collaboration with Select Rehabilitation
  • Dedicated Life Enrichment Manager and Assistants who curate engaging, enriching and unique daily programming that focuses on brain health and overall well-being

Connections: Tailored care at Kensington Place Redwood City for early to middle stages of memory loss

At our neighborhood Connections, we aim to foster meaningful activities that allow residents to remain independent and find meaning in their day-to-day life.

Activities include:

  • Cognitive exercises and learning experiences
  • Expressive arts and music therapies
  • Body movement programs, such as yoga, tai chi, and dance
  • Intergenerational programming with our volunteers and families
  • Journaling, meditation, and mindfulness
  • Excursions to local museums, restaurants, and parks
  • Resident and family caregiver support groups
  • Discussions, educational workshops

Catering specifically to seniors in the early to middle phases of Alzheimer’s and dementia, our team observes and adapts to each resident’s cognitive progression, ensuring we align our care with their current capabilities and strengths.

This secure, homey environment prioritizes safety without compromising on comfort. The Connections neighborhood offers living spaces that are comfortable and soothing, including outdoor spaces for fresh air and sunshine.

This is the ideal neighborhood for your loved one who is only just showing signs of mild cognitive impairment or are in the early stages of memory loss. We meet them where they are in our care.

Rest assured that your loved one is in the safest environment for their condition while also feeling like they’re right at home.

Haven: Care neighborhood at Kensington Place Redwood City for advanced stages of memory loss

The Haven neighborhood is for people in moderate to advanced stages of memory loss caused by dementia, Alzheimer’s, MCI, and other neurological disorders.

Every aspect of Haven, from its environment to care routines, is refined to offer maximum comfort, understanding, and increased safety to monitor our residents 24/7. We aim to decrease agitation and promote compassion.

Kensington Place Redwood City’s trained professionals don’t just play a caregiving role—they are proactive partners in ensuring the emotional well-being, trust, safety, and happiness of every resident.

Residents most suited for Haven often:

  • Are in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia
  • Struggle with recognizing acquaintances
  • Face challenges with daily activities and thought organization
  • Need help with personal care and hygiene
  • Show signs of sundowning

Advanced care driven by the latest breakthroughs in MCI, Alzheimer’s, and dementia

At Kensington Place Redwood City, we wholeheartedly believe our residents deserve the best of everything. That’s why we continuously immerse ourselves in the latest Alzheimer’s and dementia research, working hand-in-hand with our esteemed healthcare partners.

For example, we’ve closely monitored recent innovations such as the Leqembi breakthrough and created public events to educate all of our Kensington family and showcase our dedication to integrating cutting-edge knowledge into our care approach.

From MCI to advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s—Kensington Place Redwood City is here for you and your loved one

Take the first step towards a brighter, supported future for your loved one. Engage with our dedicated team at Kensington Place and explore how our uniquely tailored approach can make a difference.

We’re driven by Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own by constantly seeking ways to enhance our residents’ quality of life. Our goal is for them to feel valued, understood, and—most importantly—loved.

With two different levels of care each dedicated to caring for residents where they’re at in their condition, they’ll receive specialized care 24 hours a day.

When your loved one joins our Kensington family, they benefit from:

When you’re ready to talk—Kensington Place Redwood City is here to listen.

Contact us for more information on caring for a loved one with mild cognitive impairment and other memory diseases.