5 Key Things to Know About Memory Care for Your Loved One

When someone you love has dementia, youll notice that things are changing quickly. When they make mistakes and fumble with the little things, our instinct is to correct and remind. Thats to be expected. After all, youre hoping that a little push and a dose of reality would be enough to lead them back to the person you know and love.As you will see below, corrections and reminders wont always work. Effective communication with a dementia patient requires an adjustment of expectations. In the following, well get you started.Forced choicesEveryone likes to have a choice. But having too many options can actually be confusing to a patient with dementia. Thats because their working memory is operating in limited capacity. Working memory is where the brain retains just the right amount of information to finish a task think of dialing a new phone number. So you can see how loss of working memory can be problematic in conversation and hinder decision-making.Thats where the forced choice method can lift that burden for your loved one, and cut the confusion. Watch the video here.Help with sequencingWe take basic daily tasks for granted: eating, standing, brushing our teeth. Though these tasks feel natural and automatic, we rely on the frontal lobe to help us complete these tasks. When someone is experiencing dementia, the brain degeneration can make them lose their ability to access this command center. When you see your loved one freeze, as if in confusion, you can help them through the basic task with sequencing, by breaking down the tasks into simple steps. This video about sequencing provides some examples.The therapeutic fibYou can never go wrong with the truth, or so youre taught. But when it comes to dementia and Alzheimers, the truth actually has a cruel side. Because when someone is living with degenerative memory, they sometimes lose track of key details of their loved ones. The fact that a partner or a child is deceased or gone can literally be forgotten. In cases like these, telling the truth can be devastating it will be as if theyre hearing this horrible news for the first time. This is where a therapeutic fib can get you both through the difficult moment, and this video explains how.Admit wrongdoing when youre rightSpeaking of truth, sometimes your loved one with dementia will get basic things wrong. They may insist, for example, that they cant possibly be a grandparent because in their mind, theyre only 25 years old! This can be a painful moment, because this represent a loss in your relationship with them and you want to hold on. But fighting these beliefs is futile. This video will show you how to gently move past the conversation.Repeating themselvesHearing the same story, especially if they think youre hearing it for the first time, can get frustrating. The wrong response is trying to make them understand theyve already told it. In this segment, well show you how to get through the moment.The important thing to remember is when a person has dementia or Alzheimers, the brain is going through massive changes. That can be difficult to take. Take a look at this video, Whats Happening to Their Brain?, so you can put yourself in their shoes. Understanding whats at work can go a long way in good communication when your loved one has dementia.Learn more about how we provide specialized care in our series Insights from Arthurs featuring educational videos from Arthurs Director of Development and Senior Care Consultant Deb Nygaard. 

Dementia can be a challenging journey for both seniors and their families. However, with the right care and support, individuals living with dementia can experience a fulfilling and meaningful life. At Sholom, we are committed to providing top-tier dementia care in the St. Paul area, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Through personalized care plans, engaging activities, and a compassionate approach, we create an environment where residents can thrive.Personalized Dementia Care Plans for Individual NeedsEvery individuals experience with dementia is unique, which is why Sholoms St. Paul dementia care programs are designed to cater to the individual needs of each resident. Our dedicated team of professionals works closely with families to develop personalized care plans that address the specific challenges and preferences of each person. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they evolve with the residents needs, promoting comfort, safety, and well-being.Dementia Care AssessmentsAt the heart of our personalized care approach is a comprehensive assessment that helps us understand the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of each resident. This assessment allows us to create a care plan that not only addresses medical requirements but also focuses on enhancing daily living experiences.Regular Care Plan ReviewsAs dementia progresses, the needs of our residents may change. Sholoms team continuously monitors and adjusts the dementia care plans to reflect these changes, ensuring that each resident receives the most appropriate and effective care throughout their journey.Engaging Activities to Stimulate Mind and BodyAt Sholom, we believe that staying active is essential to maintaining a high quality of life. Our St. Paul dementia care programs include a variety of activities designed to stimulate both the mind and body. These activities are tailored to the abilities and interests of our residents, providing opportunities for social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and physical exercise.A Compassionate Approach to Dementia CareCompassion is at the core of everything we do at Sholom. Our St. Paul dementia care programs are built on a foundation of respect, dignity, and understanding. We recognize that dementia affects not just the individual but their entire family, which is why we provide emotional support and resources for families as well.Family Involvement and SupportAt Sholom, we encourage family involvement in the care process. We offer regular updates, family meetings, and support groups to ensure that families feel informed and supported. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance, helping families navigate the challenges of dementia care.A Warm and Welcoming EnvironmentCreating a home-like environment is essential for the well-being of our residents. Sholoms facilities in the St. Paul area are designed to be safe, comfortable, and welcoming. Our staff is trained to provide care with kindness and patience, ensuring that every resident feels valued and loved.Experience Quality Dementia Care at Sholom in St. PaulAt Sholom, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors with dementia. Our St. Paul dementia care programs are designed to provide personalized, compassionate care that meets the unique needs of each resident. Through engaging activities, personalized care plans, and a supportive environment, we strive to make every day meaningful for our residents. Contact us today for more information. 

Music has a profound impact on the memories of individuals living with Alzheimers dementia, often serving as a powerful tool for accessing memories and emotions that might otherwise be inaccessible due to the progression of the disease. Heres how music affects memory in people with Alzheimers:1.  Evokes Emotional Responses: Music, especially songs from a persons youth or significant periods in their life, can trigger emotional responses and bring back memories associated with those times. Even when other cognitive abilities decline, the emotional connection to music often remains strong. 2.  Stimulates Brain Activity: Listening to music can stimulate various parts of the brain, including areas involved in memory, mood regulation, and cognitive function. This stimulation can sometimes lead to improved recall of personal memories, names, or events. 3.  Improves Communication: Music can help people with Alzheimers communicate, especially when verbal communication becomes difficult. Singing or listening to music may help them express emotions or recall words and phrases associated with certain songs. 4.  Enhances Quality of Life: Regular engagement with music can improve mood, reduce agitation, and decrease anxiety in people with Alzheimers. This positive impact on emotional well-being can enhance their overall quality of life. 5.  Facilitates Social Interaction: Music can create opportunities for social interaction, whether through group singing, dancing, or simply sharing a listening experience. These social activities can help combat the isolation that often accompanies Alzheimers. 6.  Triggers Autobiographical Memories: Music is particularly effective at triggering autobiographical memoriesmemories of ones life experiences. Even when other types of memory are impaired, music-related memories can remain intact and accessible. 7.  Supports Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that music therapy can help maintain cognitive function longer, delaying the progression of some symptoms. It can also be used to create routines, which can be soothing and help with daily tasks. Overall, music can serve as a vital connection to the past for individuals with Alzheimers, providing a sense of continuity and identity in the face of memory loss.To learn more about our innovative programming, person-centered care, and tools such as LifeLoop within our Memory Care communities, contact us today!