For more information about the author, click to view their website: The Fairways at Naples
Dementia and Alzheimer’s aren’t guaranteed parts of getting old. Unfortunately, they are both common conditions for an older adult to struggle with. And depending on how far the condition has developed, a senior will eventually need extensive care. This is where a community that offers memory support is a huge benefit.
There are many ways that a senior (or anyone who needs memory care) can receive it at home, through things like special exercises or the caregiver taking special training. However, a community that offers this service has staff with specialized training, and they can ensure your loved one is safe and thriving as much as they can be.
Memory care can be offered in several places, such as assisted or independent living communities and other senior homes. In each case, the type of care is similar or the same.
Essentially, memory care is specifically designed to cater to the unique struggles that an older adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s may struggle with. Things like the potential for accidental self-harm, aggression, or simply extreme forgetfulness are all things that a memory care caregiver can deal with.
Let’s look at 4 of the significant benefits of memory care for older adults.
Many assisted living communities have 24/7 care from professional caretakers, including nurses and other specialists. However, a memory care home will typically employ staff trained in dealing with people struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Some specific things they may be trained in handling include:
Because those with dementia or its related illnesses have a habit of wandering or getting lost, it’s important that these people are in a safe space. The neat thing is that many memory care communities ensure their residents have a safe place to live while remaining as normal and homelike as possible. These enhanced safety measures may include locked doors, security staff, and sign-in/out processes.
There are several therapies that are beneficial for people with dementia:
In an assisted living community, there is sometimes access to some of these therapies. But in memory care, they will almost always incorporate some of them into the daily lives of their residents.
In addition to the specialized therapy, the community and its amenities will also be geared toward those with memory issues. For example, there will likely be a big focus on residents socializing during different activities.
Something that commonly happens with those with dementia is losing touch with friends and loved ones. So encouraging them to socialize and participate in different brain-building activities such as dance lessons or playing cards can be incredibly beneficial.
In many ways, there is often a large overlap of similarities between memory care and assisted living. Both will likely include 24/7 care by medical staff. Each one will typically offer access to specialists as well. Encouraging a well-balanced, healthy diet through home-cooked meals is another similarity they have.
The only real significant difference is that the memory care community will focus more on caring for those with cognitive problems. This includes the training, the type of meals provided, or extra security measures like locked doors and color-coded walls.
It can be an overwhelming diagnosis if you know someone struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s. In the early stages, you may be able to manage as the caregiver. However, there usually comes the point where specialized care is required.
For memory care in Naples, FL, call us at the Fairways at Naples. Our staff is happy to answer all your questions. We can also book you a tour so that you and your loved one can take a look at the community for yourselves.
Dementia is a challenging journey that affects millions of people worldwide, with a range of symptoms that interfere with daily life and activities. At Grand Living, we understand the profound impact dementia has on both individuals and their loved ones. Thats why we have developed our LUMINATIONS program, designed to support seniors living with memory loss. Our approach embraces and builds upon each residents unique life story, ensuring that they maintain a sense of self and individuality.Grand Living Memory Care resident participating in pet therapy.Embracing Individuality: The LUMINATIONS Program at Grand LivingThe foundation of our LUMINATIONS program is our hospitality-focused care as part of our STERLING TOUCH signature service. We believe that the relationships we build with our residents and their families are essential in understanding and meeting their personal needs. Our program is not just about managing symptoms; its about enriching lives and preserving dignity.Lavender Lane is a women-only neighborhood and is a part of our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program.Special Requests: Voices of Those with DementiaKaren Powers, Grand Livings National Director of Training and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), integrates these crucial key requests from people living with dementia into her training sessions. These profound insights, gathered from numerous discussions on dementia and attributed to no single author, offer a powerful understanding that aids us in better supporting our loved ones with dementia.Grand Living resident enjoys our Luminations Memory Care garden.Please be patient with me. Remember, I have a disease for which I have no control.Talk to ME. Even though I cannot always answer you, I can hear your voice and still understand your words.Be kind to me. Each day of my life is now a struggle. Your kindness may be the most special event of my day.Treat me with dignity and respect as I would have gladly treated you.Consider my feelings for they are still very much alive within me.Remember my past for I was once a healthy, vibrant person full of life, love, and laughter with abilities and intelligence.Remember my present feelings. I miss my family and my home very much.Remember my future. Though it may seem bleak to you, I am always filled with hope for the next moment.Remember your presence may do more for me than any activity or task.I still like hugs and handshakes. I am still the person you know and love.These poignant requests remind us of the humanity and spirit that remain vibrant within our residents, despite the challenges they face. At Grand Living, we strive to honor these requests every day, ensuring our residents feel valued and understood.Grand Living Luminations Memory Care residents engage in chair exercises.The LUMINATIONS ExperienceAt Grand Living, our Luminations residents are cherished members of our family. They enjoy chef-prepared meals and have access to a variety of activities and events tailored to their needs and interests. Our thoughtful approach extends to our two distinct living environments: Monarch Lane and Lavender Lane. Monarch Lane offers a neighborhood for both men and women, while Lavender Lane provides a women-only venue, allowing families to choose the environment that best suits their loved ones comfort and preferences.The exterior hallways at Grand Livings Luminations residences are designed to help personalize each entrance for ease of finding an individuals home.Our Luminations neighborhoods are meticulously designed to minimize distractions and focus attention on each resident. The exterior hallways feature personalized apartment entrances with painted window scenes to assist residents in finding their homes, creating a unique and supportive way-finding experience.At Grand Living, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and a nurturing environment for our residents with dementia. Through our LUMINATIONS program, we honor their past, present, and future, ensuring they feel loved and respected every step of the way.Find out more about our LUMINATIONS Memory Care program here.
How to Help a Parent Overcome Their Fear of Senior Living in AlabamaHaving a parent transition into a senior living community can be a complex and emotional process. While these communities offer numerous benefits and a comfortable, supportive environment for our family members, the decision to move can often be clouded by fear and uncertainty. There are ways, though, that you can help your parent through this transition, ensuring it goes as smoothly and positively as possible.Community Senior Life provides exceptional senior living services throughout Alabama, and we understand how difficult it can be for families to reassure their loved ones about this important next step in life. Our team is exploring practical and emotional strategies that you can employ to help your parent overcome their fear of moving to a senior living community.Understanding the FearBefore addressing how to assist your parent in transitioning to a senior living community, it is crucial to comprehend the root cause of their fear. Common reasons for the reluctance to move may include:Loss of IndependenceMany aging adults fear losing their autonomy and the sense of freedom that comes with living in their own homes. Senior living can seem like a step toward dependence on others, but this is just a myth.Nostalgia and Emotional AttachmentsThe family home often represents years of memories and is deeply tied to ones identity. The idea of leaving this space can be emotionally overwhelming.Medical and Health ConcernsIndividuals may have concerns about accessibility to healthcare, the competence of caregivers, or the stability of their health in a new environment.Financial WorriesThe costs associated with senior living can be daunting. Individuals commonly worry about depleting their savings or having financial disruptions.Fear of the UnknownSenior living communities in Alabama represent a significant shift in lifestyle. The unknown aspects of this change can provoke anxiety and resistance.Acknowledging and discussing these fears with sensitivity and empathy is the first step toward helping your parent.Tips for Alleviating FearOpen CommunicationEncouraging open and honest discussions can help clarify your parents concerns. Its essential to create a safe space for them to express their fears without judgment. Active listening is key; reflect on their concerns and avoid the impulse to immediately provide solutions.Research and InvolvementInvolve your parent actively in the process. Researching and visiting senior living communities together can provide a sense of control and familiarity. Ensure their preferences and needs are taken into account during this exploratory phase.Emotional SupportProvide ongoing emotional support. Moving is a significant life event, and its natural for your parent to experience a range of emotions. Validate their feelings and share your own experiences or stories of others who have made successful transitions to senior living in Alabama.Practical AssistanceOffer tangible help with the logistics of the move. This can include organizing, packing, and arranging for the sale or donation of unnecessary items. Planning the move in advance and breaking down tasks into manageable steps can alleviate stress.Facilitating AdjustmentAssist your parent in settling into their new community. This might involve personalizing their living space with familiar items or helping them to meet their new neighbors and caregivers. Encourage their participation in community activities and ensure they feel connected and supported in their new environment.By employing these strategies, you can greatly facilitate the process and allay your parents fears about transitioning to a senior living community.The Journey ForwardThe decision to move to a senior living community in Alabama is a significant marker in the aging process. Its a time that involves immense change and the potential for growth, even amidst the fear it may provoke. For you, this is also an opportunity to demonstrate care, sensitivity, and a desire to see your parents flourish in their retirement years.Through patience, open communication, and a willingness to understand your parents perspective, the transition to senior living doesnt have to be a fearful one. By being present and actively involved in the decision-making, you can help ensure that your parents move is a positive step toward a nurturing, supported, and engaged lifestyle.Adjusting to senior living is a process that unfolds over time, requiring both your support and your parents resilience. Remember that you are not alone in this endeavor. Senior living community team members are there to assist every step of the way, and many resources are available to help ease the transition.Though the fear of moving to a senior living community is real, it is a bridge to a brighter, more secure future for your parent. Your role is to walk that bridge with them, offering a steady presence and a reassuring voice. You can help your parent find a home that not only caters to their needs but also to their desires, leading to a fulfilling life after retirement.Contact the Community Senior Life team at 251-981-0200 today at to learn more about our senior living communities in Alabama!
To improve the quality of life available at home, today's best senior living gives equal weight to an independent lifestyle and compassionate professional care and offers a holistic approach to wellness, longevity, and happiness. Those looking for a Personal Care or Memory Care residence in the McCandless area have a unique advantage in that the same provider, Legend Senior Living, manages two nearby residences of equally high caliber. Ridgecrest and The Remington benefit from Legend's three decades of innovation in senior living. Both offer upscale, carefree, highly social environments. Each has its distinctive appeal. The Ridgecrest lifestyle takes on the flavor of an adventure in a resort-style atmosphere. Friendship and fun are the objectives, aided by full-service amenities: a cocktail lounge, indoor pool, art studio, billiards room, putting green, bocce ball court, covered patio with fireplace, to name a few. The Remington recalls the elegance of classic Pittsburgh with its magnificent tray ceilings and sunlit manor house common areas. Splendid balconies, sunny courtyards, and covered patios encourage frequent gatherings with friends. At Ridgecrest and The Remington, we believe in the power of community and engagement. That's why we've brought our signature Gold Leaf Dining to Both residences. Our chef-prepared cuisine, designed for health and taste, is served in a welcoming restaurant-style atmosphere. You'll savor the flavor of local favorites, international delicacies, and seasonal selections, all designed by a licensed nutritionist. Bistro-style dining makes for a fun meal between activities. And speaking of activities, our full-time Life Enrichment Coordinator creates a dynamic calendar of events and opportunities. From fitness classes to art workshops, there's always something to pique your interest and encourage new friendships. Both communities feature Legend's proactive approach to Memory Care. Compassionate, expert associates employ innovative therapies that bring actual results, improved cognition and behavior, and the ability to create new memories. It's an empathetic approach, striving to be the resident's best friend, learning their Life Story. In the Legend philosophy of wellness and quality of life, individuality is paramount. Complete independence comes with just the right amount of personal assistance. So, top-notch care is a given at Ridgecrest and The Remington. It comes down to "What's your style?" Find our more at legendseniorliving.com.