Memory care is a service of long-term senior care tailored for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of progressive-degenerative dementia and/or memory loss. Individuals in Seattle who need more support than what is offered in a typical assisted living facility, or those who have advanced dementia, making it unsafe for them to remain at home, will usually find that memory care is their best solution for long-term care.
While nursing homes and other senior living facilities provide 24/7 professional care, memory care specializing homes offer a safe, predictable environment designed to specifically protect residents from wandering, getting lost, and self-harm. Memory care residents usually do not have any major health concerns, aside from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, but they are no longer able to safely live in their own homes.
Memory care is designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Staff provide meals and assist residents with personal care tasks, just as the employees at an assisted living facility do, but they are also specially trained to assist with the unique issues that residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s often experience. Memory care staff will check in with residents more frequently and often provide extra support and guidance to help residents navigate their day.
MyAFH homes can care for memory conditions for your loved one, call today for info about our memory care options in Seattle. Call us or use our Adult Family Home Search.
1-800-747-2997
Memory Care Facility Seattle
What are the services and amenities found at Seattle Memory Care facilities with MyAFH? Most memory care communities offer the same services found in an assisted living setting, such as:
- Semiprivate or private accommodations in an apartment-style suite with an en suite bathroom
- Three daily meals served restaurant-style, plus snacks and beverages throughout the day
- Housekeeping, personal laundry and linen services
- Daily social and recreational activities, such as fitness classes, organized games, and escorted day trips
- In-house medical alert systems
- Some assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, grooming and transferring
In addition to the services provided at most assisted living facilities, memory care communities also offer:
- Daily group and individual therapeutic recreational programming, such as brain games that are specifically designed to slow the progression of memory loss
- 24/7 security
- Anti-wandering systems such as WanderGuard, a wireless wearable tracking device that lets caregivers monitor the exact location of each resident
- A relatively low staff-to-resident ratio
- Help with activities of daily living
- Family support groups
- Each memory care facility offers its own unique range of services. Some offer enhanced services including on-site physical, occupational and speech-language therapy, on-site physician’s services and escorts to local medical appointments.
Dementia Care Homes Seattle
Dementia is often progressive. This means symptoms worsen over time, often leaving elderly adults unable to live independently and causing tremendous stress and burden to families and caregivers. As the disease progresses, dementia behaviors and symptoms become difficult to manage, and living at home may no longer be safe.
An individual with advanced dementia requires around-the-clock supervision and care in a safe, secured space. In later stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, most people may have a difficult time performing the regular activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. Disorientation, confusion, and sometimes aggression also tend to get worse, affecting seniors with dementia and those around them.
It may be difficult for family caregivers to provide full-time care for a loved one with advanced dementia while juggling other responsibilities, such as work and children. The physical and emotional stress of caring for someone with dementia puts caregivers at risk for health problems and decreased quality of life, and may lead to burnout. Memory care provides much-needed support for caregivers while offering exceptional care for people with memory loss.
When choosing to relocate your senior loved one to a memory care facility in the Seattle area, there are many things that you may be concerned about. Here are some factors to consider during your search.
Layout and physical environment
Is the facility clean and pleasant? Does it have circular hallways, so residents don’t get frustrated by dead ends? Are rooms and doors clearly labeled (with words and pictures) to help residents find their way around? Is there an enclosed outdoor area with walking paths? Do residents seem happy?
Staff
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many long-term care facilities nationwide badly short-staffed. Ask about shortages at communities you visit and keep an eye on how staff members interact with residents: Are their needs met quickly? Is there a nurse who works in the building? What kind of dementia-specific training do employees receive?
Food and activities
Does the facility offer activities that would keep your loved one engaged? What strategies does the staff use to encourage residents to eat?
Availability of continuing care
Some assisted living memory care units can’t provide complex medical care. Find out what health conditions or behaviors might require your loved one to leave or to be moved to a more expensive level of care within the facility.
Individuals in the early stages of dementia who are still able to live independently or who only need minimal help with daily activities may do well in a standard assisted living community, and a memory care facility may feel too restrictive. If your loved one struggles with daily functioning, needs support most of the time, or seems afraid and lonely living at home, it may be time to explore the options for memory care. No matter which option you choose, be sure to choose a home with qualified experience supporting elderly adults. Ask as many questions as you can and make sure your loved one feels comfortable when you visit the community.
You probably still have many questions and concerns about memory care and what’s best for your loved one. MyAFH is here to answer your questions and ensure that the choice you make for your elderly loved one’s long term care is what’s best for them and for you. Give us a call today to explore your options.
Call 1-800-747-2997 or visit our Contact Page.