It can be a bit of a challenge for anyone looking for the best memory care services for their parents, especially when they resist the idea at first. They’ll be in great hands if you choose a great service, but they may not understand or cooperate right away. We’re here to tell you that there’s hope and that you are doing the right thing.
Here, you’ll learn about some types of care, amenities available to those in memory units, how to help your parents through their transition, and all the wonderful experiences these care facilities offer that will enrich your loved ones’ golden years.
Read on to learn some helpful tips and advice.
Best Memory Care Services
The long-term care industry is better than ever when it comes to making your loved one feel safe, comfortable, and surrounded by friends. Alzheimer’s is a critical condition deserving of and getting adequate attention, and includes many new and exciting treatments, activities, etc.
There are many levels of care, including assisted living, independent living, in-home care, and some in-home care alternatives. These include highly-skilled nurses, and with the growing number of persons with Alzheimer’s, as well as other dementias, we see the industry evolving more than ever before.
Finding a Memory Care Unit
A memory care facility will provide your loved ones with security, so you don’t have to worry about them wandering away. You can rest assured that they will be looked after by highly trained staff and will feel right at home after they settle in. Skilled nursing facilities provide round-the-clock medical treatment and daily care planning.
Trusted Resources
While you’re online looking for trusted sources, you’ll find many sites giving you different results, and it can be confusing. But don’t worry, you’re doing fine — online is a great place to find information on licensed facilities.
Some online resources include:
- Eldercare Locater
- Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) Alaska
- Alaska Department of Social Services – Long-term Care
- Alzheimers.net Alaska
- Google, “senior living near me”
Through your state website (Alaska.gov) enter terms that apply to your needs as well as the zip code or county. Have patience while you look over the options. Take notes on facilities that look especially fitting of your expectations.
After your search, you’ll have a list of licensed memory care facilities to choose from, and you can be confident they’re from a trusted source. These particular facilities are regulated and follow certain standards.
Considerations
Consider location as you pair down your list. If you’re planning on visiting regularly, try to think about commute time realities. What kind of visiting schedule are you planning to try to keep?
What are your make or break factors/ standards as you look for the best options for senior living? Tour, interview, explore, and observe. Go with your gut instinct to find the best assisted living community in Anchorage.
Anchorage is such a tight-knit community; you’re sure to find advice from friends, neighbors, and family. Also, with such beautiful landscapes, your loved one’s views will be spectacular, and outings will be enjoyable.
What Are the Benefits of Memory Care?
Memory care not only provides the benefits we mentioned above, such as enriching activities that improve cognition and quality of life but offer supportive dementia therapies, simple layouts to minimize confusion, and a very low staff-to-resident ratio.
Senior living communities are entertained with performers, speakers, and musicians. Games such as trivia and bingo, singing, painting, sensory stimulation, field trips to shopping areas and parks, and much more will keep your loved one’s mind stimulated. Their motor skills will be increased, and they’ll get plenty of social interaction.
Transitioning Your Loved One
Tell them about the great amenities and how the new community will offer so many opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest. Try using an upbeat attitude to get them excited about the move.
Your loved one might express that they’re afraid of becoming lonely. What they probably mean is that they will miss you and the rest of the family. This type of loneliness can be the hardest, so assure them that you’ll visit on a regular schedule and stick to it.
Inclusion and Understanding
Try to involve them in choosing the care facility and community, so they are part of the decision. Then visit ahead of time — get a bite to eat there or spend a couple of nights in respite care. These will ease the transition significantly, allowing them to meet some of the community’s occupants and develop a comfort level.
The best thing you can do is sit and listen. They’ll feel understood if they can express these feelings and thoughts. This way, they can work through their doubts and reservations.
Try to be as understanding as you can. Empathize with them and be honest about the situation. In the long run, they’ll thank you, because, with round-the-clock care and a great community of friends, they’ll have peace of mind during this chapter of their lives.
Respite Care Services
The purpose of respite care is to provide short-term relief to your parent’s primary caregivers. You can choose for this to occur over an afternoon or for many days/weeks. This kind of care can happen at home, at an adult day center, or in a healthcare facility.
Assisted living communities can offer short-term stays for your loved ones who need help with their day to day activities. The best respite care services offer an emotional oasis for caregivers and will provide exceptional assistance for their guests.
Hang In There!
Remember to try to stay confident and positive. This transition is going to help them immensely. While you both may have your doubts, it’s important to stay the course and follow through with your choice to give them the best memory care services.
Sit down and talk to them with loving confidence. You are contributing to their strength right now, whether or not they outwardly admit it to you. Once you see them with their new friends, laughing and singing, you’ll know you made the right decision.
Contact us with any questions you may have. We’re Alaska’s premier senior assisted living community, and we’ll be glad to schedule a tour for you.
