Alzheimer’s Can Affect Many Aspects of a Senior’s Life, and Memory Care Assisted Living COULD Be a Benefit

December 17, 2019 by ·

The word Alzheimer’s can instill a wide range of emotions in many different people. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia and memory loss is the most commonly thought about sign or symptom of the disease. When a person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they will likely have already begun experiencing memory loss that affects daily life. Memory care assisted living could be an asset, or a benefit, for them in the years to come.

When should a person consider memory care assisted living?

Assisted Living Mobile, AL: Alzheimer’s Can Affect Many Aspects of a Senior’s Life

The moment an aging senior has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia is the moment they should begin thinking about long-term care options. Sure, they may still be fully capable of attending to their own basic care right now, but that is going to change. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

While each person is different, the average life expectancy for somebody diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is between eight and 10 years, upon diagnosis (Alzheimer’s Association). Getting proper care and support as early as possible can not only help provide comfort in the years ahead, it could also provide other benefits, including potentially prolonging quality of life by delaying the onset of more serious aspects of memory loss (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation).

What might memory care assisted living offer this senior?

As every facility is different, it’s important to go on a tour and meet with some of the administrators to ask specific questions that may be of most concern. Overall, though, a memory care assisted living community is going to have experienced staff members who understand the most common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

They may have numerous activities presented throughout the week that could offer enjoyment, mental stimulation, and an increased quality of life for those men and women who are dealing with this type of dementia.

They will also likely provide reminders, assistance with medications, and the ability to keep their residents feeling safe, even if they’re confused about their surroundings, get anxious, and when they begin experiencing more significant components of memory loss.

While it may seem easy to care for somebody with Alzheimer’s, that’s usually only the case shortly after diagnosis. As the disease progresses, it’s essential to remember that the challenges will become intense. When they do, it’s a great asset when an aging senior with this or another type of dementia is at a memory care assisted living community.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Mobile, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

Filed Under: Alzheimer’s Can Affect Many Aspects of a Senior’s Life, Assisted Living in Mobile AL · Tagged: ,
About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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