When a Spouse Has Dementia, Memory Care Assisted Living Offers Many Great Options

Memory care assisted living is one of the best options for those aging men and women who have been diagnosed with some form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, but there are several different forms that can affect memory, function, and even safety.

When looking at the various elder care choices available, memory care assisted living stands out as the best for long-term dementia care. However, not everyone is going to openly agree to move out of the home they’ve lived in for years, perhaps even decades.

Even people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, who understand the signs and symptoms they should expect to experience in the coming years, the various stages they will go through, and the overwhelming challenge it will pose on their loved ones, they may have difficulty embracing the idea of a permanent move, at least when they can still take care of themselves (for the most part).

There are numerous options for memory care assisted living that extend beyond simply moving in and being surrounded by experienced staff members. Let’s look at those options and how each can help somebody recently diagnosed with some form of dementia.

Overnight stays.

Assisted Living Saraland, AL: Memory Care and Seniors

Assisted Living Saraland, AL: Memory Care and Seniors

Certain memory care facilities may provide overnight stay options (if they have the space available). That means an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some other type of dementia might be dropped off in the evening where they can enjoy some quality time with new friends, participate in certain activities, and sleep in a safe room surrounded by experienced staff if they need something.

They could then be picked up in the morning and return home. This is great for those who depend on family members who don’t live with them at that time.

Short-term stays.

Either for a few days a week or couple of weeks at a time, an aging senior can get a real sense of what living at this community would be like for their future. This is optimal for those individuals whose family support system might be going on vacation, on a business trip, and simply can’t be there for them over the course of a week or two, sometimes more.

This is another wonderful way for aging seniors with dementia to see (firsthand) the value assisted living can offer.

Various activities.

The more active a person is, the more alive they feel. The more active a person with dementia is, the more it might slow down the progression of memory loss (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation).

When somebody is participating in activities, their brain is being stimulated and that is always a good thing, even after diagnosis.

Experienced staff.

The experienced staff at a memory care assisted living community understand the various stages and signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. They know what to expect.

They will also have incredible strategies they can employ that not only support each resident in a safe and comfortable environment, but that may also help them maintain a higher quality of life, more comfort, and more security as the memory loss expands and increases.

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

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.
Google Verified Author