Does your aging loved one in Rochester, NY, need Alzheimer's memory care? If so, they're not alone, given the prevalence of this brain condition.
According to the U.S. CDC, Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently affects an estimated 6.7 million Americans 65 and older. It's the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases. From problems with short-term memory to having trouble with complex tasks like meal preparation and forgetting appointments, these are all common symptoms of AD.
Fortunately, dementia care in Rochester, NY, is now more accessible, thanks to senior living communities.
However, please remember that senior memory care communities still vary in service quality, reputability, professionalism, and compassion. Therefore, it pays to learn about the vital factors to consider when choosing one.
Our kind and caring team at The Landing of Brighton put together this guide to help you get started, so please read on.
People with Alzheimer's disease have care needs that vary depending on who they are as a person. AD hits everyone differently, so the rate at which the symptoms progress can also differ from one person to another.
The severity of a person's Alzheimer's also influences their care needs. As the Alzheimer's Association points out, as AD progresses, the need for care also increases. So does the number of activities of daily living (ADLs) a person may need help with.
For example, an older adult whose Alzheimer's is at the early stage may only experience mild memory loss. So, they may only need help with more complex ADLs like medication reminders. Conversely, those with later-stage AD may need round-the-clock help with simpler tasks like showering or dressing.
For those reasons, Alzheimer's memory care should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, senior communities should customize their approach to meet each person's unique needs and preferences.
At the Landing of Brighton, our beautiful and caring senior living community in Rochester, NY, we understand that aging and memory loss (and other symptoms) arising from AD affect people differently. Thus, we tailor our care plans to each resident, ensuring they receive only highly personalized memory care services.
Homelike, cognitive care environments are living spaces carefully designed to simulate and evoke feelings similar to the experience of living in one's own home:
Such an environment can be especially vital for seniors transitioning to memory care or assisted living, as it helps them retain some normalcy. They may be moving out of the home they've lived in for years, but that doesn't mean their new space should feel alien or foreign. If it does, it can make them feel extremely stressed, leading to more problems.
For instance, an article published by News-Medical.net states that stress may play a crucial role in Alzheimer's progression and worsening of symptoms. Therefore, choosing an Alzheimer's memory care community known for providing a homelike environment is paramount.
At The Landing of Brighton's memory care campus, that's precisely what we provide. We've designed our memory care suites to be warm, safe, and comfortable. Residents can also personalize their spaces to make things feel more familiar and homely.
A highly reputable memory care community makes highly personalized, specialized services available around the clock, even if not all residents require 24/7 supervision. A good enough reason is that even older adults with early-stage Alzheimer's disease may need help with one or more ADLs after the typical "office hours."
A perfect example is toileting.
As people age, their bladders also change. For instance, MedlinePlus says aging weakens the bladder muscles and makes the bladder wall less stretchy. As a result, the bladder can no longer hold as much urine as when they were younger, leading to more frequent urination.
So, older adults (with or without AD) may find that they need to go to the toilet more often. They may experience nocturia, also called "nocturnal urinary frequency." It's a condition that makes people wake up at night to pee.
While waking up due to nocturia once at night is normal, it can still be a safety risk, especially for seniors with mobility issues. Older adults who struggle to get out of bed and move about may slip, trip, and fall in their hurry to go to the toilet. Unfortunately, the National Council on Aging says that among older American adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries.
At The Landing of Brighton, we take the safety of our memory care residents seriously, so we ensure that our professional team members are available 24/7. Their round-the-clock availability provides residents with peace of mind, plus much-needed rest and support for Alzheimer's families.
Purpose-driven activities are life-enriching experiences designed to stimulate memory care residents' minds and bodies. They can be one-on-one or in group settings, and aim to provide meaningful engagement and a sense of belonging and fulfillment. They often include sensory experiences and quiet moments for reflection.
The Landing of Brighton's memory care campus is proud to offer our residents all those activities (and much more!). We also curate a dynamic calendar of daily events and experiences that residents are free to choose from and participate in, such as:
Moreover, our on-site amenities and exclusive senior living programs include chef-prepared meals that nourish the body and stimulate the brain. We plan meal times to ensure they increase awareness and promote interaction among our memory care residents.
From highly tailored care plans to a homelike environment, 24/7 availability of a professional care team, and purpose-driven activities and amenities, these are some of the most crucial things to look for in an Alzheimer's memory care community.
The good news is that you don't have to look far and wide. Our beautiful, welcoming senior living community in Rochester, NY, The Landing of Brighton, is happy to be at your older loved one's service. We offer all the above (and much more), helping our memory care residents live their lives to the fullest.
Reach out today to book a tour of our community that overlooks the charming, scenic Buckland Park!