Memory care has advanced significantly in recent years. As more people require this specialized care, researchers and innovators are developing new approaches to support and care for these individuals. These innovations look beyond the residents. They also focus on helping families make decisions regarding care for their loved ones struggling with cognitive decline.
Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Many of these individuals will need a memory care facility to ensure they remain safe as they deal with the challenges associated with this disease. Innovations are common as researchers seek ways to enhance the quality of life for these men and women.
Supportive Environments
Individuals with dementia need supportive environments that feel like home. These communities are moving to small, intimate living spaces to minimize anxiety and confusion in residents. Calming color schemes are employed, and residents have access to secure outdoor areas, allowing them to explore and enjoy nature. The community may also have multisensory rooms to minimize resident stress and stimulate cognitive engagement.
Resident Engagement
Innovations focus on improving patient care. Personalized care benefits patients in countless ways, and technology is being used to engage these individuals. Resident behavior may be tracked with the help of AI, and virtual reality is often used now to offer reminiscence therapy. Personalized activities and games are offered with the assistance of interactive touchscreen devices, while employees utilize data-driven planning systems to create interventions tailored to each patient. This sector is known as gerontechnology.
Dementia Therapy
Individuals with dementia benefit from creative engagement strategies. Each strategy is designed to stimulate their cognitive function while minimizing their anxiety. Art and music therapy may help improve a patient’s mood and reduce agitation. They can use these therapies to express themselves. Researchers have found that adults with cognitive decline benefit from intergenerational programs and often enjoy pet therapy. Socializing with animals and younger generations can help reduce their stress and provide comfort. Families may also use these therapies to reconnect with their loved ones.
Personalized Dining
Nutrition has a direct impact on cognitive health, and every person’s nutritional needs differ. Adults in memory care require personalized dining plans that cater to their unique needs. However, all adults receiving this care benefit from the MIND diet, which is packed with brain-healthy foods. If a resident has dysphagia, the staff provides meals with modified textures to ensure they can safely eat and get the nutrients they need. Residents in memory care facilities often eat meals together to encourage socialization and foster a sense of community.
Life Activities
Life activities bring joy to the lives of residents in memory care. They feel a sense of purpose when engaging in these activities. One person might engage in horticulture therapy, while another prefers to play sports, allowing them to be active and socialize with others. Personalized activity programs help reduce distressing behaviors while increasing family satisfaction and overall well-being.
Memory Care Innovations Driving Family Decisions
Families today want communities where their loved ones can thrive. They want their relatives to be in a place where they feel valued and part of a larger community. This place should keep them engaged and offer them opportunities to feel joy and a sense of purpose. Most families now look for innovative engagement programs when comparing memory care communities. They have read the research, which shows these programs benefit individuals with cognitive decline drastically. Who wouldn’t want that for their loved one with dementia?
