5 Benefits of Personalized Memory Care Programs

Living with memory loss can be challenging for both the individual and for caregivers, who are often family members or friends. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates more than 11 million Americans currently provide unpaid care for a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with dementia. The good news is that there are resources specifically focused on providing professional, specialized care that someone with dementia might need. Known as memory care programs, this type of dementia care ranges from part-time to residential, depending on your family’s specific needs and the individual’s stage of dementia. 

In the early stages of dementia, most people experience mild cognitive impairment, such as confusion about names, dates, and times. They could also experience difficulty problem-solving, following directions, or forgetting words or recently learned information. Symptoms can come and go, and the early stages can last for many years without significant disease progression, so many individuals can continue living at home with some occasional help from friends and family. 

There are some great options for individuals who only require a bit of assistance or supervision. These options include in-home care, where professional dementia caregivers come to your home, or drop-in adult daycare centers, where professional dementia caregivers provide therapy and opportunities for social interaction. 

When individuals with dementia would benefit from round-the-clock access to assistance with activities of daily living or feel more comfortable in a residential community that offers a wide range of additional services and amenities (e.g., dining services, transportation, housekeeping, etc.), families have many high-quality memory care communities to choose from.  

What are the benefits of personalized memory care programs like the one at the Mission at Agua Fria? Although there are many different benefits, the five outlined below – individualized attention, increased independence, access to cognitive therapy, social opportunities, and improved health outcomes – work together to enhance the quality of life of the individual and give peace of mind to the families that their loved one has everything they need to live well in a supportive, secure environment. 

1. Individualized Attention

Every person is unique, and so is their experience with memory loss. While some might take advantage of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing or medication management, others might be more interested in social activities and exercise classes. 

Personalized memory care programs can tailor care to each individual rather than take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. To do this, staff work with families to create a personal care plan that considers the individual’s medical history, care needs, family and personal history, preferences, and interests. 

Getting to know each resident as an individual allows for much more adaptive caregiving, as staff can respond appropriately to the needs and preferences of each person and encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy.

2. Increased Independence

Some families might be hesitant to move to a residential memory care community, worrying that their loved one will lose independence. However, having access to the proper levels of round-the-clock care, living in a secure environment, and enjoying on-site services and amenities in a thriving social community will result in increased independence and fulfillment.

In addition, the private apartments in most residential memory care programs are set up with personal emergency response systems and adaptive aids like grab bars or seating in the shower or bath. Amenities like this further allow for autonomy, knowing help is just around the corner if needed.

3. Access to Cognitive Therapy

One of the greatest benefits of personalized memory care programs is the availability of different forms of cognitive therapy. Some of the most common types of cognitive therapy are art and music therapy, which are considered expressive or creative arts therapy. Combining some aspects of psychotherapy with artistic and creative expression, individuals focus on the process, not the end product. 

Participating in art and music activities can stimulate memory and other senses, help with relaxation, and provide a healthy outlet for emotional expression, all of which are important pieces of the puzzle of dementia care. 

4. Social Opportunities

We don’t usually prioritize social interactions when we think about our overall health, but participating in social situations and relationships with others boosts brain function by engaging our neural pathways. When you choose a personalized memory care program, you can access many social opportunities, including scheduled activities and outings with others in a similar life stage. Game nights, movie nights, classes, dining services, and more allow residents to form meaningful connections with others regularly. 

Interacting with others stimulates us mentally, which is vital in slowing the process of cognitive decline and helps us emotionally. When you have a community around you, you can build an emotional support network of friends that is important to maintaining your mental and physical health.

5. Improved Health Outcomes

The personal care plans that staff use in memory care programs allow for a holistic approach to healthcare, considering the breadth of a person’s needs. Individuals have access to:

• A nutritious diet that supports their specific health needs
• Exercise programs tailored to their skill and mobility
• Cognitive therapy that incorporates their personal history and interests
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• A physically secure environment
• Access to social opportunities and a community of friends
• Transportation and housekeeping services so they don’t have to worry about daily chores
• Responsive, compassionate care adapted to their unique needs and preferences

All these things work together to provide the highest quality of life and enhanced well-being, health, and wellness of each resident. As a result, residents experience health benefits such as improved cognitive function, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased satisfaction with life. 

If you have been considering memory care programs for yourself or a loved one, we would love for you to take a moment to look through pictures and videos of our beautiful community in Peoria, Arizona. Caregiving is personal at the Mission at Agua Fria, and we would love to show you in person, so call us to schedule a tour today.