Working in memory care is a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Working in memory care is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia require a safe and secure environment. People who need memory care are often experiencing issues with the following:
- Memory
- Attention
- Communication
- Reasoning
Those who work in memory care receive specialized training to care for people with dementia and other memory care needs. Staff is necessary for supporting and improving memory care residents’ quality of life, such as reducing a resident’s confusion and supporting their needs with compassion and patience. Memory care staff are responsible for a number of important tasks to support the needs of their residents.
Daily Life and Personal Care
As an individual’s memory care issues progress, personal hygiene becomes a challenge. Memory care staff are responsible for tasks including toileting, bathing, dressing, hygiene, and transferring. Working in memory care also includes helping with residents’ mobility and preventing falls throughout the day. Additional activities of daily living are often specific to the individual resident. Some may require help with getting dressed, while others may need assistance brushing their teeth or eating.
Memory care staff also help fulfill a resident’s daily need for socialization and mental stimulation, each of which is essential for their care. By providing these services, caregivers can help reduce the risk of depression, which could lead to further decline in thinking and memory skills. Assistance with these daily activities helps caregivers create a comfortable routine for their residents.
Medication Management
Alzheimer’s and other dementia types often make it difficult for individuals to take their medications at the proper dosage and times. Because of memory loss, residents may not recall when they last took their medication or when the next dose is required. Memory care staff closely monitor side effects and the effectiveness of a resident’s medication. Staff is responsible for keeping these medications in a safe and locked location until they are to be administered.
Resident Safety
Residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia are often prone to wandering, so it is important for the community to have the proper security safeguards in place and the ability to monitor and help prevent any possible elopements that may occur. Locks and alarms at exit points are used to ensure no residents leave the community unattended.
In addition, memory care staff diffuse and help prevent potentially dangerous behavior that may cause harm to the residents or others around them. Residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be susceptible to agitation because of mood swings, disorientation, and even delirium. Those working in memory care are trained to respond to situations and keep those in the community safe. Emergency procedures, such as basic first aid, are also part of the duties staff are responsible for when caring for individuals with memory care issues.
You can find more information about the Mission at Agua Fria Senior Living
on our website. If you’re interested in learning more about a career in caring for the elderly and supporting them in living their best lives, please reach out to us today.
