How Can Memory Care Help Seniors like Your Loved One?
Nov 18, 2020 by Danielle Andersen
Imagine not being able to remember your daughter’s wedding day or the exciting stories your grandson tells you after school. Imagine forgetting who your spouse is or looking at a reflection in the mirror and not realizing it’s you. This is the insidiousness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
As your loved one’s disease progresses, it’ll continue taking from them; inconsequential short-term memories at first, but then much more meaningful long-term memories until they are no longer who they used to be. It’s true that there is no cure for dementia. However, with the right memory care, your loved one can continue living with meaning and dignity.
The Benefits of Memory Care
Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 5 million Americans currently live with this progressive condition. As bleak as this disease is, research has come a long way in determining what kinds of memory care best support the health and well-being of patients, like your loved one.
Memory care experts, such as Knute Nelson, offer programs designed to empower memory care patients and improve their quality of life. At Knute Nelson, our memory care program offers the following benefits:
- Mental Stimulation. A review of scientific research on Alzheimer’s disease found that mentally challenging activities are beneficial to those with mild to moderate dementia. Activities like puzzles, crosswords, gardening, baking and even talking about current events are cognitively stimulating and may help slow the progress of your loved one’s symptoms. We use activities like these at Knute Nelson to help our residents improve their memory and thinking skills.
- Social Stimulation. Your loved one’s social environment and relationships are also key to their cognitive health. Research suggests that social activities may actually prevent cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Knowing this, we incorporate social events into the schedules of memory care residents. One day, your loved one may enjoy a concert from a visiting musician, while another day they may go on a scenic drive with neighbors or participate in an arts and crafts activity with friends.
- Regular Exercise. Of all the lifestyle changes that can improve your loved one’s mental health, exercise is the best. In fact, research has shown that aerobic exercise that elevates your heart rate can improve thinking and memory. At Knute Nelson, we incorporate physical activities appropriate for each resident’s capabilities. If your loved one is able, their days will be filled with physical activities like chair yoga, walking and other healthy exercises.
- Safety and Security. Whether your loved one is a resident of Crystal Brook or Grand Arbor, they’ll reside in a comfortable environment with controlled access to keep them happy and safe. They’ll maintain a regular and familiar routine, plus have around-the-clock access to staff with specialized training to provide the highest quality memory care possible.
- Brain-Healthy Diets. The foods that we put into our bodies have an impact on our cognitive functioning and memory. For example, research suggests that the Mediterranean diet may play a significant role in cognitive health and slowing the progress of dementia. As a resident at Knute Nelson, your loved one will enjoy three meals a day that include brain healthy foods that can help improve their thinking and memory.
Memory Care that Meets Your Loved One’s Unique Needs
Every person struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia deserves to be treated with care and respect. At Knute Nelson, we strive to empower every memory care resident and allow them to live with dignity.
Our memory care program is designed to meet your loved one’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs, maximizing their independence and well-being as much as possible. With comprehensive and holistic memory care services, you can be sure your loved one is getting the proper care they deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about our memory care approach and how to get your loved one the support they need.
