It’s estimated more than fifty-five million people around the world have dementia. One of the worst aspects of this disease is that it requires more and more care as time goes on. During the early stages of dementia, a person might be able to stay at home with a spouse or family member.
However, as the disease progresses it will require more intensive care. That’s where memory care comes into play. But what is memory care? And how do you find the best memory care in Pennsylvania?
In this Pennsylvania senior living guide, we’ll answer these questions so you can get your loved one the care they need.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized form of medical and personal care designed for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other related conditions. As these conditions progress, daily living activities can become overwhelming and, at times, dangerous.
If a person gets confused, they can wander away from home into an unsafe environment. Memory care communities in Pennsylvania provide safe settings that allow residents to thrive despite their disease.
At its core, memory care emphasizes routine, safety, and cognitive engagement. Residents benefit from structured daily activities that promote social interaction and stimulate cognitive function.
Many communities across Pennsylvania offer a variety of programs tailored specifically for those with memory impairments.
Just make sure you only go with ones that offer evidence-based programs to ensure you’re getting the best memory care in Pennsylvania.
Advantages of Memory Care
While the costs associated with Alzheimer’s care in Pennsylvania can be significant, the advantages often outweigh the financial burden. One of the most compelling benefits is access to specialized staff trained in dementia care.
These professionals create environments that foster independence while ensuring safety and security. Research indicates that communities with specialized dementia care not only improve daily outcomes but can also slow the progression of cognitive decline.
For individuals with advanced dementia, these programs provide structured, enriching environments where they can enjoy nutritious meals, engage in meaningful activities, and cultivate social connections.
Rather than living in confusion and fear, residents experience fulfilling daily lives enriched by activities designed to evoke joy and spark memories.
It can also help prevent problematic or unsafe behavior, like hoarding, wandering, and failing to bathe.
How to Choose the Best Memory Care Program in Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, not all memory care programs in Pennsylvania are created equally. While some might be qualified, often they’ll only do the bare minimum for residents. So how can you prevent this?
The key is to know what to look for when choosing the best memory care program.
Types of Memory Care Options
In Pennsylvania, there are primarily three types of memory care programs to consider. The most common option is assisted living communities, which provide both housing and specialized memory care services. This allows residents to benefit from structured activities and support within the community.
For those who prefer to remain in their homes, home health care offers in-home support from professional caregivers, starting with a few visits per week and potentially evolving to full-time care as the condition progresses.
However, this option can become costly, especially in urban areas like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
Lastly, family memory care involves family members taking on the responsibility of care, which can positively impact a person’s well-being. However, requiring a family to provide dementia care services in PA demands significant time and energy, making it impractical for many families.
Staff Qualifications and Training
During your search, it’s essential to meet the staff who will be caring for your loved one. In order to work with people who have dementia, workers must undergo extensive education.
Ask about their qualifications and training specific to dementia care. Watch how the staff interact with the residents. A compassionate, well-trained staff can make all the difference in the quality of care provided.
However, it’s also important to observe staff/resident ratios. It doesn’t matter if you have a perfect staff member. If they’re heavily outnumbered by residents, they might not be able to give your loved one the care they need.
Dining
Food quality is a vital aspect of memory care. Enjoying a meal is one of the highlights of a resident’s day. On top of that, proper nutrition for older adults can provide a host of long-term benefits, from improved moods to reduced risk of disease.
Ensure that the community serves nutritious, appealing meals by looking at one of their sample menus.
Consider visiting during mealtime to try the food for yourself firsthand. If you don’t enjoy it, odds are your loved one won’t either.
Future Care Plans
Since dementia is progressive, it’s essential to understand how the community plans to accommodate residents as their needs change. Ask about the approach to care for individuals in various stages of dementia, ensuring there is a strategy set up for evolving care requirements.
While your loved one might be a good fit for the community during the early or middle stages of dementia, they might not be able to help them once they reach the advanced stages.
Activities
One of the most common dementia myths is that people with the condition can’t learn new skills or improve their existing ones. The reality is that not only do activities like music, puzzles, and cooking offer stimulation, but they even have the potential to slow the onset of the disease.
As such, you should make sure that your memory care in Pennsylvania is providing a busy activity calendar of things to do.
Even something as simple as gardening has the potential to vastly improve an individual’s quality of life. So make sure they have some things that your loved one might like.
Need Memory Care in Pennsylvania? Visit Spring Mill
We hope this guide helped you learn more about your options when it comes to memory care in Pennsylvania. Here at Spring Mill, we believe in taking a scientific approach to our memory care.
That’s why we use the nationally-recognized SHINE® Memory Care program. It’s designed to maximize the quality of life of our dementia residents. So if you want to learn more about how it works, make sure to get in touch with us today.
