3 Unique Challenges of Memory Care and Why It Matters
Recently, King5 interviewed Angelia Brigance, Senior Vice President of Support Services at Chateau Retirement Communities. During the segment, she shed light on the symptoms and warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as the specialized treatments offered at Chateau’s memory care facilities.
Her insights provide a foundation for understanding why professional memory care is crucial and why it’s so challenging for families to provide this level of care on their own. Memory care challenges the norm in several key ways. Here are three of the most significant:
1. Paradoxical Routines: Consistency for Them, Chaos for You
For seniors with dementia, consistent routines are essential for creating new memories. These routines provide multiple opportunities for the brain to process and store information, compensating for the hippocampus’s difficulty in forming long-term memories.
Think of a dementia-affected brain like a corrupt memory card—repetition gives the best chance for successful recall. However, providing this stability often upends the caregiver’s life. Adult children with jobs, families, and personal responsibilities may struggle to maintain their own routines while ensuring their loved one has the stability they need.
This paradox highlights why memory care professionals are essential. Trained caregivers can provide the daily consistency seniors require without overwhelming family members.
2. The Power of the Senses: When Emotions Outweigh Logic
In memory care, sensory engagement becomes a powerful tool for triggering memories and maintaining cognitive function. Alzheimer’s often impacts the hippocampus, making it difficult for seniors to create new memories. However, sensory experiences—such as smelling a familiar perfume, hearing a favorite song, or tasting a beloved dish—can activate other parts of the brain and unlock stored memories.
Professional memory care programs prioritize sensory activities to stimulate the brain and enhance quality of life. Families can replicate this by focusing on activities their loved ones enjoy, but professional support ensures these experiences are consistent and impactful.
3. Slow and Messy Beats Fast and Efficient
In today’s fast-paced world, slowing down can feel counterproductive. Yet, for seniors with Alzheimer’s, a patient, deliberate approach is essential. Everyday activities like eating or getting dressed should prioritize independence over speed. Allowing seniors to perform these tasks—however slowly or imperfectly—helps preserve their autonomy and dignity.
Family caregivers may find this slow pace frustrating, especially when balancing other responsibilities. Memory care professionals are trained to create a supportive environment where seniors can take their time, fostering independence while ensuring their safety.
Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer’s
Early detection is key to managing Alzheimer’s Disease effectively. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- Frequently misplacing items in unusual locations (e.g., finding a garden tool in the microwave).
- Wearing the same clothes repeatedly.
- Repeating actions, such as running the washing machine multiple times.
If you notice these symptoms in a loved one, don’t hesitate to start a conversation and seek professional help.
Let Concierge Care Advisors Help
Memory care is a complex, demanding process that often requires professional support to ensure the best outcomes for seniors and their families. At Concierge Care Advisors, we connect families with expert memory care solutions tailored to their loved one’s unique needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate this challenging journey.
