What Makes Memory Care Apartments Safe?

Senior living, both assisted living and memory care, varies a great deal depending on the type of care needed and the community the person is living in. At Solterra Senior Living, we know that three-quarters of people over sixty-five will need some type of assisted living care as they age. Many of those folks will also experience some cognitive decline or memory loss that necessitates specialized care. If you or a loved one is concerned about memory loss, it’s important to know the difference between assisted living and memory care apartments in Phoenix. That way, you can make the best choice to keep you or your loved one safe and healthy.

Environmental Security

All assisted living communities offer medical staff and daily checks. Memory care apartments, however, are designed with the specific needs of their patients in mind. As memory loss or diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s become more pronounced, behaviors like wandering, aggression, and falls become frequent.

The environment of memory care apartments is designed to accommodate this. That means locked entrances and exits, keypad entries, and staff alerts that signal when a resident has entered or exited. All of these features help keep residents from wandering somewhere unsafe. Memory care apartments also offer simple layouts that help residents avoid becoming lost or confused. Lastly, the staff in memory care communities are trained to help residents who are experiencing anger. There are calming therapies and quiet spaces that can provide comfort when these symptoms appear.

Specialized Staff

People who experience memory loss or confusion have special needs. All assisted living communities have staff who can cater to seniors’ daily needs. However, memory care staff are trained to provide 24-hour-a-day care that is person-centered. This means that staff focuses on the individual, learning about their childhoods, family dynamics, and cultural traditions. Staff gets to know the residents, the things they enjoy, and their particular dislikes.

Not only does person-centered care help residents to feel more comfortable, but it can also help slow cognitive decline. When caregivers are able to remind the residents of their own unique stories, it can help keep the residents focused on the present and day-to-day living. It’s important that caregivers take the time to create a close relationship with memory care residents because knowledge of someone’s likes and dislikes is also important for safety. When staff members know their memory care residents well, they’re better able to alert medical staff of changes in behavior that may signal the need for immediate treatment.

Amenities

Memory care apartments in Phoenix feature many of the same amenities found in most assisted living communities. These include gyms, spas, and libraries. Importantly, however, these areas are designed specifically to help orient residents and reduce confusion. There are clearly defined common areas and color-coded hallways. Memory care apartments typically also include memory boxes or other personalized areas of the apartment to remind residents of the things and people that they love.

Lastly, although safety demands that the communities are not easy to enter and exit, there are lovely (and hazard-free) outdoor areas where residents can relax.

If you or a loved one have questions about long-term memory care apartments, contact Solterra today.