Memory Care Vancouver WA
Memory Care and Alzheimer’s Care in Vancouver – Clark County WA
Forgetfulness is very common. Who among us has not forgotten his or her car keys, entered a room only to forget what we went in for, or dialed a phone only to forget for the moment who we were calling?
It was also once thought that progressive memory loss was a “normal” sign of growing old – aging baby boomers have even come up with the catch phrase “senior moment.”
But memory loss is no laughing matter, nor is significant memory loss a normal sign of aging. In fact, there are actually very few cognitive changes that accompany aging. As we age, the speed at which we process information may slow, making it take a little more time to recall dates, places, names, etc.. However, when no major diseases are present, memory and cognitive function may actually improve as we age.
Progressive memory loss could be a sign of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or other forms of dementia. We now know that “Alzheimer’s patients must maintain their activity, walking, interacting with music, art.” – Lory Bright-Long, MD, CMD, American Medical Directors Association.
Memory care is the term for a long-term care option for persons who have been diagnosed with such conditions or have problems with at least two areas of daily living (ADLs). A memory care environment is designed for persons with a level of impairment making it unsafe for him or her to continue to stay at home, but who does not require the intensive care of a skilled nursing facility.
Memory care allows a person experiencing memory loss to maintain a level of independence while relying on the safety and security of being in a residential facility with a professional staff.
It is important for those with this challenge to maintain their activity levels. Walking, interacting with music and art awaken the senses so that the memory can have a hook. This is accomplished in the memory care setting.
Memory care communities are often incorporated as separate care units of assisted living communities. In memory care, memory-impaired residents have access to 24-hour support and programs that ensure their safety and quality of life. Typically, the residents live in private or semi-private units and have scheduled activities and programs designed to enhance memory, supervised by trained staff members.
A Caring Heart’s knowledge of your Clark County and Vancouver, WA Memory Care facilities will help you decide which facilities can best meet the needs of you or your loved one.
