Creating a safe environment in memory care is imperative for senior adults who struggle with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurological disorders. There are many things you can do to create a safe space where they cannot wander and get lost or become confused with their surroundings.
At Calder Woods in Beaumont, we welcome Texas seniors who need senior memory care. We are a full-service senior living community with independent, assisted living, and memory care programs for seniors of all ages. We create a comprehensive memory care program based on their current physical and psychological needs. Each program includes medication management, nutritious meal plans, therapeutic services to restore lost function, and much more.
To learn more about our senior memory care programs, call 409.407.7636 today to schedule a consultation.
When Is it Time for Memory Care?
Memory care is for seniors who struggle with dementia and other neurological disorders. According to a Washington Post article, only 8% of senior adults over the age of 85 live in a memory care center, and more than 40% live on their own1. A memory care environment includes a private room, therapeutic services, and long-term skilled nursing care to slow the progression of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia.
When is the time for a memory care facility? That depends on the person and whether they have suffered from a recent medical condition. Common conditions where memory care can help include:
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Skipping meals
- Forgetting to take necessary medication
- A decline in personal hygiene
- They get lost or confused when not at home
- Having trouble holding a conversation or speaking in general
If you recognize any of these signs in your parents or elderly loved ones, it’s time to consider finding a memory care program.
At Calder Woods, we welcome seniors who need a memory care program to maintain their quality of life. We will go over how to create a safe environment in memory care that is conducive to their health and well-being while being mindful of their mental state.
Creating a Safe Environment in Memory Care
Creating a safe and supportive environment in memory care is imperative for their health and well-being. There are physical changes to make as well as changes to their routines, communications, and other necessary changes.
Here is how creating a safe environment in memory care can help:
Physical Changes
The first thing to look at is their physical environment and what changes can be made there. Ensure all outside doors can be locked to prevent them from wandering or getting lost. Other things you can do to the home include:
- Reduce tripping hazards
- Maintain good lighting throughout the home
- Remove locks from interior doors
- Install hand and safety rails on stairs and in bathrooms
- Install temperature controls that are safe and easy to use
A memory care center provides all of this and more to keep residents safe and secure.
Routines and Practices
Establish predictable daily routines and practices for your senior loved one to prevent confusion and mitigate their getting upset or angry. These routines help minimize confusion and surprises. Have space for active engagement, relaxation, and reflection. When talking with them, be patient and empathetic. You can set up several routines for morning, afternoon, and evening to include games and activities to keep them busy.
When you move into a memory care center, they will have all of this and more set up and ready to go. A memory care environment includes spacious rooms, medication management, IV monitoring, wound care, physical, speech, and occupational therapies, and daily assistance with all daily living needs.
Find Senior Memory Care Today at Calder Woods
Learning how to create a safe environment in memory care is essential for your parents or elderly loved ones. Calder Woods is a fully accredited senior living community with memory care services available to those who need them. Our programs are built around each resident’s medical needs. They include healthy meal programs, therapeutic services, spacious rooms and floor plans, and plenty of activities and social events to keep them active and entertained.
Explore what life is like at our memory care center by calling 409.407.7636 today or reaching out online to schedule a tour and consultation with our team.
Footnotes
1The Washington Post – “Where do Americans live after 85? Look inside the homes of 11 seniors”