Memory Care in New Bern, NC: What Makes Specialized Support So Important?
Specialized support in memory care allows seniors struggling with dementia and Alzheimer's to get the care they need to stay safe, feel stress-free, and stay mentally stimulated.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), around one in 13 people between the ages of 65 and 84 has Alzheimer's, while one in three people 85 and older suffer from the disease. Getting specialized support and memory care in New Bern, NC, located in eastern North Carolina, can help seniors dealing with memory-related issues and cognitive disorders maintain a higher quality of life and can provide them with safety, support, and structure.
What Is Specialized Memory Care?
Specialized memory care services exist to help create a compassionate, safe environment for seniors who suffer from memory-related issues. Older seniors who have dementia or Alzheimer's struggle in their daily lives and can live more fulfilling experiences with the help of a personalized care plan.
In memory care, seniors will get support from a dedicated team of professionals and will be able to live in a way that supports their overall well-being. Seniors will be more comfortable in the warm and compassionate environment provided in senior living and can make use of exceptional common spaces, amenities, and dining options.
Seniors will also be able to participate in fun and enriching activities. These can help seniors feel engaged and stimulated and will give them opportunities to connect with other senior residents.
How Seniors Benefit From Memory Care
Senior memory care residents benefit from memory care in a variety of important ways. Here's how memory-focused living can benefit seniors.
Cognitive Stimulation
In a memory care senior living community, seniors will have plenty of opportunities for cognitive stimulation, and this can help to slow mental decline. By participating in fun activities and playing memory games, completing puzzles, and experiencing music therapy, seniors will benefit.
Emotional Wellness and Stress Reduction
A caring and attentive staff, a comfortable environment, fun activities, and the introduction of structure and routine can all help reduce anxiety in a senior. They'll likely feel a reduction in stress as they adjust to life in a memory care community.
Safety and Security
Seniors in a senior living environment benefit from an increased level of safety and security. There will always be staff around in case any help is needed, and various safety features can help ensure a senior won't wander off or accidentally hurt themselves.
Social Engagement
Seniors who participate socially and remain connected to others are likely to stay much happier and healthier as they age. Fortunately, in a senior living community, memory care residents will have plenty of opportunities to socialize, further helping to enhance their emotional well-being as they age.
Do Alzheimer's Patients Do Better at Home or in Memory Care?
Alzheimer's patients can benefit from a comfortable home environment, but can also benefit from specialized memory care services and cognitive aging help. Both options have pros and cons.
Many seniors with memory issues function better when they're in a familiar home environment among close family members. However, as the disease continues to progress, it can be difficult for a senior to continue living in a family member's home, both for the individual and for those around them.
A senior with more advanced needs would benefit greatly from a memory care community, especially if they need consistent dementia support in NC and are dealing with issues such as agitation and wandering.
Keep in mind that not all memory care services and communities are the same. Ensure you choose a quality memory care community with experienced and welcoming staff, great amenities, and excellent services if you want a senior to have the best experience possible as they age.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should a Senior Move to Memory Care?
While staying at home with a loved one can be a good solution for a senior suffering from memory-related issues for a period of time, they may eventually need more support than can be provided by family members alone.
A senior may need to move into memory care if:
- Safety has become compromised
- Daily living needs have increased
- Mood changes, such as aggression, have become common
- The senior is becoming confused more often
A senior with more advanced needs would benefit from more extensive care from professionals, and the transition can be well worth it.
Has Anyone Ever Recovered From Dementia?
Seniors aren't currently known to recover from various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's, but the disease instead tends to progress with time. However, research is ongoing. There are some rare cases of improvement in some individuals, but this is not the norm or something that is currently repeatable.
Keep in mind, however, that some conditions can cause similar symptoms to dementia, and these can often be reversed. Effects of certain medications, nutritional problems, thyroid disorders, and problems such as brain tumors and blood clots may cause similar symptoms to dementia, and in many of these cases, steps can be taken to reverse cognitive decline.
How Long Do Dementia Patients Live?
According to the Alzheimer's Society, seniors with Alzheimer's tend to have an average lifespan of between eight and ten years after they have been diagnosed with the disease, but this can vary significantly. Some seniors may only live three more years after a diagnosis, while others will survive as long as twenty years.
Many factors can affect the lifespan of a senior with dementia, including their overall health and the type of dementia they have. Additionally, other types of dementia have shorter life expectancies.
Getting Memory Care in New Bern, NC
Specialized memory care in New Bern, NC, allows seniors struggling with dementia to get the structure, security, and cognitive stimulation they need to have the best possible quality of life. It can also give families peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is well taken care of.
Seniors who need memory care in North Carolina should consider Home Place of New Bern. With memory care and assisted living options and with amenities including chef-prepared meals, a secure outdoor courtyard, and an emergency response system, Home Place of New Bern is a great option for seniors.
Want to learn more about Alzheimer's care in New Bern, NC? Contact us today to learn more about how our community supports elderly adults.