When a loved one is unable to look after themselves and needs additional care, it is natural to start thinking of moving them into a nursing home. However, if your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you have even more considerations to take into account when making this decision. Perhaps you’re wondering if an ordinary old age nursing home is equipped for someone with dementia or if you need to consider a specialist memory care facility for your loved one.
Although both of these options offer long-term care for seniors, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between specialist memory care facilities and nursing homes. Nursing homes and memory care facilities both provide round-the-clock monitoring, care, and food. Assisted daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication administration, are also assisted by staff workers. But memory care, often known as dementia care, is a speciality service for those with memory loss. This kind of care focuses on improving the quality of life for those who have dementia in a safe setting to reduce confusion and wandering risks.
It might be challenging to go through the possibilities when deciding how to care for a person with dementia. The short answer is that it depends on the type of dementia identified in them and how quickly their degeneration has progressed. As dementia symptoms worsen over time, a person will require more assistance and care. This can imply relocating to a dementia care facility that will better serve their requirements.
In the past, nursing facilities were viewed as the sole viable choice for families who needed aid caring for loved ones who had dementia but could no longer be cared for at home. Nursing facilities, however, are not always prepared to handle the difficulties that come with dementia patients, particularly in terms of memory care treatment and memory-stimulating activities.
Nursing Homes for Dementia Patients
Nursing home residents are unable to care for themselves or live freely but do not need hospital care. Residents of nursing homes frequently have major medical disorders or ongoing ailments that need 24-hour care. Seniors who are disabled might get the care and medical support in nursing homes. They can require a wheelchair, be bedridden, or need round-the-clock nursing care. People suffering from sickness, surgery, or an acute injury can access skilled nursing care and rehabilitation programs. These services are also available in skilled nursing facilities, which cater to shorter stays. People with chronic ailments, fatal illnesses, or cognitive disabilities can access long-term care.
Nursing facilities are able to meet the physical requirements of their residents, but unless staff members are specially trained in all forms of dementia, they may not be able to meet the mental demands of dementia patients, which can cause irritation in both the patient and the caregiver. They may have fast cognitive decline if they do not receive specialized dementia care. Staff at specialized institutions must complete specialized training to provide for the particular requirements of dementia patients.
Nursing facilities are able to meet the physical demands of their residents, but unless staff members have received specialized training in all forms of the condition, they are not prepared to meet the mental needs of patients, which can cause irritation in both the patient and the caregiver. Their fast cognitive decline may also result from not obtaining specialized treatment.
Dementia Care Facilities
For patients with dementia, several nursing homes provide specialist memory care units. These units include medical attention, physical and occupational therapy when needed, and personnel trained to look after dementia patients. In addition to providing social opportunities like dances, games, and arts and crafts, memory care facilities also offer scheduled activities tailored exclusively for dementia patients.
Memory care facilities are geared to give high-quality care and comfort if the patient’s health worsens. They often provide a broad variety of activities and interaction possibilities. Livewell Estates in Somerset West and Bryanston is one of the most sought-after specialized dementia care facilities in South Africa. People with memory loss receive specialized care around-the-clock in memory care communities. Caregivers in memory care institutions periodically get dementia care training to ensure they’re well equipped to handle dementia behaviours.
Nursing homes and a centre for memory care are designed differently. Memory care facilities place a high focus on safety and frequently include built-in safety systems. To avoid the harm that can be brought on by wandering, such measures can include secured and alarm-equipped exit doors. Many memory care facilities are also specially made to make the atmosphere for elderly people with memory loss less confusing and more like home.
Ultimately, nursing homes without memory care facilities aren’t able to cater to all the needs of a person with dementia and specialized dementia care facilities remain the best option to ensure the highest quality of life for patients.
It can be challenging to choose the best type of care facility for a loved one who has dementia, and a variety of variables must be taken into consideration. At Livewell Estates, qualified and experienced nursing and care personnel give our dementia patients round-the-clock attention. Speak to one of our skilled family advisers right away if you need assistance choosing a dementia care option for your loved one.