Moving into a small memory care community in Moscow can provide seniors with the support and socialization they need to thrive in their old age. It’s an important service for older adults coping with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. About 1 in 9 people aged 65 and over has the disease. Moscow, ID, has plenty of places to get support for your loved ones, including support groups and memory care options.
Here are the benefits of moving into specialized memory care communities.
Small Community Advantages in Senior Living
The first thing most families want to know is why they should choose a smaller community instead of a larger senior living option. After all, larger communities often come with more services and amenities.
In truth, the answer lies in the everyday experience of residents. Smaller communities create a more intimate, home-like environment. Residents don’t get lost in the shuffle or overlooked.
With senior living in Moscow, you want a community that prioritizes close-knit connections. Residents can enjoy:
- Personalized attention
- Stronger bonds
- Ease of navigation
- Fewer transitions
Care staff have more time to get to know each individual. Residents and staff can form stronger bonds and create a sense of trust. These communities are also often much easier to navigate for seniors.
Personalized Care Options for Every Stage
No two individuals experience dementia in the same way, which is why personalized care options matter. Some individuals with dementia become more impulsive and need constant observation. Others need more support for medication management and doing daily routines.
Small memory care communities excel at tailoring services to each resident’s needs. Personalization extends beyond medical care, and can include:
- Dietary preferences
- Activity planning
- Emotional support
This individualized approach is one of the biggest advantages of moving into a smaller community. Residents can feel seen, respected, and valued.
The Emotional and Social Benefits of Small Memory Care
Memory care benefits go beyond personalized care.
Cognitive decline often leads to isolation. More expansive environments sometimes unintentionally contribute to loneliness because of their scale. In contrast, smaller communities emphasize togetherness and social engagement.
Residents are encouraged to participate in small group activities, which are easier to manage and more meaningful. These may include art classes, gardening, and music therapy.
Families may also report greater satisfaction when their loved one is in a smaller setting. They often feel more included in the caregiving process, have better communication with staff, and enjoy visiting a home-like environment.
What Is the Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?
The terms “memory care” and “dementia care” are sometimes used interchangeably. There are some key distinctions, though.
Memory care most often refers to a type of senior living made for individuals with cognitive difficulties. These have secured environments, specialized staff training, and programs designed to enhance cognitive function and quality of life.
In contrast, dementia care refers to a wider range of services. They include home care, assisted living support, and hospital programs.
When looking for a residential setting for your loved one, what you want to find is a memory care community.
Should a Parent With Dementia Be in Assisted Living or Memory Care?
This is one of the most common questions families face. Is your parent’s memory loss advanced enough that they need memory care, or can they thrive in an assisted living environment?
It’s important to understand the key differences between the two.
An assisted living community provides help with daily activities, such as meals, bathing, and medication reminders. A parent with mild memory issues would find sufficient help here.
Someone with more progressed dementia will need memory care services. That way, they can prevent seniors from wandering and provide the extra daily support they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Small Memory Care Communities Differ from a Traditional Nursing Setting?
A professional nursing setting focuses more on medical and rehabilitative care. In contrast, a small memory care community provides a home-like environment with specialized support for memory challenges.
Residents in senior living communities often have access to social groups, wellness programs, and various amenities. They receive as much help as they need. In addition, seniors in memory care have more supervision than they’d find in an assisted or independent living community.
Are Small Memory Care Communities More Expensive Than Larger Options?
Costs vary based on factors like amenities offered, the location, and the level of care provided. Smaller communities often provide better value because of their personalized care and stronger resident-staff ratios. Families may find the emotional benefits outweigh any difference in cost.
What Kind of Activities Are Available in Small Memory Care Communities?
Memory care communities offer a variety of activities that help maintain emotional wellness while promoting cognitive health. Activities for residents include:
- Art therapy
- Music sessions
- Gardening
- Exercise classes
- Storytelling
- Group meals
Friends and family are welcome to visit residents and join in on certain group activities. Staff also often arrange for certain game or movie nights for residents.
How Secure Are Memory Care Communities in Moscow?
Memory care communities are designed with safety in mind. After all, seniors with dementia are prone to wandering off or making poor judgment calls.
These communities may feature secure entrances, enclosed outdoor areas, and monitoring systems to prevent wandering while preserving independence. It’s important for family members to do their research and learn the community’s capabilities.
At the very least, you can expect residents to have staff with them at all times. They’re also supervised during activities.
Find a Small Memory Care Community in Moscow, ID
Deciding on care for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s is never easy. However, a small memory care community in Moscow, ID, offers a supportive solution. They provide personalized care options, meaningful activities, and the small community advantages of close relationships and emotional security.
Hill House Living is a senior living community that focuses on memory care services. Services and amenities provided include a 24-hour secured surveillance system, a personal iPad for each resident, and much more. Reach out with any concerns and to schedule a tour.