Memory care is specialized care for people with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia. This type of senior living is offered in nursing homes, or at a dedicated memory care community.
What makes memory care different?
Unlike other communities, facilities dedicated to memory care provide residents with programs, nutrition, tasks, routines, and other services tailored specifically to their needs. According to AARP:
Memory care is designed to provide a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Employees provide meals and help residents with personal care tasks, just like the staff at an assisted living facility. But they are also specially trained to deal with the unique issues that often arise as a result of dementia or Alzheimer’s. They check in with residents more frequently and provide extra structure and support to help them navigate their day.
What is a Memory Care Community?
Also known as a special care unit or SCU, memory care communities provide supervised care for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. Memory care communities also adhere to specific training for caregivers and are categorized as residential care facilities for the elderly or RCFEs. MemoryCare.com notes that “RCFEs are licensed as non-medical facilities, and are not required to have doctors, registered nurses or certified nursing assistants on staff.” However, for Olivenhain Guest Home, we have CNAs and a resident physician to ensure that our residents’ medical needs are also addressed.
A Look at Olivenhain’s Memory Care Programs
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Our Memory Care Community team has designed a suite of National Dementia researched programs and activities to stimulate alertness and physical strength. We use both long-term memories and past experiences from our residents to stimulate their cognitive abilities. Our specially trained staff work closely with our residents to ensure that they maximize each day.
Hospice Care
Olivenhain’s Graceful Living program helps your loved ones to age in place while maintaining their quality of life and dignity. Our spacious rooms allow for more equipment needs including specialized end of life equipment. We also offer daily rates for residents who would prefer to be comfortable at home and be with their loved ones in addition to our staff. Residents in the Graceful Living Program are also encouraged to stay active as long as they’re able and spend quality time with their loved ones.
Special Experiences
Our Special Experiences have two core programs. Celebrate Your Life is one program, where residents can take advantage of the following:
- Classes and workshops
- Guest speakers
- Daily live music
- Educational and entertaining videos
- Other activities that enhance memory and brain function such as puzzles, trivia games, and reminiscing about our residents’ many experiences
Mind, Body, Spirit focuses on fitness, health, nutrition, and spiritual nourishment. Daily activities include:
- Exercise
- Games that encourage movement and can improve range of motion
- Walks through our beautiful gardens
- Music therapy
Respite Care
Spiritual Activities & Live Music
Our spiritual activities include a weekly non-denominational church service, bible studies with volunteers from our community, as well as poetry readings and short stories. People of any faith are free to have their clergy, rabbi, or other spiritual leader come to minister to them. In addition, our residents enjoy the cognitive benefits and joy of live music seven days a week as well as daily dance parties.
Learn More About Olivenhain’s Memory Care Services
If you would like to learn more about our various memory care programs or visit our community, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
