Why A Memory Care Program Is Critical And 3 Things To Know About It
Posted on: 21 September 2022
Most of the residents in nursing homes experience some form of memory loss. The condition worsens daily if proper memory care isn't offered. However, most nursing homes offer specialized services to those suffering from dementia. The caregivers are usually properly trained on what they should do to help the patients enhance their memory capacity. They take memory care seriously because it helps lower the patient's stress levels and improve their quality of life. Moreover, they develop programs that help make memory care more effective. Here are three important things you need to know about a memory care program.
It Doesn't Just Address Memory Problems
Most people think dementia is all about memory loss, but it's usually diverse. Although a memory care program could help the patient improve their memory, it also addresses other health concerns. Dementia patients forget things quickly, but this is not the only challenge they experience. In fact, they also experience changes in how they behave, feel, perceive things, and speak. For this reason, the caregivers ensure the memory care program is a bit more holistic to help the patients improve their everyday living skills. They involve speech therapists and counseling services to help them improve their vocabulary and cognitive functions.
It Prioritizes Proper Nutrition
Dementia patients don't just eat anything. Usually, the caregivers create a memory care program with their diet in mind. They prioritize foods that help boost memory when shopping and also follow recipes. In most cases, a dementia patient may be involved in erratic eating habits or miss meals. In a worse situation, they may also be unable to eat food independently or even be conscious of mealtimes. However, these patients hardly experience such problems while in a memory care facility. The caregivers don't just give them nutritious meals—they also ensure they take their meals at the right time and make dining more fun.
Family Involvement Makes It More Effective
Most caregivers in a memory care facility involve the patient's family because it helps strengthen the memory care program. They even consult or involve the family when developing an individualized care plan to make it more effective. Usually, relatives provide reliable information about their patients, helping the caregivers know more about them. Family involvement is critical even if dementia is at the last stage. Remember that although the patient may not have intact memory, they still have emotional memory. For this reason, the caregivers involve the patient's relatives during therapy sessions, art and craft activities, or dinners. This helps patients connect more with their loved ones and build positive experiences.
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