When a loved one begins to need more memory care than before, it can be a scary experience – for both the loved ones and the individual with memory loss. But memory loss and related challenges don’t have to mean that the good memories are over. There are many different ways that local businesses keep individuals stimulated and enriched, which boosts their cognitive well-being despite challenges they may face.
From participating in group programming designed to engage their memories and promote positive emotions, to keeping a consistent routine to lessen stress and anxiety, to recognizing that there are also many resources for the families of individuals with high memory care needs – there is something out there for everyone’s unique needs.
At Brookestone Meadows (brookestonemeadows.com), they provide continued enrichment for older individuals in many ways. They encourage residents to participate in a balanced variety of activities that support their physical, mental, emotional and cognitive well-being. They also provide activity stations and individualized activity kits designed specifically for residents living with memory loss. These resources allow residents to engage in meaningful activities between group programs, promoting engagement and enjoyment throughout the day.
They also offer certain programming for individuals with memory care needs. Music & Memory is an important part of their programming for residents living with memory loss; they create personalized music playlists based on each resident’s preferences, which they can enjoy using an MP3 player and headphones. They have seen that music can stimulate positive emotions, evoke happy memories, encourage self-expression through singing and movement and provide comfort and enjoyment.
They also place strong emphasis on individualized, one-on-one activities, providing personal visits, meaningful interactions and opportunities to build relationships with our residents.
To reduce stress and anxiety among our residents living with memory loss, they focus on providing a consistent daily schedule and familiar routines.
They strive to maintain consistent staffing and create a calm, supportive environment where residents feel safe and comfortable in a home-like setting. Additionally, all staff members receive ongoing dementia education to strengthen their understanding of memory loss and to be able to provide quality of care that meets each resident’s individual needs in their facility.
Brookestone Meadows wants family members to know that every dementia journey is different.
Families cope in different ways, and some have more resources and support available than others. No matter their circumstances, Brookestone Meadows always reminds families that they are not alone on this journey. They encourage families to validate their emotions, meet their loved ones where they are, and remember that every person’s experience with dementia is unique; if you spend all your time worrying about the progression of the disease, you may miss the beautiful moments that are still possible.
At Caretech (caretechinc.com), we believe quality memory care begins with understanding the individual behind the diagnosis. Every person has their own routines, preferences and needs, and our approach focuses on providing personalized, non-medical support that respects their dignity and independence. Through our Best Possible Care program, eligible individuals may also receive care from a trusted family member or friend, bringing an added level of familiarity and comfort to their daily lives.
For someone living with Alzheimer’s, home can offer an important sense of comfort and security. Familiar surroundings, daily routines and recognizable faces can help reduce confusion and anxiety while supporting independence. Remaining in a familiar environment also allows individuals to stay connected to the people, places and activities that have always been part of their lives.
Caretech’s caregivers help make everyday life safer and more manageable through assistance with personal care, meal preparation, daily activities and identifying potential safety concerns. Beyond these practical needs, they provide companionship, reassurance and consistent support.
Having someone familiar to rely on can make daily routines easier and help individuals feel more comfortable and secure. This support also extends to families, giving loved ones peace of mind and opportunities to take much-needed breaks from caregiving responsibilities.
For families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, our advice is to focus on connection, consistency and preserving independence wherever possible. Maintain familiar routines, encourage your loved one to participate in activities they can still enjoy, and recognize that their needs may change over time. It’s also important to recognize that family caregivers need support, too.
Asking for help and making time for your own well-being can help create a healthier, more sustainable caregiving experience for everyone involved.
It doesn’t have to be all stress and anxiety when individuals need higher levels of memory care. Commonly, it is advised for families to know that there are still happy memories to be made despite memory struggles; and there are many ways to continue to do so.
Maintaining a routine and providing familiar stimulation, such as music they enjoy or hobbies that they have, is important for memory care patients to continue exist in the least stressful environment. For some, independence and the ability to continue to live in their own home are extremely important when it comes to lessening anxiety and keeping familiarity.
Additionally, safety is something that holds great importance in the world of memory loss and memory care. Having staff trained in memory care, whether that is in a residential retirement community or in the comfort of your own home, can help lessen the physical risks that come with memory loss. They can help with simple things, like taking medications on time or more complex things, like understanding the individual and what is important to continue to keep in their life.
The local businesses of Omaha can provide all of these services, and more; for individuals needing higher levels of memory care, and for their families and loved ones who put so much care and thought into the happy memories that are still to come.