What is Dementia Care in Assisted Living Homes?

In Arizona, “dementia care” covers different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, Vascular, and Frontotemporal. Services for those suffering from dementia range from memory care homes, support programs, and in-home memory care. At Modern Care Homes, we have many dementia patients living in our assisted living homes, suffering from different stages of this debilitating disease. 

Memory Care Homes

For dementia patients, many will need to live in a memory care home, which is safe, secure, and supportive, with customized care plans created for each patient. Wanderers are often agitated, confused, disoriented, or will follow routines that they’re familiar with from before living in a memory care home.  It is a big issue, but the main benefit of living in a care home is that it is a smaller area where the staff can keep an eye on the patient 24/7. 

Staff is typically made up of caregivers who’ve been through memory care training and taught how to care for those with dementia. They’ll incorporate activities and games to not only help with memory issues, but to also promote socializing with others. 

In-home Care

This is a good choice for patients who can still live at home, with the care and support of professionals who come in to manage their care. Personal hygiene, eating, and getting dressed are services that are usually required by dementia patients. 

Medication management is also crucial for patients with memory issues, as prescriptions need to be taken regularly, often at the same time of day, every day. Patients with dementia often need reminders to take their medications, so having someone to help is a benefit to the patient and loved ones. 

Caregivers of in-home memory care patients also become companions and a support system for those they’re treating. Feelings of isolation are issues for many in the elderly community, and can be exacerbated by dementia. Social interaction has been shown to help with cognitive function and mood enhancement. It can also help to slow the progression of the patient’s cognitive decline. 

External Support Programs and Resources for Dementia in Arizona

Not every dementia patient, especially in the early stages, needs to have 24/7 in-home care or to live in a memory care home. There are several reputable organizations in Arizona. 

The Arizona chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has support groups, and a 24-hour helpline in over 200 languages. 

Hospice of the Valley works with dementia patients from the early stages of diagnosis to those with advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, including hospice care. They’re also there to support the friends and family of memory care patients.

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute offers support for everyone involved with a memory care patient, from loved ones to caregivers. They offer a wide range of support groups, educational podcasts, and resources on advanced directives for people with dementia.

Arizona Department of Economic Security has a Family Caregiver Support Program has several support options for caregivers, such as information on the services it offers, assistance for these services, individual counseling, and respite care for caregivers who need a break. 

Dementia care can be a scary thing to delve into for you or your loved ones. At Modern Care Homes, we work with reputable agencies and organizations for our patients with memory issues. We support everyone from the patient to family to caregivers and physicians of dementia patients.