Memory Care Units

If your loved one is suffering from a specific illness or disease, you should get them help. One good option is finding a facility that specializes in the type of care that your loved one needs. If your loved one is in a facility with the resources to help them, this might be the best option. One situation when you should consider a specific care unit is if your loved one suffers from a memory issue.

If you want a facility that specializes in illnesses such as dementia, look for a memory care unit. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect every person’s memory differently. Some people’s illness progresses more quickly than others. In most cases, someone suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia will need added care. This is because they will not be able to care for themselves. There are different kinds of memory care units available for the elderly. Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities have separate memory care units. Those suffering from dementia might request a home aide with experience in memory diseases.

What is Dementia?

Dementia has no cure and has no known cause. Scientists believe that a few factors may lead to forms of dementia. These factors include genetics, head trauma, and some diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. The two illnesses have similar warning signs that include:

• Short-term memory loss.
• Problems with speech and communication.
• Delusions.
• Unexplained behavior changes.
• Inability to perform normal daily functions.

What is a Memory Care Unit?

There are many services that memory care units offer that a lot of people are not aware of. Those services include twenty-four-hour help, meals, housekeeping and laundry service, medication management, and more. Also, staff members get trained in how to assist those with dementia if they work in a memory care unit.

The cost of a memory care unit will vary based on a couple of factors. These factors include the level of care needed, preferred size of room, and location of the unit. Memory care units need more care than basic elder care facilities. The monthly cost will most likely be more than just regular nursing homes because of this.

Memory Care Unit Abuse

Unfortunately, neglect and abuse can happen even in a memory care unit. The nature of dementia patients makes it easy for the staff members to get away with neglect and abuse. This is because the resident’s short-term memory loss means they might forget abuse. If staff members miss medication doses, the residents might not even notice.

Watch out for early signs of dementia that are listed above. If you think your loved one’s memory loss is increasing, consider placing them in a memory care unit. Those types of facilities will create a safe environment for your elder loved one to live out their life. Although, watch out for signs of neglect and abuse. For residents with forms of dementia, neglect and abuse will not be as obvious. Resident may not be able to voice their opinions or events that have occurred. It is up to you to find a memory care unit that is safe for your loved one. If you suspect that a staff member is neglecting or abusing your elder, get help immediately.