How Assisted Living Can Help Seniors with Mild Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease
Published on August 26, 2022
An assisted living environment is thought to be the middle ground between living fully independently and needing full-time nursing care. For those living with a form of memory loss, the choice depends largely on the stage and type of dementia they have.
A safe and compassionate environment with routine structure and on-demand assistance is the best for those living with mild dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. During the early stages of dementia, many seniors continue to live full productive lives with little intervention required.
What Is Assisted Living and Memory Care?
Assisted living refers to a community structure(s) for people that require some form of care or assistance in their everyday living. Daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, and medication management are examples of the services provided.
Memory care facilities are designed for the long-term care of people living with various forms of dementia. Memory loss can require 24-hour supervision and assistance with everyday physical and mental tasks, including daily living activities.
Alternative Memory Care Living Options Based on Severity
Senior living environments can present a wide range of services for people living with memory loss and dementia. Memory care living options are based on the severity of the dementia condition and a thorough assessment by a professional medical team.
For Mild Dementia or Alzheimer’s Patients
In the early stages of dementia, an individual may be able to thrive in an assisted living environment. This environment allows seniors to maintain various parts of their independent life, but also provides some form of intervention with daily living activities if needed.
1. Independent Senior Living
Senior housing with independent living communities offer an environment of social and recreational opportunities with provisions of meals and basic housekeeping. These arrangements are designed for self-sufficient seniors and those with a mild form of dementia.
2. Assisted Living
Assisted living communities provides the same type of environment as independent living with the added security of having a team of nursing staff and other professional team members onsite. Those in the early stages of dementia who require some assistance are still able to retain some form of independence.
3. In-Home Care
The first course of action for those living with a mild form of memory loss is remaining in-home with minor assistance from family, friends, or a health organization. Many people with dementia see a slower progression of the condition when presented with an in-home situation.
For Moderate or Late-Stage Dementia or Alzheimer’s Patients
Dementia assisted living communities may be the next step with the progression of moderate or late stages dementia. The middle stage of dementia can last for several months to years, depending on the severity of the stage. The type of care facility required depends on the needs of the individual.
1. Specialized Memory Care
Specialized memory care offers hands-on assistance with daily living activities and customized programs. These resources are structurally designed to prevent confusion and disorientation. Security and nursing care is provided 24 hours a day with monitoring, supervision, and activities to enhance one’s life.
2. Long-Term Care Home
Once an individual enters the late stage of dementia, long-term care homes can provide the needed medical and compassionate care. Sometimes referred to as a nursing home, these environments tend to the serious medical and mental.
Benefits of Assisted Living for Dementia Patients
For those requiring assisted living in Hamilton and other Ontario towns, having a home that is customized to their various needs is priceless. Here are some benefits of assisted living communities for people living with dementia.
Specialized Care and Safety
Specialized care is one of the benefits of an assisted living environment. Each case of dementia requires a care plan that takes into consideration each individual’s needs. Not everyone will need help with all daily living activities, while some people may need extra time, care, and consideration.
Get Assistance with Daily Living Activities
The simple tasks of dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, and meal preparation can easily be taken for granted and might be a struggle for someone with dementia. By having on-site professional care within an assisted living environment, these and other daily living activities are manageable.
Provide an Active Social Environment
Socialization is key for maintaining an active physical, mental, and emotional state of well-being. An assisted living environment provides opportunities for seniors to become involved in various clubs, groups, and activities. From organized classes and games to trips to local events, the socialization aspect of being part of a close-knit community provides numerous benefits.
Allows Seniors to Age in Place
Memory loss can cause an individual to feel confused and become disoriented in a familiar setting. Moving can add to these behaviours. An assisted living environment is structurally designed to help residents feel at ease and safe within their new home.
Improve Physical and Mental Health
Dementia can rob a person of their physical and mental health. Having the focused programs of assisted living services can help improve engagement with social and mobility groups. Access to fitness programs, wellness groups, and memory-stimulating activities help to improve the physical and mental health of each individual.
Customized Assistant Living Plans
Assistant living environment offer customized programs to suit the individual’s needs and comforts. Those living with a mild form of dementia may be considered in the early stages of the condition but not share the same needs as others. The personalized services offered include assistance with daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, housekeeping, laundry, and mobility.
How Can V!VA Retirement Communities Help?
V!VA Retirement Communities offers incredible senior residences with a variety of great benefits, such as:
1. Three healthy and delicious meals daily and available anytime* throughout the day
2. Freshly baked snacks and gourmet coffee and teas provided in the charming Perks! Café
3. Scheduled shuttle bus service to area stores and attractions
4. Weekly suite housekeeping services
5. Weekly flat-linen laundry service
6. Emergency response system and 24-hour staffing
7. State-of-the-art fire safety system
8. Complete suite maintenance including plumbing and major appliance repair
Our assisted living experience includes even more. Ongoing healthcare, as well as help with daily chores, and companion services are just some of the additional benefits of our assisted living residences.
We have communities in Barrhaven, Mississauga, Oakville, Pickering, Thornhill Woods, Whitby Shores, Meadowlands, and Waterside. To learn more about what makes us different or to find out if V!VA Retirement Communities is right for you or your loved one, email us at info@vivalife.ca or call us at 1-888-984-8482.
