What Is Person-Centric Memory Care?
This may be a term you’ve heard before, but descriptions can often be vague. In short, person-centric memory care is precisely what it sounds like: caring for the whole person - instead of simply managing symptoms - within a specialized senior living community setting. This includes taking individual preferences, mental health, family input, personal and medical history, and much more into consideration when planning and providing care.
There are many options when it comes to memory care, and you want to ensure that your loved one finds the place that will best fulfill their physical, social, and emotional needs. You want to ensure that they won’t be forgotten in the shuffle of daily life and that their personality will still be able to shine through, even if it looks different than before their cognitive decline began. These feelings may be why person-centric memory care is the best choice for your loved one in Gambrills, MD.
How is Person-Centric Care Different Than Traditional Memory Care?
Traditional memory care tends to utilize a one-size-fits-all approach that uses a specific template of care for each of their seniors. This typically includes a fixed schedule, limited choices in activities, and providing roughly the same care routine for everyone. Care is focused on managing symptoms and ensuring tasks are completed. Although this approach may work for some, it does not seem to be ideal for everyone.
Person-centric memory care goes beyond daily tasks and includes tailored routines, meaningful engagement, personal history, emotional support, and consistent staff relationships. All of these components create a personalized care plan that fully supports each individual’s wants and needs. This approach often leads to more positive outcomes, such as reduced agitation, improved mood, and enhanced quality of life.
Pillars of Person-Centric Dementia Care
Just as no two people are alike, person-centric dementia care plans are tailored to fit the wants, needs, and preferences of each individual. The physical design of the space, staff training, and family involvement are all essential pieces of person-centered dementia care.
Consideration of Personal Preferences
This is the standout reason person-centric care is different from traditional care. In this type of setting, residents can have a say about how their schedule is arranged, for example, what time frame they like to go to bed and wake up in the morning. This also includes prioritizing each resident’s mental health and ensuring activities are available that pique their interest. Even something as simple as having plenty of options on the menu at mealtime and providing cozy indoor and safe outdoor spaces within the community for residents to relax in their free time.
Customized Schedules and Activities
With a wide variety of available activities and events, residents are free to choose which they would like to participate in based on their own skills and interests. For example, some individuals love arts and crafts, while others would prefer to socialize during a group fitness class, and still others would want to participate in both. There is also an assortment of cognitive activities available that specialize in helping those living with cognitive decline to practice useful skills in fun and meaningful ways. Allowing residents to choose the way they spend their time, within reason, promotes independence and creates a more positive experience for everyone.
Highly Trained, Consistent Staff
Having staff who are caring and committed makes a world of difference. At Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, we highly prioritize creating deep, meaningful connections between our residents and staff. This helps to establish trust and create a safer, more positive environment. It is also essential that staff members be thoroughly trained in the most current best practices for caring for those with dementia. This equips them to have the strategies and experience necessary to handle challenging scenarios as they arise and provide the highest quality of care available.
Maintaining Dignity During Dining
Eating can become physically and mentally challenging for seniors living with dementia or another form of Alzheimer’s disease. As skills change over time, many find they need assistance or a specialized diet to continue enjoying mealtime to its fullest. At Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, our staff is trained to assist residents in ways that promote independence and keep their dignity at the forefront. Similarly, our chefs often utilize award winning food preparation techniques to ensure every resident receives a nutritious meal in a way that meets their specific physical and dietary needs.
How To Choose the Right Senior Living Community
Although you may know the qualities you want to look for in a Gambrills, MD memory care community, it can be tricky to evaluate which one is ideal and what to expect when moving your loved one into their new home. That’s why our team has created a free guide to help you determine which community will best fulfill your loved one’s needs.
Check out the Comparing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Options Guide to take the next step in your journey toward finding peace of mind. It fully explains potential options for memory care and outlines ways to ensure you find the right fit for your loved one. Download your copy today.
