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For seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there is often a need for more unique and specialized care. A memory care community may be the best option because they can provide individualized care programs that foster independence and offer assistance where needed.  The best memory care programs focus on each resident’s personal needs to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. When you are looking for this type of excellent care for you or a loved one, there are some key features of great memory care programs in Woodbridge, VA that you will want to know about. These important features that make the difference between choosing just any place to live and a warm community that offers the comforts that make it your home.

Highly Trained Staff

Perhaps the most important factor in memory care is the staff. This is because residents heavily rely on them for many of their daily needs. The best memory care facilities will offer 24-hour staff who are trained and prepared to meet all residents' needs. Training should be ongoing and focus on caring for those with cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease specifically.  The training should help staff learn how to assist with individual personal care during activities of daily living such as morning wake up, bathing/grooming, dressing, medication management and helping during mealtimes. Staff should also be able to incorporate all different kinds of sensory activities and encourage residents to participate in these events and activities as much as they are able to. Equally important is that the staff ensures each resident is seen as an individual and that care plans are created around their own abilities. Most of the top memory care communities will have similar staff members day to day to help residents become familiar with their caregivers more easily. Find a community with passionate staff that will enrich the lives of every resident by giving them an opportunity to live life to the fullest and enjoy each day.

All-Day Support

The services and activities should mirror those in assisted living, but also be altered in design to promote and stimulate cognitive function for residents in memory care. Research has shown that increasing the amount of social interaction for people with dementia can improve their quality of life, and reduce aggression. These activities will be carefully planned to include socialization, while also promoting cognitive enrichment with a focus on comfort and overall wellness. The events and activities planned each day should promote residents' independence and be led by qualified professionals to make the environment as accessible as possible for the many resident’s varying abilities. The best communities will include activities within a range of interests and hobbies—Art, poetry, music, dancing, games, supervised cooking, sports and exercise, and social activities will be among the options available. Some of the best communities also integrate new and cutting edge technology that allows families to connect and bond with their loved ones in a way that also encourages cognitive enrichment.

Safe Community Layout

Calm and inviting common areas are extremely important and key features you will want to look for in a memory care community. Since many residents may be prone to wandering, safety is always top of mind in the best memory care communities. The layout of the entire community and what each individual common room or apartment looks like should be carefully planned for keeping the residents safe. Additionally, doors should be secure and hallways minimized to ensure safety and comfort throughout the day. This level of thoughtful protection not only prioritizes safety for residents but also prevents wandering and helps ease the feelings of anxiety and agitation that can be common in seniors with dementia.

Convenient Location

Family visits and medical services are important considerations when choosing a location for your memory care community in Woodbridge, VA. Ensuring your loved one is close to medical care, doctors, and hospitals is not only convenient but incredibly helpful for future medical needs. Woodbridge is home to several highly rated hospitals and medical facilities, making it both a convenient and attractive setting to call home. 

As you begin to research memory care communities, you may notice that sometimes an entire senior living community is dedicated only to memory care residents, and sometimes memory care is its own neighborhood within a larger senior living community. No matter how the community is set up, be sure that their main focus is to assist their residents' unique needs and their program is specifically designed to support those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Finding these key features in a memory care program will make the transition much easier and create the feeling of home that your loved one deserves.

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The Arbor Company

About the Author: The Arbor Company

Through a commitment to developing an outstanding and tenured staff, The Arbor Company maintains a progressive clinical and competitive edge that embraces both resident and family needs.

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