Flexible Memory Care Options
As our loved ones age, we expect they might need some assistance, particularly with some of the tasks of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, or keeping up with the household chores. Unfortunately, memory loss isn’t as easy to deal with as other aspects of the aging process, causing many families to struggle as the disease progresses. Without memory care help from a home care agency, such as Visiting Angels Chattanooga, family caregiver burnout is almost certainly inevitable, leaving serious gaps in their loved one’s care.
In this article, we will provide you with details about our flexible memory care options for seniors; but first, let’s talk about how memory works and the types of memory, including short-term and long-term memory.
How Memory Works
Memory is a complex and multifaceted function of the brain. It begins with sensory input, where information from our environment is captured through our senses. It then involves various regions of our brain, all working together to encode, store, and retrieve information. The brain then decides which information to focus on, transferring it to short-term memory.
Short Term Memory
Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is where we temporarily hold information for processing and manipulation. Because our working memories have a limited capacity, we can only retain information for a short period of time unless it is actively rehearsed or encoded into our long-term memory.
Our short-term memory is necessary for completing daily tasks. It is what we use to remember a phone number long enough to dial it or to follow simple directions. The natural aging process, combined with potential health issues and cognitive decline, can reduce the efficiency of our short-term memory, which can make it more difficult to keep track of daily activities, conversations, and recent events.
Long Term Memory
Our long-term memory is where information is stored for extended periods, ranging from a few hours to our lifetime. This is divided into our explicit memory which stores facts and events, and our implicit memory, which involves skills and habits.
Long-term memory can be affected by various factors, such as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This disease specifically targets the brain regions involved in memory.
By understanding how memory works, families and caregivers can better appreciate the challenges faced by seniors with memory impairments. Memory care services, such as those provided by Visiting Angels Chattanooga, can offer specialized assistance tailored to the needs of seniors as they navigate the complexities of aging and memory loss.
Memory Care Options for Seniors
Professional memory care in Chattanooga is available to help safeguard your loved one and ensure that your family has the help they need to best support your senior loved one. The trained caregivers at Visiting Angels Chattanooga can provide skilled assistance and apply strategies designed especially for seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Flexible Memory Care in Chattanooga, Signal Mountain, and the Surrounding Area
When providing memory care services for seniors, flexibility isn't just necessary; it's essential. Seniors need caregivers who are able to be there whenever they need them and who are able to provide many types of care to address their changing symptoms.
The flexible memory care services provided by Visiting Angels Chattanooga can help your loved one live better at all stages of the process, providing assistance during the early stages of the process, as well as during the mid and late stages when memory loss is severe enough to require significant assistance with their daily routine.
Personalized Care Plans
One of the key aspects of flexible memory care is the creation of personalized care plans tailored to the individual needs of each senior. These plans are developed based on comprehensive assessments that consider the senior's current health status, cognitive function, and personal preferences. This ensures that the care provided is relevant and effective, adjusting as the needs of the senior change over time.
In-Home Care Services
Flexible memory care often includes a range of in-home care services designed to support seniors in the comfort of their own homes. This can encompass assistance with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, and medication management. In-home care allows seniors to maintain a sense of independence and familiarity, which can be particularly beneficial for those with memory impairments.
Specialized Cognitive Support
Caregivers at Visiting Angels Chattanooga are trained to provide specialized cognitive support, utilizing techniques that promote mental stimulation and slow the progression of memory loss. This can include activities that engage the mind, such as puzzles, memory games, and storytelling, tailored to the senior's interests and abilities.
Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Recognizing the demands placed on family caregivers, flexible memory care also includes respite care services. This allows family caregivers to take necessary breaks to rest and recharge, knowing their loved ones are in capable hands. Respite care can be scheduled regularly or on an as-needed basis, providing crucial support to prevent caregiver burnout.
Round-the-Clock Availability
Memory care needs can arise at any time, and having caregivers available 24/7 ensures that seniors receive the care they need whenever they need it. This round-the-clock availability is particularly important for those in the later stages of memory loss, where nighttime wandering or confusion can pose significant risks.
Schedule a FREE In-Home Care Consultation
Call Visiting Angels Chattanooga today at (423) 424-0944 or Contact Us online to arrange a free consultation and learn how memory care can improve life for your loved one and your family.