Memory Care: What it is and what it is not
When it comes to aging, one of the potential aspects that people often dread the most is memory loss. While some memory loss is a normal part of the aging process, more serious memory problems, such as dementia, can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out the tasks of daily living that most of us take for granted.
The Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care
The main difference between memory care and dementia care is the level of care and support needed by the patient.
For individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, memory care is a way to help them improve their mental acuity through mentally stimulating conversation and activities, such as working on a puzzle, while also providing them with the help they might need during the day, such as help with errands, light housekeeping, and preparing healthy meals.
Without memory care assistance from a home care agency, family members may begin to feel overwhelmed, and burnout is inevitable, which leads to severe gaps in a senior’s care.
Dementia care is very similar to memory care; however, as the disease progresses, care plans often include creating a safe environment to help prevent wandering and keep them safe. Having a loved one diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s can feel devastating, and many families struggle to cope with their loved one's illness.
Memory Care in Chattanooga, TN, and the Surrounding Area
Visiting Angels Chattanooga provides professional memory care in Chattanooga,TN, and the surrounding areas. Our memory care services can help ensure that your loved one receives the compassionate care they need, while also providing your family with the assistance and support needed so that your family caregivers don’t become overwhelmed.
Our trained caregivers are skilled in caring for seniors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. We understand the problems that those living with memory-related diseases face and our caregivers are trained to deal with the various stages of these diseases and the unique challenges that come with each stage.
In addition to providing dignified personal care for help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting, our caregivers can help prevent wandering and provide behavioral support, sensory stimulation, social engagement, nutritional support, medication management, and more.
The Stages of Memory Care
Visiting Angels Chattanooga provides memory care services during various stages of memory loss and memory-related diseases.
During the Detection and Early Stages, caregivers focus on providing support for memory retention and mental stimulation, which helps delay the progression of memory loss.
Activities may include daily routines, memory exercises, and establishing a structured schedule to reduce confusion. Families are also educated on the importance of creating a safe, familiar environment and recognizing early warning signs.
The Middle Stages and Development may result in a wide range of symptoms, which means agile care ranging from medication reminders to monitoring, may be required. Caregivers are adept at assisting with increased behavioral challenges, such as agitation and confusion, as well as helping to ensure that your loved one maintains their independence where possible while staying safe.
At this stage, caregivers may also assist with personal care, daily activities, and maintaining engagement through sensory and cognitive therapies.
For those in the Late Stages of memory loss, significant assistance is often required. Caregivers provide comprehensive care, including 24/7 supervision, personal hygiene support, feeding assistance, and help with mobility.
The focus at this stage is on maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life, with caregivers providing emotional support to both the individual and their family as they navigate the complexities of advanced memory care needs.
Give Visiting Angels a Call
Let the professional caregivers at Visiting Angels Chattanooga provide the help and support your loved one and your family need. Give us a call today at (423) 424-0944 or Contact Us online to schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your loved one’s memory care needs.