The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2023, the most common form of dementia. Although it’s not easy to think about transitioning from Independent Living or Assisted Living to Memory Care, it’s often the best, safest and least stressful option for aging adults experiencing cognitive challenges. As you or a loved one ages, needs may change, especially if memory loss becomes an issue. Keep reading to learn more about Memory Care and when it might be the right time to consider it.

Who Does Memory Care Serve?

Memory Care, also called Memory Support, is like Assisted Living but with more specialized therapies and programming provided to better support seniors with difficulties involving memory and thinking. It has a dedicated team of professionals specially trained to support and assist individuals experiencing cognitive impairments or cognitive decline, including those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It can also serve seniors experiencing memory loss who haven’t been diagnosed with dementia.

What Is Offered to Memory Care Residents?

Residents in Memory Care receive the same standard services and amenities as those in Assisted Living, including maintenance-free housing, daily meals, snacks and housekeeping, laundry and personal care services. The range of services is tailored to meet each resident’s unique needs and typically includes: 

• 24/7 supervision and support. Trained staff members are available around the clock to assist residents with their needs and ensure their safety.
• Assistance with activities of daily living. Residents receive help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming and eating, promoting independence and dignity.
• Medication management. Proper administration and monitoring of medications are crucial in managing symptoms and ensuring residents’ overall well-being.
• Structured daily routines and activities. Activities tailored to stimulate cognitive function and engage residents in meaningful interactions, such as hands-on activities and cognitive games.
• Secure environments. Memory Care communities are designed to prevent wandering and ensure resident safety, often featuring doors with alarms, secure exits and enclosed courtyards.
• Specialized programs and therapies. Therapeutic programs such as Reminiscence Therapy aim to slow cognitive decline and enhance residents’ overall quality of life.

When Is the Right Time to Consider Memory Care?

Recognizing when it’s time to consider Memory Care for you or a loved one can be challenging, but several signs and indicators to watch for include:

• Increased disorientation and confusion. Difficulty remembering recent events, getting lost in familiar surroundings or becoming disoriented are often the first signs that something is wrong. While confusion or disorientation may start subtly, it eventually becomes more noticeable as cognitive decline progresses.
• Mood and behavior changes. Personality changes, agitation, irritability or withdrawal from social activities can indicate underlying cognitive issues requiring specialized care. Changes in behavior, such as forgetting to do daily tasks or ignoring hygiene, are common indicators of a memory problem.
• Safety concerns. Forgetfulness that poses a risk to an individual’s safety may necessitate Memory Care. Watch for things like forgetting to turn off the stove, poor or decreased judgment, forgetting to eat or drink or aimless wandering that causes the person to become lost.
• Communication challenges. Difficulty expressing thoughts or understanding conversations can lead to frustration and isolation for individuals with cognitive impairment, highlighting the need for specialized support and communication strategies.

How Can Montereau Help?

If you feel you or a loved one may need more attention than Independent Living or Assisted Living offers, request a cognitive and functional assessment conducted by a Montereau healthcare professional. Once we assess your or your loved one’s medical and daily living needs, our team meets with you and your family to answer questions, provide information and help you decide whether it’s time to consider Memory Care.

If it’s determined that you or your loved one would benefit from Memory Care, Montereau’s Abbey Memory Support neighborhood has highly trained and certified team members who use specialized and individualized therapeutic programming to respectfully foster more positive daily experiences.

Our secure Memory Support neighborhood features private residences specially designed for added safety and services and amenities that promote a wellness-oriented mindset every day, including: 

• Secure, inviting common areas to encourage residents to move beyond their private residences
• Nutritious meals with dining venues for family meals
• Music therapy that includes live performances and personal iPod playlists
• Indoor/outdoor sensory garden and private courtyard
• Weekly outings, daily exercises and special guest performances
• Exceptional staff-to-resident ratio with highly personalized care
• Licensed nurses and care partners available 24/7
• Scheduled on-site physician and psychiatrist visits
• Physical, occupational and speech therapies
• Escorted access to all hospitality services and life-enriching amenities at Montereau 

At Montereau, we understand that the decision to consider Memory Care for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal and often challenging one. By recognizing the signs of cognitive decline and seeking support from our trained, experienced professionals, you can rest assured that you or your loved one will receive the care they need to live safer, more fulfilling lives. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate Memory Care focused on dignity, respect and individualized attention in a nurturing environment. 

Contact us at 918-495-1500 to learn more about Memory Care or tour our Abbey Memory Support neighborhood to make an informed decision.