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Elmcroft Memory Care facilities are comfortable, safe and nurturing homes for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Our Memory Care communities feature a specialized program called Chronicles, designed to provide the secure environment and specialized support that makes an important difference to our residents. Our Best Friends® approach is part of that program, which guides us in providing care built around each individual’s life history, cultural heritage, current abilities and interests. In this way, we can provide care and guided activities that encourage wellness, engagement and as much independence as safely possible for each of our residents.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a form of long-term, skilled nursing care intended specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Memory care residents are supervised 24/7 and communities are designed to be calming and easily navigable and to minimize wandering behavior. Elmcroft Memory Care communities help residents who have memory issues stay safe and as independent and as happy as possible. With support for medication management, bathing and dressing, as well as specialty programs and care to improve quality of life and social engagement, Elmcroft Memory Care residents often experience improved physical, mental and social well-being.
Assisted Living vs. Memory Care
At memory care facilities, staff not only offer residents assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing; they are also specially trained to help residents manage some of the issues that come with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including disruptive behaviors, communication problems and loss of appetite. Staff guide residents in structured programs and individual interactions to help them thrive and remain engaged without becoming overwhelmed. And low staff-to-resident ratios mean residents get the help they need, whenever they need it.Memory care communities and units are designed to be relaxing and easily navigable to minimize resident confusion and frustration, and they feature extra security to help residents stay safe and prevent them from wandering off-site. Interior and outdoor areas are fully secured and monitored. Units do not include kitchens, to minimize the risks that come with cooking, and staff may remove or lock up potentially harmful items like medications and chemicals, to ensure they do not pose a danger.
Residents of memory care vs. assisted living communities typically have more structured schedules, as people with Alzheimer’s and dementia tend to do better when they follow routines. Security checks are also more frequent.
Memory care costs vary depending upon what services are included and where care is provided, but they are typically higher than assisted living care costs. Medicare does not pay for long-term memory care.
Benefits of Moving to an Elmcroft Memory Care Community
Elmcroft Memory Care communities offer secure, supportive environments and professional care that keep people with memory problems safe, healthy, happy and engaged. Benefits of moving to an Elmcroft Memory Care community include:
- Cost-effectiveness: While memory care costs are typically higher than assisted living costs, Elmcroft Memory Care can be less expensive than 24-hour home health or nursing care.
- Peace of mind: Specialized professional care is delivered around the clock and adjusted as residents’ needs change. And caregiver-to-resident ratios are above average to ensure residents always have access to the help they need.
- Safety: Our secure, monitored environment is specially designed for both resident safety and independence, created to be easy-to-navigate and to prevent wandering off-site.
- Improved quality of life: Structured and assisted activities help residents feel a sense of purpose and belonging and keep them engaged with fellow residents.
Specially Trained Caregivers with Heart
Our memory care communities are just that – communities of people who are cared for by compassionate and skilled professionals. We understand that your loved one is a unique person with a desire to live as independently as possible. Our staff provides the considerate care and guidance to help each resident safely manage medication, bathing, dressing and personal care and take as active a part in community life as possible.
Staff are trained in Elmcroft’s signature Best Friends® program, which helps them get to know residents’ life history, cultural heritage, abilities and interests, and is a way to establish special connections. Caregivers who work in memory care also receive additional education to help them learn about communication techniques and best practices for assisting adults with memory impairments and common symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, such as frustration, aggressive outbursts, confusion and communication issues.
Elmcroft’s low staff-to-resident ratio means residents have access to the specialized care and support they need, whenever they need it. And, like Elmcroft’s assisted living communities, staff at many sites can help residents with other special needs like mobility issues and diabetic care.
Security and Freedom for Adults with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Memory problems present many challenges, especially regarding safety and security. At Elmcroft Memory Care communities, residents enjoy as much freedom as safely possible. Communities feature fully secured and monitored interior and outdoor areas and staff who conduct regular security checks as well as guide residents through structured programs and activities. Staff understand and respect that each resident is a unique person with a desire to live as independently as possible, so they provide personal and memory care assistance, as needed, while allowing each resident to play an active a part in community life. They are specially trained to manage issues that may arise as Alzheimer’s and dementia progress, including wandering tendencies.
Residents participate in guided activities that encourage wellness, engagement and a safe level of independence. Elmcroft is also committed to keeping residents’ families up-to-date on their well-being, challenges and personal progress as they adjust to life in the community.
Comfortable and Welcoming Surroundings
Elmcroft Memory Care communities take comfort to a new level. Living spaces are professionally designed to allow residents’ safe involvement in activities. Apartments and suites, which are laid out with privacy in mind to respect the dignity of residents, can be decorated with family mementos and cherished keepsakes. Tasty meals are prepared by a professional culinary staff, and restaurant-style table service by courteous waitstaff is an important part of pleasant mealtime experiences. And all chores, like housekeeping, maintenance, food preparation and laundry, are taken care of.
Just like home, Elmcroft Memory Care residences provide people and activities to engage with and a comfortable and encouraging place to live. Residents are encouraged to continue with activities they previously enjoyed, and staff provide the support and direction they need to do that. From gardening, crafts and games, to exercise, music and outings, residents can participate in activities that bring them fulfillment and happiness.
More Information on Memory Care:
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
When is it Time to Consider Memory Care?
Tips for Assessing Memory Care Programs
Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Helping Your Loved One Transition to Memory Care
