Not all Memory Care Programs are Created Equal

If you have a senior loved one who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, finding the best memory care program for them is undoubtedly your top priority. Researching memory care communities can be overwhelming because many of them will claim to be the best of the best, but how do you cut through the jargon to find out which memory care program actually delivers on their promises?

At UMC, our Tapestries memory care program is state-of-the-art. Every facet of our program is designed to support seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Here’s what you can expect to find when you and your loved one visit one of our full-service communities:

• Care guides everything we do, bringing peace of mind to the resident, the caregivers, and their families. We believe in emphasizing the cognitive strengths of each of our residents, and our philosophy means our first priority is providing compassionate care. All of our residents are monitored around the clock by specially trained staff to ensure their needs are met and supported at all times.
• Life doesn’t stop when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, which is why we pride ourselves on maintaining a thriving, active community. Our residents are encouraged to pursue their hobbies and interests, and to continue living a full life. 

Perhaps you’d like to try out some new fun activities with your senior loved one in the new year. Below are some of our favorite activities for people with Alzheimer’s that help keep their brains active, and we hope you enjoy them together!

Sing or play music.

Many people with Alzheimer’s are able to recall song lyrics from their youth, much to the pleasant surprise of their families! Put on an album they loved from decades past, and think about scheduling a weekly family music night where you listen to music and sing along together. 

Work on puzzles.

Puzzles are a lot of fun for people of all ages, and you can choose the level of difficulty to start with. Reassure your loved one that they can take their time, there is no rush, and work on the puzzle all together as a group. Finishing a big puzzle provides a profound sense of accomplishment and gets those essential cognitive juices flowing. 

Do something artistic.

Crafting, painting, sculpting, drawing – the possibilities are endless! Whether your family is artistically inclined or you need a “paint by the number” kit, having an arts and crafts night is a fun way for your loved one to express themselves and bond with each member of the family. 

Sort different objects.

Whether it’s a box of clothes, colorful beads, coins, or something else, people with Alzheimer’s enjoy sorting objects because it provides them with a sense of calm and being in control. We’ve all got boxes of stuff lying around that we need to sort and organize, so this activity really benefits everyone involved. 

Make a scrapbook.

If your loved one has trouble recalling faces and names, a scrapbook is a great way to help them look back and remember their family. They can keep the scrapbook in their room, or perhaps make a scrapbook poster and hang it on their wall, so they can look at it on a daily basis. 

Here at UMC, our Tapestries memory care program is specifically designed to support seniors with Alzheimer’s. Our experienced memory caregivers are available on-site 24/7 to assist your loved one with medication management, dressing, bathing, feeding and any other personal care services they may need. They also are there to encourage your loved one to participate in group activities and engage in cognitive exercises to help preserve and weave together their memories.

If you have any questions or you’d like more information, please contact a member of our team today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/alzheimers-memory-care/

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/not-all-memory-care-programs-are-created-equal/