When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it becomes a confusing and difficult time for family members. Many struggle with the questions that a dementia diagnosis creates. How can you ensure that your loved one has the best possible care and lifestyle? For most people, the thought of putting their loved one in a senior living community is very emotional: you have watched your loved one raise you, care for you, and help you through life’s challenges through the years, and you want to do the same for them now that they need assistance. Family members often struggle to decide on what option would be best for their loved one, especially with so many options available. We understand how overwhelming this decision can be, so today we are going to discuss the benefits in choosing a Memory Care Community over a Skilled Nursing Facility.
Specialized Care:
Memory Care communities are specially designed and equipped to meet the unique needs of residents. At Barclay House, our certified dementia practitioners create the best plan of care for individuals based on their current state of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Your loved one’s experience at Barclay House begins with a personalized care plan designed around their unique needs, preferences, and desires. Our team will meet with you and your loved one to discuss a “current day in the life” as well as a “previous day in the life" and additionally have you fill out a biography, so that we are able to develop a comprehensive program specific to your loved one’s needs. These plans cover all aspects of daily life, including meals, laundry, medication management, activities, and more. Each personal care plan is regularly reassessed and adjusted by our team, evolving with resident’s changing abilities, to ensure the care we provide is always in line with their needs.
Tailored Activities:
Memory Care communities offer a range of activities and programs tailored to engage residents with cognitive impairments. At Barclay House, we take a deep dive into the resident’s history, including their prior careers, family background, favorite hobbies, favorite foods, and personal traits such as whether they have always been a morning or night person. Our team uses this information when planning for a resident’s day to day life as this helps us gain a better understand of what activities will bring the most joy to our residents, and how we can make this transition easier for our residents. Our communities offer a vibrant activities program which focuses on incorporating joy into every day. Our monthly calendars include live music, community outings, family events and more.
Safe and Secure Environment:
Memory Care communities offer a safe and secure environment for their residents. At Barclay House, we design our Memory Care neighborhoods, specifically for people living with memory loss, which offers a soothing and easy to navigate environment. This helps our residents to feel comfortable and secure, so that they can take part in activities with a greater confidence. Barclay House also utilizes a Vigil Memory Care System, which uses sensors and motion detectors to alert staff when your loved one may need assistance. Our Memory Care neighborhood mirrors our assisted living, including a beautiful courtyard, a theater, activity area, and plenty of bright spaces with large windows. This creates a safe, yet enjoyable atmosphere that allows our residents to feel comfortable and have fun in.
Dining Experience:
One difference between a Memory Care Community and a Skilled Nursing Facility is the dining experience you can expect. At Barclay House, our in-house chef brings the finest culinary experiences to the table at every meal service, so your loved one can always find something deliciously nourishing on their plate. By putting love into every detail – from the fresh flowers decorating the table to the artfully prepared dishes we serve, we not only provide nutritious meals, we provide a place for a joyful dining experience.
Support for Families:
One significant difference between a Memory Care Community and a Skilled Nursing Facility, is the amount of support you can expect as the family members. We understand that a memory loss diagnosis is challenging for everyone in the family. At Barclay House we offer ample support programs, including monthly educational support groups, where families can ask questions and connect with others. Barclay House has a dedicated and certified team, who is ready to assist you and your loved one every step of the way.
If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with memory-loss, you aren’t alone, and at Barclay House we will ensure that you never feel like you are. With a dedicated 24-hour nursing team, ample activities, and restaurant-style dining, your loved one can find joy in their everyday life here at Barclay House.
