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Dementia / Memory Care
Dementia describes different characteristics around changes in the brain or cognitive capability. Most obvious is impairment of memory. Of many usually progressive and permanent dementias, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
There may come a time when a person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia will need more care than can be provided at home. During the middle stages of Alzheimer's, it becomes necessary to provide 24-hour supervision to keep the person with dementia safe. As the disease progresses into the late-stages, round-the-clock care requirements become more intensive.
Making the decision to move into a residential care facility may be very difficult, but it is not always possible to continue providing the level of care needed at home.
We are proud to offer our services to participants of the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program.
The questions below may helpful when determining if a move to residential care a good option:
Is the person with dementia becoming unsafe in their current home?
Is the health of the person with dementia or my health as a caregiver at risk?
Are the person's care needs beyond my physical abilities?
Am I becoming a stressed, irritable and impatient caregiver?
Am I neglecting work responsibilities, my family and myself?
Would the structure and social interaction at a dementia care facility benefit the person with dementia?
Even if you planned ahead with the person for a move, making this transition can be a stressful experience. You may feel guilty and wonder if you are doing the right thing. These feelings are common. Families that have been through the process tell us that it is best to gather information and move forward. Keep in mind that regardless of where the care takes place, the decision is about making sure the person receives the care needed.
About Our Memory/Dementia Care Program
Desert Cottages has created an environment that allows us to care for not just our memory impaired residents, but with special consideration for individuals that suffer from dementia as well as residents that suffer from behavioral issues such as combativeness and aggressiveness. Our homes are designed with the security features necessary for a safe and secure environment along with interior design features that incorporate soft tones and provide a calming environment. The family room hosts a specially-designed focal point wall, which provides added mental stimulation and serves as the primary location for all of our social activities. For our residents that prefer a little quiet time, we offer a secluded retreat area.
Memory Care: Differences Between Dementia and Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is a specific form of dementia. As Alzheimer's disease or dementia progresses, the level of care and assistance a person requires increases. While many families prefer to keep their loved one home for as long as possible, a person who suffers from dementia and Alzheimer's will eventually require 24-hour supervised care in catered settings.
For example, Alzheimer's living environments have secured areas to prevent wandering; a common symptom of the disease. And typically, residents in memory care need help with medications, bathing, grooming, eating, dressing and other daily tasks. Memory care provides intensive, long-term medical care to seniors with serious health and dementia conditions in a fully-staffed and monitored facility. The two most common types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, affect memory, language, thinking skills, attention span, and perception. Desert Cottages offers specially considered mealtime options to help maintain and build nutritional status in people with dementia. We understand that each person is different and care is individualized depending on their specific needs to successfully aid in improving eating behaviors and mealtimes.
Our Dementia Care Program at Desert Cottages includes:
Closed living area with single and double rooms lovingly furnished.
Individual furnishings of personal rooms for a familiar feeling.
Handicap accessible bathrooms and toilets.
Access to continuous and confidential care by our trained staff.
Inclusion of family members according to personal needs and wishes.
Friendly day rooms for social activities.
Generous walks and a garden just for our dementia patients to accommodate their increased drive to move about.
We are here to help.
Call (760) 342-7767 or contact us to learn more about our assisted living and residential care services.