For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, memory loss can be jarring, lonely and even anger-inducing. They may be unable to remember basic facts, like what year it is, their location or a loved one’s name, all of which can contribute to feelings of a lost identity.
Seniors with severe memory problems require a drastically different type of support than people with other age-related disabilities. Placing them in a retirement community that doesn’t account for their specific needs can have disastrous effects. Luckily, memory care is the fastest growing sector in the senior housing market, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors, Housing & Care (NIC).
As the baby boomer generation continues to age, it becomes increasingly important for assisted living homes and similar arrangements to adopt memory care services. Not sure what memory care means? This article will explain its features and outline some of the best memory care homes in Michigan.
At John Ganton’s Countryside, we strive to create a welcoming, comfortable and stimulating environment for seniors of all ages and abilities — including elders with severe memory loss. Interested in chatting? Call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.
The Purpose of Memory Care
Memory care services are specially designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia and are generally part of a larger assisted living community. Memory care homes provide the same benefits of assisted living, meaning they can provide around-the-clock assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), prepare meals, arrange transportation, coordinate medical care and more.
The distinction between assisted living and memory care is that the latter makes special provisions for patients with severe memory loss. These provisions may include extra safety features, activities and environments designed to enhance memory, special therapies and staff trained in needs of residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
What to Look for in a Michigan Memory Care Home
If you’re researching the best memory care homes in Michigan, your results will run the gamut. Amid the many features, there are a few must-haves, including the following:
Security Features
People with dementia can forget where they are, leave their home and be unable to remember how to get back. It’s essential to find a memory care residence that provides security features like cameras, motion sensors and other appropriate technologies. In contrast to blaring alarms, these types of security tools will improve safety without making your loved one feel imprisoned.
Staff Trained in Caring for Dementia Patients
Until you’ve cared for someone with memory loss, you don’t understand their distinct struggles. It’s important that the staff be familiar with caring for people with dementia and equipped with proven strategies to reduce harm and encourage wellness.
Intuitive Building Layout
People with severe memory loss tend to struggle in indoor spaces that all look the same. The best memory care homes in Michigan may have shorter, color-coded hallways, personalized room doors and other distinguishing features. Additionally, they might have mobility assistance for residents in wheelchairs and fall prevention measures like handrails and limited stairs.
Memory-Enhancing Therapies
For some seniors, memory-enhancing therapies can be helpful; for others, they’re an exercise in frustration. The best memory care homes in Michigan will tailor the activities to your loved one’s individual needs and goals. Activities could include puzzles and board games, music programming, pet visits, gardening, painting or cooking.
Best Memory Care Homes in Michigan
Dementia affects everyone a little bit differently, and the best memory care programs for your loved one will depend on their individual needs, goals and preferences. However, high-quality residences tend to have few similarities. Here are a few of the best memory care homes in Michigan:
- Addington Place of Clarkston (Independence Township, MI), a senior lifestyle community with comprehensive memory care services. They foster a secure, enriching environment and provide person-directed care.
- Vicinia Gardens Luxury Retirement Living (Fenton, Otsego, MI), a retirement community with custom-designed facilities for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. They prioritize comfort, safety and personalized, around-the-clock care.
- Grand Village Assisted Living & Memory Care (Grandville, MI), a senior living community with the first trademarked program that focuses on caring for residents with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and dementia. They balance physical care with emotional needs and emphasize personalized attention.
- Pomeroy Living Sterling (Sterling Heights, MI), a senior community with a memory care branch specialized designed to meet the needs of residents with memory loss. Their certified therapeutic recreational specialists develop engaging social programs for dementia patients.
- John Ganton’s Countryside (Jackson, MI), a planned adult community that offers a wide range of lifestyle options, all located on a beautiful 100-acre campus. Their assisted living memory care program engages with residents on every level: physical, emotional, intellectual and social. Residents have access to 24-hour, dementia care certified staff, and enjoy themed hallways, silent security sensors, elegant dining, daily activities, a high staff-to-resident ratio and more.
Looking for Memory Care in Michigan?
Not every senior living community is capable of providing the level of care that Alzheimer’s and dementia patients deserve. Fortunately, there are many high-quality memory care homes in Michigan that provide individualized, expert care.
At John Ganton’s Countryside, we understand that people need more than safety to live happy lives — they need engagement, compassion and professional care providers to help them along their journey. Ready to schedule a tour? We’d love to meet you! Call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.
