Despite choosing memory care for their loved one dealing with memory challenges, it’s common for families to face certain complications. However, times have progressed significantly, and memory care communities, as well as the residents’ families, have begun understanding the measures that assist them in caring better for the individual in need. Modern memory care communities know how to care for their residents more effectively. Their approach is now more of a collaborative one in which they and the residents’ families work together to create care plans for the residents.
At Bayshire Carlsbad, we understand the importance of navigating the complexities of memory care for a loved one. Thus, today we’re sharing four crucial strategies that families can use to support their loved one’s wellness.
Communicating And Collaborating With The Care Team
The collaboration between the professional caregivers and the family is happening at an unprecedented pace. Families have begun understanding the vital role of embracing open communication with the memory care teams. Here’s what families need to know about engaging with the care teams.
Share Your Loved One’s Story
Give the care team detailed information about your loved one’s medical history, daily routines, personal preferences, and behaviors. This shared knowledge helps the care team better understand the condition of your loved one so they can provide the necessary care. To do this, collect details about your loved one’s childhood, career, hobbies, significant relationships, cultural background, daily routines, preferences, and any particular dislikes (if any).
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
You want your loved one to receive the best of care, right? A significant step towards this notion would be collecting information about the kind of care and amenities your loved ones will be receiving at the chosen community. Clarify any concerns that you might have about the care plans, staffing, safety protocols, and activities.
Actively Engage With Your Loved One
It’s common for individuals with memory impairments to feel uneasy when they have just moved into a memory care community. This early phase of the transition is very crucial for deciding the overall experience that their loved one will have at their new place. For this, the family must focus on creating a strong connection with their loved one. Here’s how they can do it.
Maintain Consistent Engagement
By paying regular but not so frequent visits, a family can help their loved one adjust to their environment. These thoughtful visits help their loved one create a sense of familiarity and security—no need to do anything extravagant. Engaging in simple, familiar activities like looking at old photos, listening to familiar music, and strolling around the community are some of the considerations that they can go for. They can also join them at the dinner table.
Socialize With Others At The Community
Many communities even plan for family meetups and events. This proves to be an excellent opportunity for them to socialize and share their concerns. This, in turn, provides them with emotional support and fosters a sense of community.
Prioritize Caregiver Self-Care
For those caring for a loved one at the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, caregiving can be a great responsibility. It’s demanding and emotionally taxing. Caregivers often become so focused on their duties that they overlook their well-being. That’s when they realize that protecting their health is essential too.
Practice Self-Care
As a caregiver, you need to understand the fact that self-care is crucial, not selfish. For this, focus on consuming a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and maintaining social connections.
Seek Professional Support
Among the various complications that families face are issues like anxiety and stress that affect their well-being. Some families may even need help managing their finances or following legalities during their caregiving responsibilities. Geriatric care managers or social workers can help them with these matters.
Leverage All Available Resources For Best Results
With just a bit of research and planning, a family can find numerous valuable resources that help them navigate the caregiving journey with more ease. Resources like The Alzheimer’s Association offer those in need a 24/7 helpline, support groups, and educational materials. Additionally, organizations like the Family Caregiver Alliance and the National Council on Aging provide additional assistance to those needing help.
Explore Virtual Visitation Options
Technology has already advanced significantly, and failing to capitalize on it would be a missed opportunity. Use technology to bridge geographical distances and connect with your family to maintain consistent interaction, even if in-person visits are limited.
Participate In Shared Online Activities
You can organize virtual events for your family, friends, and loved ones to engage in meaningful activities together. Use the online platforms to view family photos and videos together and create positive memories. Doing so isn’t just fun but also deeply meaningful.
Bayshire Carlsbad—The Memory Care You Can Trust
At Bayshire Carlsbad, we believe that memory care isn’t about keeping the loved one safe—it’s about helping them live healthy, fulfilling lives at every stage. The strategies above highlight how care practices can support both the resident and the family. By building strong communication with the care team, staying emotionally connected, and utilizing all the available resources, families can navigate the various challenges linked to memory loss with ease.
Remember, the key to adhering to the advancements in memory care practices lies in understanding and teamwork. As a family member, your role is as vital as that of a caregiver. Using the right mindset and efforts, you can make the aging and caring journey for your loved one more meaningful.
For those exploring a worthy choice of memory care, they can partner with us at Bayshire Carlsbad. We believe in a comprehensive care approach that supports the whole person—physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This idea of ours is reflected in the person-oriented care plan that we make for every resident in our community. Contact us and schedule a tour of our premier memory care community to learn how our advanced care mechanisms and traditional wellness practices work together to support individuals with memory impairments.
