The Importance of Family in Memory Care at The Lodge at Grand Junction

Family involvement reduces confusion and helps maintain stability and dignity. Regular visits provide reassurance and improve well-being. Families also assist with care coordination, ensuring residents receive consistent support and attention.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia, and the total is projected to reach about 13.8 million by 2060.

In Grand Junction, CO, memory support with loved ones, families plays a vital role in providing familiarity and emotional connection that helps residents feel secure in their surroundings.

Read on to learn more about the importance of family in memory care.

Grand Junction Family Caregiving: The Practical Side of Family Support

When a loved one enters a phase of cognitive decline, it doesn't just affect the individual; it affects the whole family. Sitting down a few times a week for a shared meal with loved ones can be beneficial, particularly for seniors who are having difficulties with nutrition.

In the evenings, confused sundowning behaviors can be quite prevalent. During these episodes, people with cognitive decline can get quite agitated. When family members are available to step in, it makes all the difference.

According to Hayward et al., family involvement in care homes improves communication, strengthens family-staff relationships, and is linked to better resident quality of life. This highlights the importance of family as a stabilizing factor in the healing process and overall care experience.

While emotional support is crucial, many problems in memory care are more practical. Managing hospital appointments, sticking to medication schedules, and detailing family health history are all crucial parts of this process. As cognitive decline sets in, seniors become much less capable of managing these practicalities themselves.

Seniors in rural areas like Grand Junction will benefit greatly from having a reliable caregiver who can ensure they get to appointments on time.

How Families Help Maintain Identity and Dignity

An Alzheimer's diagnosis is more than just a medical condition; it sets you on an emotional journey where routines and relationships change significantly. When someone in the early stages of cognitive decline moves into an assisted living community, they might feel like they're losing their identity as well as their memory. That's why familiar faces are so crucial.

They remind patients with cognitive decline that, despite their diagnosis, they're still a mother, son, or brother. Alzheimer's involvement from close relatives reinforces a person's sense of belonging and purpose, ensuring that their individuality is respected.

Family members are essential advocates helping loved ones maintain their freedom and dignity. When they're no longer capable of making medical decisions on their own, memory care patients rely on their relatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Activities That Support Well-Being in Memory Care

Residents participate in various programs and events designed to suit everyone's interests. In memory care communities, music sessions where residents listen to familiar hits from their past are usually popular. According to Belfi and colleagues, familiar popular music reliably evokes memories across age groups, supporting its use to spark recall and engagement in dementia care.

These connected care activities strengthen emotional bonds and encourage meaningful interaction between residents and staff.

There are also many activities offered that help keep the hands and mind active, lessening the rate of cognitive decline and helping maintain dexterity and mobility. To support overall health and reduce the chance of falls, light exercises such as chair yoga are available. These activities encourage seniors to participate in a safe and welcoming environment designed to meet their needs.

How Staff Handle Agitation and Safety

According to local regulations, licensed communities must meet defined requirements for resident rights, assessment and quality of care, and, where applicable, secure-environment standards for memory care units.

While staff have some degree of autonomy in making care decisions, they are largely bound by extensive evidence-based guidelines from the state. These regulations ensure that memory care communities operate at the highest safety standards with 24/7 support available.

While families often worry about their loved ones being in an unfamiliar environment, in reality, even a familiar home that you've lived in for decades can be confusing as you enter cognitive decline. So it's much safer to be in a community that's been designed from the ground up with your needs in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Family Involvement Important in Memory Care?

Family involvement is indispensable for residents with dementia. Consistent, loving visits from family provide a powerful sense of stability and comfort, which significantly helps to reduce feelings of confusion and agitation. This connection is fundamental to a resident's emotional well-being.

Beyond emotional support, families are a vital link for the care team. They provide critical background information, such as medical details and personal preferences, that staff need to provide truly personalized care. This partnership ensures each loved one's unique identity is honored and helps them form stronger emotional connections within the community.

How Do Memory Care Communities Keep Residents Safe?

Memory care communities prioritize safety through intentional design and constant supervision. The community layout is secure, featuring helpful aids like slip-resistant flooring and grab bars to support mobility. Residents are supported by 24/7 supervision, and all entrances and exits are carefully monitored to prevent wandering.

This continuous support is provided by staff who are specifically trained to follow strict, evidence-based care standards. This specialized training ensures they can provide immediate, compassionate support, upholding each resident's safety and dignity in every aspect of daily living.

Experience the Importance of Family-Centered Dementia Care

To sum up, the importance of family in working together to improve the lives of people with dementia cannot be overstated. Although communities provide the structure, professional support, and safety that residents need, it is their families' ongoing involvement.

Here at The Lodge at Grand Junction, our residents thrive through Vibrant Life, our innovative program where you set your own schedule, interests, and pace. This philosophy motivates and challenges our residents, making sure they live a full life. Experience the difference of personalized living.

Contact us today to schedule a tour and see the Vibrant Life program in action. We're looking forward to hearing from you.