As our population ages and medical technology advances, life expectancy has increased significantly.  While the various different diseases that fall under the category of dementia are not an inevitable part of aging, advanced age significantly increases the risk of many of these diseases.  This means the demand for memory care services continues to rise.  Some studies suggest that as many as 50% of individuals over the age of 85 have some form of dementia.  Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia are the most prevalent diseases under the dementia umbrella, but there are other less common types as well.  In Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia the most common and significant symptom is loss of short-term memory.  However, as the disease progresses, loss of function with regard to activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, hygiene, and sometimes even eating) can occur.

Many individuals with Alzheimer’s or Vascular Dementia will retain long-term memories well into the disease, but their brains cannot retain “newer” memories.  This can be very difficult for spouses or adult children, as the individual with dementia might only remember loved ones who have long been deceased – such as parents or siblings – and no longer remember those who are still around, caring for them, or visiting them.  Reality orientation is not effective with individuals with dementia and should not be attempted.   If a person with dementia sees their daughter and says “Oh mom, I’ve been waiting for you!” it’s important to just go with that scenario.  At that moment, your mother sees a friendly face that makes her feel happy, safe, and loved.  That is the most important thing. Arguing with her about who you “really” are will not only be ineffective, it will likely ruin the joy that your mother feels from seeing your face and being hugged by you.

Despite the prevalence of memory disorders, there is no set definition of what constitutes memory care.  There are no national, or even statewide guidelines as to what can be called memory care – at least not in Wisconsin.  Memory Care simply refers to a grouping of services that have been found to be helpful for many individuals with memory loss.  The most common characteristic, however, is a lower staff-to-resident ratio than what is typically found in traditional assisted living.  For example, at SpringBrook we have approximately one nurse aide for 20 apartments in our assisted living area.  But, we have one nurse aide for every six to nine apartments in our high acuity/memory care area. This lower staff-to-resident ratio allows for more care to be provided.  The type of care that is provided is usually assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, prompting, cueing, and a lot of redirection.  Some memory care facilities also work with individuals that have a higher need for a behavior intervention plan.  These facilities usually have an even lower staff-to-resident ratio and provide advanced training for their staff.  Almost all memory care facilities provide group and/or individual activities that are slower paced and are aimed at accessing older memories such as music from a certain era, reminiscing about “the old days,” photos of life on the farm, etc.  Staying involved in social events and interacting with others to the extent possible is very important for a person with dementia.  At SpringBrook, we encourage this type of social participation daily.

In Wisconsin, memory care units are typically found in a licensed setting that is called a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF).  The types of services that each CBRF can provide, and the types of individuals they serve, can vary greatly.  CBRF’s are required to create a Program Statement that specifies the types of services they do, and do not, provide.  When looking for dementia care services for your loved one, be sure to ask the CBRF to provide you with their Program Statement.  This will give you a better understanding of the types of services you can and can’t expect from that particular memory care unit.   Some are more generalized and serve a broad range of more common dementia care needs.  Others are more specialized and serve a population that might have a less common type of dementia or a need for more skilled medical or behavioral care.

If your loved one needs Memory Care services, please contact us.  SpringBrook has a total of 38 memory care units divided into three cozy, easily-manageable neighborhoods of 12 -13 apartments each.  Let us show you what we have to offer.