Exceptional Memory Care in Tampa Bay | Discover Senior Living
Across Florida, almost 600,000 elderly people are facing the symptoms of dementia. And behind that number are many relatives and other caregivers doing their best to support their loved one and faced with an ever-changing, progressive disease that can be hard to handle.
It may be time to consider professional help like nursing care. If you are at the start of your journey, here's what you need to know about memory care in Tampa Bay.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is specialist senior living support for people with memory impairments in their later years, including those with diagnosed conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
These conditions are progressive, so when symptoms become apparent in a person, it often demands a long-term look at their living arrangements.
Memory care is there to create a safe environment for patients with a dementia condition. That means secure housing, structured routines and activities, and ongoing care support from a professional.
While this care support can't reverse cognitive issues, it can help reduce some of the symptoms and improve the quality of life for a patient.
Cognitive Symptoms and Memory Care
Early cognitive symptoms of dementia may often be mistaken for general forgetfulness or tiredness, something most of us experience from time to time.
That can make it hard to know when to take action. And in the early stages of dementia, a person may still be fully capable of caring for themselves.
However, since it's a progressive disease, it will worsen to the point where someone can't take care of themselves.
If you are a concerned relative, you should consider helping your loved one to move before the situation becomes worse because an independent person with dementia faces unique risks to themselves and others.
They could forget to switch off a stove. Or they could be vulnerable to scam artists.
So try to plan care for dementia as soon as possible, and if you don't have a formal diagnosis, aim to get one as soon as you spot those early warning signs. Symptoms to look out for include increasing forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty completing daily tasks.
They may often misplace belongings and forget important dates. Some people with dementia might become agitated or angry or wander away from home without reason, becoming disorientated.
Understanding the Different Types of Memory Care
If your loved one is in Florida, different types of senior care homes and memory support are available. You'll want to ensure you get the best one for your relative, so it's helpful to understand a bit about the choice available.
There are assisted living communities, which is what we offer at Discovery Village, Trinity. This is a home with a comprehensive suite of services and amenities, plus tailored memory care support.
However, not all care environments offer this range of support. Some offer at-home care or day support, which may not provide the wrap-around help your loved one needs as the disease progresses.
It's essential to find a community that offers a range of programs and a high-quality environment so that it becomes a safe and happy home for your loved one.
Choosing the Best Memory Care in Tampa Bay
Your priorities will be your loved one's comfort and quality of life, so it takes some careful deliberation to find the perfect option. Start by looking at your relative's unique needs.
They may have care needs, such as help getting dressed. They may also have hobbies and personal preferences that you want them to continue to enjoy, like art. Look for a community that offers these types of classes and group activities.
You should also check the experience and qualifications of staff on-site. They will need to have specialist memory care support, as it requires unique skills and knowledge compared to general senior care.
You should also check the layout and security of the environment. It must be safe and free from hazards for your loved one, which means gated, secure entrances and controlled access to the building.
What to Expect from the Best Memory Care
An exceptional memory care community like ours will take the time to plan a structured and stable routine for residents. On a typical day, that might mean a morning with personal assistance like getting dressed and bathing.
After that, a resident might take part in one of the many activities available in the community, like music therapy or a gentle exercise class like yoga. Meals are prepared on-site and served in a communal dining area.
Staff will be there to help memory patients who have trouble feeding themselves. Evenings in a community might be quiet and relaxed, or there may be a themed event on the calendar for interested residents.
Throughout the day, memory care staff are on hand to help with any support a resident might need.
Dementia and Alzheimer's Support in Tampa: the Costs
Assisted living can sometimes create worries for families concerned about the long-term costs. It's vital to know the expenses upfront and how it compares to your budget.
If you are unsure, speak to the assisted living provider. You may be entitled to additional financial support, and that's always worth exploring.
That could include Medicaid, for example, or financial support for Veterans. You may also have existing care insurance, which means speaking to a provider about whether they accept that insurance.
Family Support for Memory Care
If you are a family member of someone with cognitive issues, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Seeing the decline of your loved one can be difficult. You may also feel apprehensive about moving your relative into assisted living.
It's crucial you reach out to your chosen assisted living community for support. Talking to their expert care staff will reassure you that you are making the right choice.
Finding Exceptional Memory Care in Tampa Bay
Cognitive decline doesn't need to lead to a decrease in your loved one's quality of life. By choosing exceptional memory care in Tampa Bay, they can get the support they need, surrounded by a wide variety of activities and amenities they can enjoy.
Your search starts right here at Discovery Village Trinity. With a beautiful environment, a vast list of amenities, and highly qualified staff, it's the first choice of many looking for memory care. Find out more about our services for senior living in Tampa.