Memory Care

There are distinct differences between Memory Care and other types of senior communities. Although it would be easy to think that any senior community that has residents with dementia is a Memory Care community, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Memory Care communities, like Windsor Gardens in Vancouver, WA were created solely to serve the needs of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory Care typically includes 24/7 supervision by specially trained staff, specialized communication techniques and management of difficult behavior. People with Alzheimer’s and other medical dementias may also need cuing or hands on help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, eating, transferring from bed to a chair or wheelchair, toileting or other personal care. Because many people with dementia wander, many Memory Care communities also provide a secure environment that allows a person to move freely within the community, but prevents them from leaving without supervision.

• Can they provide care for people at all stages of dementia? Will my love one have to move if his/her needs change?
• Was the community built solely for memory care or was memory care added?
• Do they have experience working with dementias other than Alzheimer’s, such as vascular or Lewy body dementia?
• Are the care plans person-centered?
• How does the fee structure work? Is there one flat fee, or separate fees for housing and care?
• Are the activities meaningful and appropriate to each resident’s interest and cognitive level?
• hat is the staff’s experience and training with dementia?