Importance of Secured Memory Care Units
What Are Secured Memory Care Units?
Secured memory care units are specialized areas within senior living campuses, hospitals, or nursing facilities, designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with dementia. These spaces prioritize security due to the tendency of people with dementia to wander, become disoriented, or feel agitated if they get lost. Utilizing innovative technology, human-centered design, and specially trained staff, these units are tailored to meet the unique needs of residents with memory-related challenges. Protocols are in place to minimize potential hazards, ensuring a safer living environment.
Benefits of Secured Memory Care Units
One of the primary benefits of secured memory care is the enhanced safety it provides to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This secure environment not only protects residents but also offers peace of mind to their loved ones. Family members can rest assured knowing that their loved ones are in a setting designed to meet their specific needs. Additionally, the research-driven design of secured memory care units contributes significantly to the comfort and safety of residents.
As Dr. Julie L. Masters, a gerontology and counseling professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, states, “Providing a safe space for movement is crucial. The desire to move is often present, and having a secure area to do so can benefit residents who may need to pace or walk around.” This freedom of movement within a safe environment can reduce anxiety and empower individuals with dementia to maintain as much independence as possible, fostering a sense of confidence and pride.
Dangers of Unsecured Environments
Unsecured environments can be particularly hazardous for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias due to the risk of wandering or elopement. Studies show that three in five people with dementia are prone to wandering, which can lead to dangerous situations such as walking into traffic, falling, ingesting harmful substances, or becoming lost. Dr. Masters explains that brain changes can impair a person’s navigation and visual guidance, making it easier for them to become disoriented. Simple needs, like searching for food or a restroom, can trigger wandering, as can the urge to fulfill past routines like going to work.
Without a secure environment, an individual with dementia could easily wander away from a community, hospital, or home, putting themselves in potentially life-threatening situations.
Safety Features in Secured Memory Care Units
While wandering cannot always be prevented, secured memory care units employ a range of safety measures to protect residents. These communities provide a safe yet dignified environment through the use of modern techniques, including:
– Human-centered design
– Advanced technology and monitoring systems
– Specially trained staff members
Key Questions to Ask When Touring Secured Memory Care Units
When touring a secured memory care unit or community, it’s crucial to ask specific questions that address your loved one’s needs. According to experts, each person with dementia has unique requirements, so it’s important to consider how a community’s design and safety features align with your loved one’s situation. If you notice unique design elements during your tour, inquire about them to gauge the staff’s knowledge and understanding of dementia care.
Though choosing the right memory care community can be challenging, a free consultation with The Village at Sugar Land is important. Schedule a lunch tour and learn more about our program, activities, meal plans to best meet your loved one’s needs. Reach us at [email protected] or call 281-729-8800