Senior Health

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

Summer is a time for sunshine and outdoor fun, but for seniors, it also brings potential health risks like heatstroke and dehydration. Preparation is key to ensuring your elderly loved one enjoys the season safely. Here are seven essential tips to help them stay cool and healthy during the hot summer months.

 1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a common issue among seniors during the summer, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. In severe cases, it can result in hospitalization and serious health conditions like bladder infections or kidney stones. Ensure your loved one drinks plenty of fluids, particularly:

• Water

• 100% juice drinks (such as pure orange juice or apple juice)

• Sports drinks high in electrolytes

• Coconut water

Avoid beverages that can cause dehydration, including alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

 2. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Proper clothing is essential for keeping cool and avoiding sunburn or heat exhaustion. Encourage your loved one to wear:

•  Light Colored clothes

•  Lightweight fabrics

•  Loose-fitting garments

• Hats and sunglasses for added protection

These choices help the body stay cool and prevent overheating.

 3. Stay Indoors During Peak Heat Hours: The hottest part of the day is typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Encourage your loved one to stay indoors during these hours. To keep their indoor environment cool, consider the following tips:

• Close windows and blinds to block out the sun

• Take cool baths or showers

•  Sleep in the coolest room with light linens

•  Turn off artificial lighting and electronics to reduce heat buildup

These measures help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

 4. Monitor the Heat Index and Dew Point: It’s not just the temperature that matters; the heat index and dew point are also critical. These measurements indicate how hot it feels when humidity is factored in. The higher the dew point, the muggier it feels, which can significantly impact your loved one’s comfort.

• Dew point 55 or below Comfortable or dry

• Dew point 5565: Muggy or sticky

•  Dew point 65 or above Very hot and damp

By monitoring these factors, you can better assess whether it’s safe for your loved one to be outside.

 5. Slow Down and Avoid Overexertion:In the summer heat, even simple activities can be exhausting for seniors. Encourage your loved one to take it easy and avoid strenuous outdoor tasks like gardening, lawn care, or home repairs, especially when the humidity or dew point is high. Slowing down helps conserve energy and reduces the risk of heat exposure.

 6. Eat Healthy, Hydrating Foods: Hydration isn’t just about drinking fluids; certain fruits and vegetables can also help keep your loved one nourished and hydrated. Consider incorporating the following into their diet:

• Hydrating vegetables: Cucumbers, romaine lettuce, celery, radishes, zucchini

• Hydrating fruits: Watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, pineapple, starfruit

These foods make great snacks or side dishes and contribute to overall hydration.

 7. Check In Regularly

Regular check-ins are crucial during hot weather. Whether through phone calls or visits, ensure your loved one is staying hydrated and comfortable. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Ask about their water intake and make sure they have enough fluids.

Check if they’re spending time outside and using sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Ensure they have air conditioning or fans to keep their living space cool.

If your loved one is struggling to pay for cooling costs, the National Council on Aging offers a list of energy assistance programs, including the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, which specifically helps seniors with energy and cooling expenses.

By following these seven summer heat safety tips, you can help your elderly loved one enjoy the season while staying safe and healthy. With a little preparation and regular check-ins, they can have a fun, sun-filled summer without the risks of heat-related illnesses.

We all love a good brain game, right? Whether it’s a challenging crossword, a strategic chess match, or a quick round of Sudoku, there’s something satisfying about putting our minds to the test. But for older adults, brain games aren’t just fun and mentally stimulating – they’re essential for maintaining cognitive health and well-being.

As a caregiver, you understand the importance of keeping your loved one’s mind, body, and spirit healthy. Just like regular physical exercise strengthens the body, engaging in brain games helps keep the mind sharp and resilient. Here’s why:

• Brain Fitness: Brain games challenge different cognitive skills, from memory and logic to problem-solving and critical thinking. Regularly exercising these mental muscles can help improve cognitive function and performance in daily activities.
• Sharper Memory: Many brain games focus on memory recall and word association, which can help slow down age-related memory decline and even improve memory function in older adults.
• Enhanced Focus: Brain games often require sustained attention and concentration, which can help improve focus and reduce distractibility – valuable assets for navigating daily life.
• Boosted Mood: The mental stimulation and sense of accomplishment that come with brain games can contribute to a positive mood and overall well-being.

There are countless brain games to choose from, catering to different interests and abilities. Here are a few ideas specifically geared toward older adults:

• Classic Games: Board games like chess, checkers, and Scrabble offer strategic thinking and social interaction. Card games like bridge and rummy keep minds sharp and memories active.
• Word Games: Crossword puzzles, word searches, and anagrams challenge vocabulary and spelling skills while keeping minds engaged.
• Jigsaw Puzzles: Putting together puzzles is a great way to exercise visual-spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Online Brain Training: Many websites and apps offer interactive brain training exercises that target specific cognitive skills.

Remember, the key is to find brain games that are enjoyable and engaging. Encourage your loved one to explore different options and find what they like best. By incorporating brain games into their daily routine, you can help them keep their minds sharp, improve their cognitive function, and enjoy a better quality of life.

The Village at Sugar Land is one such community where seniors enjoy various activities and play games with other seniors or have their own solo game time. We offer customized individualized programs to our residents which keep them busy and entertained. Reach us to learn more about the different levels of care we offer for your loved one, and the convenience of living safely with peace of mind.

Contact us at [email protected] or call 281-729-8800

Let’s face it, as we gracefully glide through life, medications, vitamins, and supplements often become our daily companions. While they keep us feeling our best, juggling them, especially after lifestyle shifts or new prescriptions, can feel like a chaotic circus act. Don’t worry, ringmaster skills aren’t required!

We have compiled some magic tricks to turn medication management into a breeze and track skillfully:

Create a Medication List:

Imagine a comprehensive list showcasing all your medications, doses, and usage instructions. Jotting this down helps you stay organized and empowers informed decisions. Consider sharing it with loved ones for extra peace of mind.

Storage Savvy:

From prescription powerhouses to herbal helpers, designate a “med haven” – a specific shelf, organizer, or drawer – for all your pill pals. This central location makes grab-and-go a breeze and prevents crazy searches everywhere.

Tech to the Rescue:

Forget the “Did I take my meds?” panic. There are many brilliant for gentle (but persistent) reminders.

Communicate with Your Doctor:

Open communication is key! Share any new symptoms or concerns with your doctor. They can assess your needs and adjust your medication regimen, ensuring optimal health and safety.

Remember: Medication management isn’t a solo act! Embrace these tips, stay informed, and communicate openly! The key is to empower and encourage loved ones to manage their medications confidently!

At The Village at Sugar Land, we provide personalized care plans and dedicated caregivers who manage both personal and medication needs. Reach us to learn more about the different levels of care we offer for your loved one, and the convenience of living safely with peace of mind.

Contact us at [email protected] or call 281-729-8800

If you have more questions or need some local resources, please give us a call at (281)729-8800 or email us at [email protected]