Memory care is a type of senior living community that is designed to support and care for individuals living with cognitive impairments. Frontida Assisted Living communities, for example, are trained to care for people who have more challenging types of dementia, including Alzhiemer’s disease, Lewy body, Frontotemporal, and other types that affect language and behavior, and are complex to care for.
Take a closer look at memory care and what to expect in a community dedicated to enriching the lives of people experiencing the progression of dementia.
Understanding the Early Signs of Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of diseases or conditions that affect thinking, memory, and behavior. Because dementia is progressive, it worsens over time, increasing the need for assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
Early warning signs of dementia may include:
- Difficulty remembering words and changes in speech
- Confusion about understanding speech or when reading
- Repetitive questions or stories
- Memory loss that affects everyday life
- Difficulty remembering loved ones’ names or relationships
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is caused by changes in the brain that include abnormal buildups of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Other types of dementia and cognitive conditions include the following:
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Hydrocephalus
Individuals living with any of these conditions or forms of dementia may benefit from the care, services, and support a memory care community provides.
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Exploring a Memory Care Community
A memory care community is designed to nurture and support residents with 24-hour supervised care, typically in a smaller, secure setting with a dedicated interdisciplinary team.
You’ll often find structured activities, easy-to-navigate layouts, intentional lighting, and secure areas to create a calm living environment. Residents may enjoy the following amenities and services in a memory care community:
- Private or semi-private suites
- Medical monitoring
- Emergency call systems
- Exercise programs
- Music therapy programming
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Social activities
- Three daily meals and snacks
- Transportation services
- Assistance with daily living activities
- Medication management
Special Training
Memory care staff receive training on how dementia affects the health, feelings, and behaviors of residents. The team also learns techniques for effective communication and managing challenging behaviors.
Explore specialized memory care at a Frontida community >>
Larger Community or Stand-Alone Setting
Memory care may be located within an assisted living community or a larger continuing care community that offers independent living, rehab services, skilled nursing care, and more.
Another memory care option is a stand-alone memory care community. This type of community is specifically designed to serve individuals living with dementia. You might find a lower staff-to-resident ratio for more individualized care, often with the same caregivers.
Support System
A memory care community can be a great source of support for the entire family and other loved ones of a person living with dementia. Many communities have organized support groups for families or other resources to help cope with and understand the challenges and behaviors of cognitive decline.
Learn about life at Frontida Assisted Living >>
Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living
If you’re researching senior living options, we invite you to visit one of our family-owned assisted living communities in Wisconsin. Here you’ll find traditional-style care for residents who require assistance with day-to-day tasks but still desire a high level of independence.
Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.
Each Frontida community maintains a garden to incorporate seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables into our menus. We encourage healthy choices and well-balanced meals.
Learn how we care for our residents:
- Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
- Fully accessible, private bathrooms
- Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
- Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
- Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
- Access to a trusted network of physicians, nurses, podiatrists, and therapists
- Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
- 24-hour personal care and supervision
- Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
- Dedicated memory care communities
- Specialized mental health care communities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Individualized care plans
- Dedicated Life Enrichment Coordinator to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
- Dedicated Registered Nurse to oversee the health and wellness of each resident
We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
Download a copy of our memory care guide to learn more about your options. When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us.