The Role of Community Support in Dementia Care

When a loved one experiences cognitive decline, caring for them requires a community. Some family members try to tackle caregiving alone, but quickly end up burnt out without support. Below, we’ll be exploring how dementia affects seniors, why community plays such a large role in their quality of life, and how considering a transition to a supportive memory care community can help loved ones to blossom in their senior years. 

Why Community Support Is So Vital for Caregivers

Dementia is a loss of cognitive functioning of the brain caused by a variety of diseases. The stressful symptoms can come and go, sometimes worsening quickly. Seniors can become confused very quickly, getting themselves into dangerous situations or unable to find their way home. 

As cognitive decline worsens, it requires a whole community of caregivers and professionals to offer the kind of dementia support seniors deserve. Many caregivers try to take on the challenge alone, but with the support of a professional memory care community, loved ones can enjoy their senior years. 

Social Interaction For Seniors With Dementia

Maintaining a social life at home is tough for seniors with dementia. They often feel embarrassed of their condition and isolate themselves from family, friends, and neighbors. But maintaining a social life is a vital way to keep them healthy and slow progression of their disease. 

In a dementia care community specially equipped for their needs, seniors can safely socialize while receiving personalized medical and daily support services.

For some seniors, social time may involve one-to-one support from staff, with frequent visits from family. For others, group activities and events boost their mood and help to slow cognitive decline. 

Meeting new people and discovering a new life offers memory care residents a place to thrive and be themselves in an environment where the neighbors understand.

Support Groups For Caregivers

Whether loved ones are living at home or supported by a professional community, caregiving for a relative with dementia can be emotionally devastating. 

It can feel like nobody understands and exhaustion can wreak havoc with the health and wellbeing of caregivers. Community support groups can offer support during tough times and offer a safe haven to feel understood. 

Staying Active For Seniors With Dementia

An active lifestyle is beneficial for all seniors, including residents with cognitive decline. Studies show even mild exercise to be helpful in slowing the progression of memory problems and improving the experience of seniors with dementia. 

Staying active and safe can be difficult for seniors living alone, but community groups and memory care communities can help keep them moving. Activity groups are designed to include memory focused activities that cater to seniors’ needs.

Exercise for memory care residents can be simple, with some supervised activities including:

• Gentle walking
• Stretches and other gentle movement activities
• Water based classes for added support
• Exercise-based hobbies like gardening or playing golf 

Appropriate Medical Care for Memory Care Support

As dementia worsens and cognitive decline begins to show, seniors frequently neglect their physical health. Difficulties with keeping appointments and taking medication on time can take a toll on their general well being. 

Staying physically healthy is crucial for slowing Alzheimer’s dementia symptoms and can help loved ones enjoy their senior years. Support from case managers, social workers, and professional care teams can help keep their health on track. 

Professionals within memory communities can offer:

• Scheduling of doctor appointments 
• Medication scheduling and maintenance
• Guidance on activity and exercise options
• Nutritional suggestions and monitoring
• Arrangements for physical therapy referrals
• A positive and motivating presence for residents

Asking for Help as a Caregiver

Caregiving for family and friends with dementia is an act of love. But it can also be exhausting, lonely, and overwhelming at times.

Despite the hard work of caring for a senior in decline, caregivers often feel guilty or hesitant to admit they need help with their loved ones’ care.

Give Your Loved One The Support They Deserve At The Brennity At Daphne Assisted Living & Memory Care

Seniors with dementia need extensive physical and emotional support, but with the right care plan, they can thrive and potentially slow their condition’s progression.

By engaging seniors with social activities and ensuring their medical and personal needs are taken care of, memory living communities like The Brennity in Daphne help families to spend quality time with loved ones and deepen relationships.

The Brennity At Daphne helps families to focus on what matters the most. Schedule a tour today and give your loved one a better tomorrow.