A common concern many of us have as we get older is whether we will eventually develop dementia. While estimates vary, research suggests the prevalence of dementia in the U.S. among adults age 65 and older is approximately 10%, and the percentage increases among older groups.
But many of us will need to make decisions about dementia care well before we reach retirement age — we may even need to make decisions about dementia care services on behalf of a parent or perhaps a grandparent.
These are difficult decisions to make, but understanding more about dementia and the available options for dementia care can help you make the best possible choices for your family.
What Is Dementia?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term used to describe “loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities … severe enough to interfere with daily life.”
What starts as mild cognitive impairment — problems with short-term memory, frequently misplacing items such as keys or eyeglasses, forgetting appointments and so forth — can gradually (and in some cases, not so gradually) lead to dementia.
If you’re noticing changes in your parent’s thinking skills or their memory seems to be getting worse, it’s important to have a doctor evaluate the cause, and the sooner the better. It could be something easy to remedy, such as changing a medication. Or it could be a medical condition other than dementia that can be cured through treatment.
What Are the Most Common Types of Dementia?
The Alzheimer’s Association lists nearly a dozen different types of dementia, including dementia associated with conditions such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Down syndrome.
These are among the most prevalent types of dementia:
- Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with this type of dementia. It’s by far the most common form, accounting for between 60% and 80% of dementia cases. While researchers continue efforts to understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institute on Aging it’s thought to be a combination of factors, including age-related changes in the brain, genetic makeup, and environmental and lifestyle factors.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies. Along with changes in thinking and reasoning, this form of dementia can lead to visual hallucinations, sleep disorders, a severe loss of thinking abilities that may or may not include memory issues in the early stages, movement problems and changes in behavior and mood.
- Vascular dementia. This refers to a decline in thinking skills resulting from impaired blood flow to the brain. Conditions including atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of heart attacks or strokes and obesity increase the risk of vascular dementia.
- Mixed dementia. This is the occurrence of changes in the brain indicating two or more types of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Primary Advantages of Memory Care
In a community that offers memory care, like The Vered will when it opens in early 2025, professional caregivers with specialized training are prepared for virtually any situation that might arise. They know how to interact with older adults who have dementia in ways that help them stay calm, focused and engaged.
Families often notice a marked difference in their loved one, even after just a short time in memory care. Staff members gently encourage residents to participate in activities designed specifically for people with dementia, providing them with social interaction and mental stimulation. It’s not unusual even for those who’ve previously been uncommunicative to gradually engage with their caregivers and other residents and take part in group and one-on-one activities.
A Setting That’s Safe and Secure
By their very nature, memory care communities are designed for safety and ease of navigation, with extra security measures to safeguard residents who have a tendency to wander. Yet our memory care neighborhood won’t feel the least bit like a “facility.” We’ll have thoughtfully created living spaces where residents can thrive, not merely pass the day.
AUGi Will Help Reduce Residents’ Risk of Injury From Falling
To enhance residents’ safety, The Vered is going to have a novel type of advanced technology called AUGi into our safety protocols. AUGi is an artificial intelligence-driven hybrid sensing technology developed by Inspiren.
The AUGi system uses sensors in areas of the residence where falls are most likely to occur —for example, near the bed where someone might fall when getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. When AUGi detects motion indicating a potential fall risk, it notifies the care team so they can respond appropriately.
Bringing Our Unique Perspective on Dementia Care to Encino
Like other communities that provide dementia services in California, The Vered and our memory care staff will meet all the state’s extensive licensing requirements. What will set our memory support apart from what you might find elsewhere, besides our clinically excellent dementia care, will be our:
- Comprehensive programming designed to inspire residents, vitalize them and enhance their quality of life
- Compassionate, highly trained caregivers dedicated to helping residents live with dignity and a sense of purpose
- Focus on well-being, which is more than a physical state; we look for innovative ways to nurture residents’ social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual well-being, too
- Care that focuses on the person, not the dementia; learning (from family members) about who our residents are
In short, we believe memory care is more than assisted living for individuals living with dementia. Our community offers so much more than merely giving residents a hand with daily tasks and making sure they take their medications properly.
We support family members and keep them apprised of what’s going on with their loved one. We care for residents, in every meaning of the word, and giving them reasons to look forward to each and every day.
Want More Information?
We invite you to learn more about our plans for memory care at The Vered. You can also contact us or call 818.450.3120 to schedule an appointment with a member of our team at the Discovery Center.
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