Submitted on Wednesday August 29th, 2012
A condition that causes memory loss (dementia) is one of the most common reasons an elder can no longer live at home. Some assisted living facilities have "memory units." So do some skilled nursing facilities.
Every aspect of a memory unit is geared to the needs of adults with dementia.
- More staff. Personalized attention is the heart of memory care. Familiarity is comforting to the person with dementia. This requires more staff per resident.
- Simplified environment. Fewer walls and shorter corridors are the norm. This way, residents can see where to go. They don't have to remember. The decorations are usually homey. And clutter is kept to a minimum.