One of the biggest questions a caregiver has to ask is: “Should I move my loved one into a memory care assisted living community?” That’s a very personal question and one that only you as the caregiver can answer.
“Caregivers can feel that moving their loved one to a community is a sign of ‘giving up’ or being a bad caregiver, but that’s not the case at all,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “The truth of the matter is that being a primary caregiver for someone with dementia means you have to shoulder some huge physical, emotional and financial responsibilities. While this may have been manageable in the early stages of dementia, it becomes more and more difficult as your loved one passes into mid- to late-stage dementia.”
Erica says that since your loved one will eventually require specialized care 24/7, it is incredibly difficult to provide quality care unless they are in a community where their needs can be met by trained, professional and caring staff.
“You may want to do it all, but you simply can’t – and shouldn’t,” says Erica. “In fact, it’s possible that moving your loved one to a memory care assisted living community is the kindest and best thing you can do for them and for yourself. A memory care assisted living community has many benefits, and one of the biggest is that it allows you to take a step back and focus on your role as a family member – not as a caregiver.”
The Benefits of a Memory Care Assisted Living Community
It’s designed with your loved one’s unique needs in mind.
Individuals with dementia interact with the world in a different way than you or I. What’s familiar to you may be confusing to them, or difficult or even dangerous. A memory care assisted living community is designed to exclusively treat those with cognitive impairments, and the design of the building reflects that. Many communities are a secure neighborhood that’s part of a larger senior living community. Others are a standalone community exclusively focused on serving individuals with dementia, like Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford.
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, our residents live in one of three households – a homelike environment that helps foster a sense of community and familiarity. Because their living area is smaller than a large facility, it helps reduce confusion and stress and makes residents feel secure and calm. Navigational cues, calming colors, aromatherapy and interactive life stations provide an easy-to-navigate atmosphere with opportunities for enrichment and happiness.
It has an incredible amount of services and amenities.
While caregivers can provide a loving home and familiarity, memory care assisted living communities offer services and amenities that are designed to help keep your loved one engaged, safe, happy, well-fed, physically active…and that’s just for starters. Your loved one will receive the care they require at all times – the caring staff handles everything. Here are just some of the things that a memory care assisted living community like Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford offer:
- Professional, caring staff available 24/7
- Assistance with the tasks of daily living, such as grooming, mobility, eating and others
- Medication management
- Life-enrichment programming designed to celebrate and encourage our residents’ remaining abilities
- Nutritious and delicious dining options
- Housekeeping, linen and laundry services
- Emergency systems in every room
- Family support programs and education
- A full-service salon
- Well-stocked library
- Safe access controlled outdoor areas
It provides person-centered care that focuses on your loved one’s abilities and strengths.
It’s easy to approach memory care by looking at what someone can’t do. Memory care assisted living communities take a different approach. Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford creates personalized, person-centered care plans that take your loved one’s life story, likes, dislikes, history, current strengths and abilities into consideration. By focusing on what they still can do, we send the message that your loved one still has worth and can live a meaningful life. It provides a sense of dignity, purpose and fulfillment. By using proven approaches and therapies, we help our residents have the highest quality of life possible.
It creates a fulfilling lifestyle for the resident and the family.
Residents thrive when they’re surrounded by people who love them. That’s why we encourage family members to be as involved as they can and want in the life of our community. Not only will your input help us craft the best possible care for your loved one, but it will also allow you to take a step back and become yet again the beloved family member instead of a caregiver. This allows you to focus on nurturing the relationship between you and your loved one, creating meaningful moments together that you both can cherish. With your help, we’re able to get to know your loved ones in the way they deserve.
It provides comfort and peace of mind.
Most of all, a memory care assisted living community can help you and your loved one live safely and happily. We’ve designed an environment that’s as stress-free as possible for our residents, which helps mitigate disruptive behaviors and gives them a more relaxing, empowering and enjoyable environment. For family members, we provide peace of mind that their loved one will be safe, secure and will receive the care they need whenever it’s required. There’s no more worrying about whether he or she will wander from home or get lost. No more worry about whether they will get their medication on time. No more stressful nights of you caring ‘round-the-clock. Instead, our professional staff does what they do best – providing quality care – so you can enjoy your time with your loved one.
“Making the choice to move your loved one into a memory care assisted living community is a big decision, but rest assured that you’re doing the right thing for you and your family,” says Erica. “We’ve seen residents grow and thrive when they’ve come to our community, and seen so many relationships blossom and deepen because of it. It is our honor to serve and care for your loved one during this journey, and we are here to help however we can.”
Comprehensive Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, we know no two residents are alike. That’s why we’ve designed our services to address the distinct challenges each resident faces. With comfort, safety and happiness as our top priorities, residents receive unmatched personalized attention, no matter the stage of memory loss.
Community Amenities
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford features a beautiful residential design. Every inch has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the lives of those with memory loss. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations are placed throughout the community to create a peaceful and secure environment so residents may enjoy great comfort, familiarity and security.
Contact us today to learn more.