The idea of putting a loved one in a memory care community can feel overwhelming for many family members (and the individual, too). You may have even promised your loved one that you would never do such a thing. Alicia Seaver, Vice President of Memory Care Operations at EPOCH Senior Living and Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, says that a big part of this feeling is due to myths and misconceptions of what memory care communities are really like.
“When an elderly person balks at the idea of going into a “home,” they’re often picturing something institutional, sad and gloomy – someplace they are shuttled off to and shut off from the world,” says Alicia. “This may have been the case back in the day. Thankfully, there have been so many strides made in understanding cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, and they’re reflected in how memory care communities are constructed and operated these days.”
Still, old and outdated fears linger – which can actually cause family caregivers who need support to wait and struggle longer than necessary.
“Research and experience has shown that the sooner someone moves into a memory care community, the more likely they are to receive expert care that can manage their condition, and the more likely it is that they will start considering the place as home,” Alicia says. “Bridges by EPOCH at Hingham has been designed from the ground up to provide optimum quality of life for our residents. Everything, from our community layout to the activities we run to the staff we hire, is dedicated to celebrating and respecting our residents along their memory loss journey. It’s about enriching lives, not taking their lives away.”
You may have heard of some of the myths about memory care. We’ve listed some of them below, as well as the actual truth of what families can expect from a memory care assisted living community like Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham.
Myth 1: Memory care communities are depressing and gloomy.
Do the words “memory care” conjure up ideas of cold tile floors, fluorescent lights and indifferent staff members? Throw those misconceptions out the door. Today’s modern memory care communities provide a homelike experience for residents, paired with attentive care to help them live as independently as possible. Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham has been designed to meet best practices in dementia care, with open common areas, abundant natural light, comfortable surroundings, private apartments for our residents and life-enriching programming that’s designed specifically for each individual’s interests and needs. We focus on the person and honoring them, not the disease and “treating” them.
Myth 2: My loved one simply will be medicated at a memory care community.
Did that phrase set off an emotional reaction for you? It certainly did for us. While medications may help to slow the progression of the disease in some cases, research indicates it’s not the best way to approach dementia care – and certainly not how we approach it. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, we know that the best care comes from the heart, and from focusing on the person within. Our entire staff has been professionally trained in non-pharmacological best practices to provide dignified care for those with memory loss. Our team is skilled at helping our residents live the best life possible using techniques, therapies and approaches that comfort, soothe and inspire.
Myth 3: My loved one won’t be safe at a memory care community.
You may believe that your loved one is better off at home where you can keep an eye on them at all times. In many cases, individuals with dementia are often much safer in a memory care community because of the entire team that’s dedicated to supporting these residents throughout the day. There are licensed nurses on hand around the clock, meaning that no matter what time of day, there is someone moments away who can assist your loved one. A dedicated team of caregivers, wellness professionals and dietary aides provide support in whatever way our residents need. Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham is also a secured community, meaning that our residents can navigate throughout our community as much as they like without the risk of wandering off. Our purpose-built design also has visual cues and safety features (like contrasting colors and grab bars in the bathroom) that enable residents to travel throughout the community in a safe, secure way.
Myth 4: Memory care is far too expensive.
When you take a closer look at what you and your senior loved one are getting for that monthly fee, you may actually be paying approximately the same or less than you currently are for all of your loved one’s care. Think about it: if you’ve reduced your hours or left your job to care for your loved one, that costs you. Things like groceries, utilities, safety upgrades and outside assistance can cost a lot, too. At a memory care community, residents receive everything for that monthly fee: rent, meals, activities, transportation, caring and professional assistance, utilities and more. They’re also receiving the benefit of social interaction and a setup designed specifically for their needs. Add to that the time and stress that you may be experiencing yourself from caregiving, and memory care quickly becomes well-worth the cost.
Myth 5: No one can care for my loved one better than I can. This is my responsibility.
It’s normal and natural for family members to want to care for their loved one themselves. However, as dementia progresses, their loved one will need more and more care until they require around-the-clock care every day. This puts huge demands on family members and their physical and emotional health can suffer greatly because of it. Caregiver guilt is a real thing, and so is caregiver burnout. Through no fault of your own, this can result in substandard care for your loved one (and yourself).
At a memory care community like Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, we take that responsibility off your shoulders, which allows you to do something very special: nurture your relationship with your loved one. Instead of being a caregiver and a child or spouse, you can refocus on your primary relationship … and create meaningful moments of joy with your loved one without having to worry about taking care of this task or that.
For more information on how Bridges® by EPOCH can help you in your caregiving journey, contact our Senior Advisor today.
Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
Dedicated Memory Care
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.
Contact us today to learn more.