Finding Memory Care in Shreveport
If your loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it’s important to prioritize finding them a living option that is safe, comfortable and engaging. For many family caregivers, having their loved one continue to live at home on their own or with live-in support is simply not realistic. Live-in care is expensive and family members often are still juggling full-time careers and don’t have the capabilities to be an around-the-clock caregiver. Fortunately, there is another solution in specialized memory care communities.
As you search for memory care in Shreveport, be sure to take these factors into consideration so that you can make a confident decision.
It’s Never Too Early to Start Searching for Memory Care in Shreveport
Thanks to more awareness and better cognitive screening, adults are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia in the early stages of the condition. This means that adults first diagnosed can still live at home alone, often with minimal support. It also means that they can be a part of their future planning, advocating for their own wants and needs before they are unable to do so.
It’s never too early to begin looking at memory care in Shreveport, especially when you are involving your loved one who has dementia. The more they can be involved with choosing their future home, floor plan and community, the more smoothly their transition will go.
Focus on a Specialized Program
Look for a community that offers a specialized memory care program, with homes and shared spaces built intentionally to combat the challenges that come with dementia. Specialized communities also have specially trained staff, with caregivers who are given ongoing education on the best practices of dementia care.
Your loved one will be able to comfortably live and thrive in a specialized memory care community for many years.
Quality of Life Matters
Beyond a specialized environment and specially trained caregivers, a memory care community should also offer services and programs that focus on quality of life. Look for a community that offers an event calendar that has a mix of routine activities, like group exercise and crafts, as well as special events like socials featuring live entertainment. Getting outside is important too, so be sure the community has a safe and enclosed courtyard or patio where residents can enjoy the sun on their faces and a breath of fresh air.
It’s important to look for a community that offers programming throughout the day and evening, even on weekends. Events could include those that are spiritual in nature, as well as those that focus on physical and cognitive exercise.
Family Education Opportunities
A dementia diagnosis affects more than just the loved one. It also changes family dynamics and leaves many family members wondering what to do next. Look for a memory care community that cares for the family members just as they do for their residents.
At The Glen Cottages Memory Care, we are always there to answer questions for family members or even offer to demonstrate interventions we have found successful. The Glen hosts a caregiver support group on the first Thursday of each month, and we spend time sharing stories and learning from experts in the area. Most importantly, support group participants can encourage one another during a difficult time.
Learn more about our Caregivers Memory Loss Support Group here, or contact one of our friendly staff members at The Glen Cottages Memory Care by calling (318) 798-3500.