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What Are Some Techniques of Memory Care?
Date Updated: January 3, 2025
Written by:
Lauren Thomas is a seasoned writer that specializes in long-term care, with a special focus on dementia-related topics. She holds a degree in counseling and uses her knowledge and experience to create insightful content that gives seniors and families the information they need to make important care decisions.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Some techniques of memory care include routine and consistency, brain games and physical activity. These techniques enhance the quality of life of those living with dementia. They help residents maintain cognitive and motor functioning while reducing anxiety and promoting social engagement.
How Does Memory Care Differ from Assisted Living
Like assisted living communities, memory care residences accommodate seniors who need regular support. In fact, most state agencies license memory care communities as part of assisted living facilities and require them to provide the same standard services.
However, along with these standard services, memory care communities offer tailored care for those living with dementia. In many cases, caregivers complete enhanced training programs that cover behavioral management strategies, pain recognition and effective communication techniques. Memory care communities also typically have tailored environments with features such as life skills stations, fully secured outdoor spaces and open floor plans that promote self-direction.
How Do Memory Care Communities Support Residents?
Memory care communities support those with dementia through an array of strategies and techniques. These include:
- Verbal cues: Caregivers use verbal cues and reminders to help residents care for themselves. These may include bathroom reminders, positive reinforcement and pairing names and relationships when referring to family members.
- Redirection: When residents show signs of anxiety or restlessness, caregivers use redirection to shift their focus to calming activities or conversation topics.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain and supports cognitive functioning.
- Mental stimulation: Participating in activities such as brain games, puzzles and reading can help the brain stay active, slowing cognitive decline.
- Routine and consistency: Predictable daily routines provide structure and reduce confusion for residents, promoting their confidence and ability to self-direct.
- Memory aids: Wall calendars, notes, alarms and posted daily schedules help residents remember important tasks and anticipate upcoming activities.
Are There Different Levels of Memory Care?
While each memory care community has its own method for providing individualized care based on a resident’s degree of functioning, the levels of memory care generally include mild, moderate and advanced care.
All levels of care include structured daily routines, secured environments and hands-on assistance from trained caregivers. To determine how to best accommodate a resident’s needs, memory care communities conduct initial assessments that outline cognitive functioning, medical needs and daily living requirements. Based on these assessments, communities develop personalized care plans that address residents’ physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs. Caregivers update this assessment according to state laws or whenever the resident experiences a significant change in functioning.