Neighborhood Model in Memory Care Communities
The main concept behind the neighborhood model for memory care is to create homelike environments that are not as overwhelming as traditional memory care settings. The memory care neighborhood model supports person-centered care and fosters relationships between residents, their families and professional caregivers. This increased emphasis on social interaction is known to have a positive impact on a resident’s emotional, physical and overall wellbeing.
3 Benefits of the Neighborhood Model for Memory Care
Using a memory care neighborhood model comes with several important benefits for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Here’s a closer look at three benefits of the neighborhood model for memory care.
1. Supports Person-Centered Care
If you’ve been researching memory care communities for a loved one, you may have come across the term, “person-centered care.” While there are multiple meanings in use today, by most definitions, person-centered care focuses on recognizing people’s essential human dignity, treating them as individuals and making a concerted effort to understand what’s important to them.
Using this information, the approach to care is then customized to better fit the individual’s needs. Because memory care neighborhoods are purposefully structured to facilitate collaboration between residents, families and caregivers, this type of setting is widely considered the preferred approach.
2. Helps Prevent Social Isolation
Did you know that social isolation in seniors can contribute to a variety of health problems? According to the National Institutes on Aging,
“Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.”
Thanks to their open spaces and accessible community gathering areas, memory care neighborhoods bring residents and caregivers together so that they can engage in meaningful social interaction more regularly.
3. Offers Peace of Mind for Caregivers
If you’ve been caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, you know how it can take a toll on you – emotionally as well as physically. Because the memory care neighborhood model is designed for safety, you won’t need to worry as much about your loved one. More importantly, however, you may find that you can resume your role as an adult daughter or son, giving you more quality time to enjoy with your loved one.
Come Join Us for a Tour
At Western Home Communities, we’re proud of our memory support community and the remarkable people who call us home. We’d love for you to join us for a tour so you can see our memory care neighborhood model in action for yourself. Schedule a visit today, or contact us to speak with a friendly representative.