According to statistics, approximately one out of every nine people in the United States that are 65 or older the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, it is expected that – by the year of 2050 – approximately 15 million people in the United States will have this condition. These are staggering statistics – especially when you consider the fact that this is only one type of dementia.
In fact, there are over 100 types of dementia. Now – more than ever before – facilities that offer memory care services are starting to focus on the overall design of their facility. It is believed that certain design schemes will not only help make the dementia patient more comfortable, but will also lead to higher-quality care.
Maximizing the Overall Strengths of the Dementia Patient
It is a common fact that – over time – dementia leads to many weaknesses. These are manifested both cognitively and physically. Examples include sensory deficits, mood complications, confusion, furthering deficits (such as vision loss and hearing loss), and mobility issues.
Hospitals and other types of medical facilities may make the dementia patient agitated and uncomfortable – which furthers the weaknesses being experience. It has been established that by using certain design schemes within memory care facilities, the strengths of the dementia patient may be maximized.
Concepts for Design
There are four main concepts that memory care facilities are now integrating when it comes to design schemes. These are outlined below:
- Minimizing the Possibility of Overstimulation – Large spaces, groups, lots of noise, and higher levels of visual stimulation are known to result in overstimulation. If a dementia patient is in this type of environment, they may experience confusion, agitation, and may be easily distracted. Designers are now focusing on quiet, small spaces that are considered to be intimate. This has been found to reduce stress and increase comfort levels in those with dementia.
- Creating Familiar Spaces – Medical settings often result in locations appearing to be cold, unfriendly, clinical, and even frightening for dementia patients. Now, designers are focus on creating memory care units for the care for dementia patients that are relaxed and even appear residential. Instead of a medical facility, the facility looks like a home. It may integrate safety features – such as slip-resistant floors and handrails – but it may also incorporate features that a patient may control – such as lighting controls.
- Wayfinding and/or Orientation Control Features – Dementia patients may become confused and disoriented easily. This is especially true if they are unable to find their way throughout a memory care unit. As a result, many design schemes now include visual cues and highly distinctive landmarks to areas within the facility, such as the cafeteria, the station for the nurses, the restrooms, and even signs to patient rooms.
- Family Support Measures – Finally, memory care facility designers are starting to incorporate spaces and accommodations for families. Examples include seating areas in their loved one’s room, outdoor areas for spending time together, and other types of amenities. This not only makes family visits more comfortable; it results in more visits from loved ones – which is highly beneficial for the dementia patient.
Contact Us Today
If you are in search of a memory care facility for your loved one, we can help. As you can see from the information contained here, these living facilities are making great strides in ensuring that dementia patients are comfortable and that they receive the absolute best care possible.
We are familiar with these facilities and are able to determine the best one for your loved one, based on their individual needs and your desires, as a family. Best of all – it is absolutely FREE! For more information, contact us now by calling: 973-713-0096