Alzheimer's disease is one specific disease that can cause dementia, a degenerative brain condition that begins with minor memory loss but can escalate into major safety concerns. Communities offering memory care in Concord, NC, provide a stable, safe environment with specialized staff support around the clock, giving families greater peace of mind.
According to the World Health Organization, dementia is one of the major causes of disability among older people. It's also one of the most difficult for affected families to deal with.
It starts with small lapses in memory, but it's a degenerative disease that eventually results in critical safety concerns like missed medication doses, food being left burning on the stove, or getting lost in familiar environments.
Seniors with dementia and similar conditions are very sensitive to the environment and changes to routine. Memory care communities are built from the ground up to be safe and comforting for those experiencing memory-related illnesses. Let's look at how memory care communities in Concord, NC, support both residents and families alike dealing with these challenging conditions.
First, let's take a look at what dementia and Alzheimer's disease actually are. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they don't refer to the same thing.
Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of brain disease. Alzheimer's is caused by physical changes in the brain, such as abnormal protein buildup that impairs brain function.
Typically, it begins with the following symptoms:
Dementia, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to a decline in memory, cognition, and communication. Alzheimer's can cause dementia, but not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer's.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, dementia is significantly different from the normal forgetfulness and lack of awareness that come with aging. It's caused by real biological conditions that harm the brain and impair its functioning.
Alzheimer's is just one of the diseases that can cause dementia. The following diseases can also lead to a dementia diagnosis:
All these conditions have fundamental differences. The behavioral problems they cause are quite similar.
In the later stages of dementia, it becomes necessary for seniors to live in specially designed accommodations. Seniors with dementia are prone to problematic and dangerous behavior, and for those not well-versed in how dementia affects the mind, their behavior can be quite unpredictable.
Typical senior living environments are unsuitable for those in the later stages of dementia, as these communities endeavor to help residents stay as independent as possible, whereas dementia patients need round-the-clock monitoring.
A dementia or chronic illness diagnosis affects the entire family. Caregiving can be rewarding and helpful, but doing it without support often leads to exhaustion and burnout. Professional involvement helps you come up with a sustainable action plan so you can focus on your loved one, not the logistics.
Key pillars of support include:
This kind of help can be found in memory care communities. Getting support is not a failure. It is a sensible move that safeguards caregiver health and delivers better care for all.
According to the National Institute on Aging, while later-stage dementia requires specialist care, it often takes some time for patients to reach that point. In the initial stages, dementia can present itself with nothing more than mild forgetfulness and confusion. At this stage, assisted living communities are sufficient to fulfill all the safety needs of someone with dementia.
While staff in these communities are not trained in managing later-stage dementia symptoms, they are knowledgeable in noticing signs that cognitive decline is accelerating into the later stages. So, when their condition does start to deteriorate, they'll take note and recommend a move into a specialized community when appropriate.
Some communities offer both assisted living and memory care in one location, which allows for an easy transition. Seniors with late-stage dementia can become agitated and confused by changes in the environment.
Therefore, moving from assisted living to Memory Care in Concord, NC, within the same community is always preferable to moving to a new location.
The signs of cognitive decline can be subtle at first, but certain patterns of behavior are clear warning signals of serious illness. Here are four common red flags families should watch for:
If you notice any of these signs, get in touch with memory care services in NC for Dementia or Alzheimer's support in Concord.
Living with dementia is challenging for the entire family, not just the senior suffering from it. Dementia patients are highly susceptible to their environment, and while family members might have the best intentions, trying to manage the condition at home can worsen the problem and lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety.
Memory care in Concord, NC, offers caregiver relief by prioritizing safety using calming routines and supportive, specially trained staff.
If you'd like to see our memory care community here at Morningside of Concord for yourself, we'd love to show you around. During the tour, we'll highlight the Memory Care amenities we offer, like the on-site beauty salon, and our secure outdoor courtyard.
Contact us today, and we'll set up a date and answer any questions you may have about the onboarding process.