Memory Care near Guelph, ON

Memory Care in Guelph, ON

When a loved one develops dementia or Alzheimer's, it can be difficult to process, let alone deal with. You might even be tempted to care for them yourself, but that may not be the best idea for them. Seniors suffering from memory illnesses are easily confused, they wander off, and they're easily agitated and moved to violence. Additionally, these individuals often have irrational demands, are prone to yelling, and may not remember that you're family. All of this is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting for family members who do not have the proper training to handle these scenarios. It's often better to consider memory care facilities. The good news is that Guelph has several options for families in need of memory care, and the beautiful area makes it a peaceful place for seniors to retire in.

More About Guelph

Guelph is only 45 minutes away from Toronto, so the good news is that even if you can't find something in Guelph, you're not far from a bigger city. That said, Guelph can hold its own. On the small-town front, Guelph has a low crime rate, a low unemployment rate, and as one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, it has a high standard of living. The people are friendly, there is a lot to see and do around town, and it's small enough to still be peaceful. Seniors will have every opportunity to live a high-quality life in Guelph.

Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia

It's important to understand the distinction between these two so you understand how much care your loved one needs. Alzheimer's disease is a specific form of dementia, so the two are related, but they affect individuals in different ways. Those suffering from these two illnesses will eventually require 24-hour care in a catered setting, so whether you choose assisted living or a nursing home, the facility must have a dedicated memory care section.

Dementia is an umbrella term that covers a broad spectrum of symptoms related to impaired thinking and memory. However, issues other than Alzheimer's can cause dementia, including Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. It is more often associated with the cognitive decline that comes with aging. Alzheimer's is a specific form of dementia the presents symptoms such as impaired thought, impaired speech, and confusion. The primary difference between these two is that Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease that cannot be cured, whereas dementia can sometimes be reversed or temporary, depending on what caused it.

Assisted Living or Nursing Home

Both assisted living and nursing homes offer options for those dealing with memory impairment. The facilities used to treat and care for dementia and Alzheimer's residents should be separate from other residents, but deciding which is best for your loved one comes down to the level of care they need. As is the case with other senior residents, assisted living is a better option for those seniors who do not have aggressive medical needs. In this arrangement, the senior lives in an apartment on his or her own, and they have access to the staff whenever they need assistance. In a memory care situation, the staff may check on the senior more frequently, but this typically works best for those with dementia that is reversible or temporary.

Nursing homes offer more medical treatment options, and they tend to be more hands-on with the residents, meaning that the staff assists residents more often in a nursing home. This scenario is usually best for those with Alzheimer's because of its degenerative properties. Over time, seniors will not be able to do anything for themselves as the disease progresses. That type of care is not typically offered in assisted living because those facilities are not staffed or trained in the same way.

Services Offered in Memory Care

It's important to remember that each community offers something a little different than its competitors, but there are some basic services which all memory care facilities should offer.

• Comfortable private, or semi-private, rooms
• Daily meals
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Medication management
• Exercise and therapy programs
• Social activities
• 24-hour staffing and security

At the end of the day, you should be well-versed in your loved one's condition so you know how best to help them. Speak with their doctor and be sure you understand the future of your loved one's needs. For example, if you're in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's, your loved one may still be able to do things for themselves; however, over time, that ability will disappear, and they will need more help. In that case, placing them in assisted living might mean you will need to move them to more appropriate care in the future. Thinking of future needs is an important part of the decision-making process.