If you or your loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia or any type of Memory Loss, creating a customized Memory Care plan might be the next logical step in your journey. A Memory Care plan is an organized and regulated outline designed to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of a person living with Memory Loss. From physical and cognitive enhancements to financial and health guidelines, the plan offers benefits to meet the needs of the person living with Memory Loss. 

What Is a Memory Care Plan?

A Memory Care plan can be created based on the specific physical and mental health needs of the person living with Memory Loss and their care partner(s). It details personal information, regular daily activities, cognitive abilities, state of health conditions, and preferences. 

Common topics addressed in a Memory Care plan include communication, mobility, toileting, eating patterns, orientation/cognition, psychosocial/behavioural patterns, recreational activities, and care partner support needs. 

The Benefits of Creating a Memory Care Plan

There are many benefits of creating a Memory Care plan for you or your loved one, including: 

  • Improved Quality of Life: A Memory Care plan focuses on areas such as support, care, and activities to improve a person’s quality of life through structured engagement. 
  • Increased Safety: Having a Memory Care plan can ensure all safety measures are in place and decrease the risk of accidents. It can also deter wandering and disorientation by being proactive instead of reactive.
  • Increased Independence: Having a detailed plan for each day can remind and encourage a person living with Memory Loss to fulfill basic tasks such as chores, grooming, eating, and social activities. 
  • Reduced Stress: A Memory Care plan can help reduce stress and alleviate concerns by formulating goals and support care. 
  • Improved Interactions: A Memory Care plan outlines specific activities and engagements the person living with Memory Loss can participate in, which in turn can improve their social interactions. 

Tips for an Effective Memory Care Plan

If you think a Memory Care plan might be the right move for you or your loved one, consider these tips.

Understand Your Loved One’s Needs

A Memory Care plan can only be designed based on the unique and specific needs of the person living with Memory Loss. Understanding the existing capabilities of the person in terms of their physical, mental, and emotional strength can ensure the plan is tailored to their needs. 

Develop Strategies to Support Memory Care

When creating a Memory Care plan, developing strategies to address their unique needs will further enhance the quality of life of the person living with Memory Loss. These can include, but are not limited to, being aware of specific opportunities of care available, having legal documentation of the loved one’s financial assets, and having a plan of action as the disease progresses. 

Assess the Skills/Abilities of Your Loved One

An assessment of the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the person living with Memory Loss will be performed by a team of professionals. This stage is crucial to ensure the appropriate steps are outlined within the Memory Care plan to provide the best support and care for their needs. 

Set Realistic Goals

Each individualized Memory Care plan needs to have realistic goals within its guidelines. There are various stages of dementia and no two people experience the disease in the same fashion or timeline. Each person’s physical, mental, and emotional state must be considered and properly managed in the care plan. 

Establish Daily Routines and Structures

A Memory Care environment is designed to have programs structured for those living with Memory Loss. Creating a Memory Care plan based on the available activities, programs, and established routines of such an environment can help reduce the risk of daily disruptions that can cause anxiety and stress on your loved one. 

Prepare for Emergencies

A crucial aspect of a Memory Care plan is to establish guidelines and rules in the case of an emergency. Whether your loved one has an unfortunate accident or experiences a severe health condition, the plan needs to outline the series of events that should be taken to provide the appropriate care. 

Engage Your Loved One in Meaningful Activities

Meaningful activities can be defined as actions that allow the person living with Memory Loss to retain interest in their favourite hobbies and creative endeavours. The care plan can have a scheduled event for painting, walking, gardening, knitting, or playing musical instruments. 

Stay Involved and Connected

As dementia can rob a person of their sense of belonging and contribution to society and their family, it is important for family members and friends to remain involved and connected with their loved one. The Memory Care plan can include activities, schedules, and events that help maintain the bond. 

Provide Emotional Support and Care

A Memory Care plan addresses the need for emotional support and care for the person living with Memory Loss and for the care partner(s). Everyone involved will need to be considered in terms of physical and emotional support to prevent depression and burnout. 

Monitor the Progress

In a Memory Care environment, the families and care partners of those living with Memory Loss should stay up to date with their loved one’s progress. Dementia involves various stages that can cause a person’s health to progressively decline. Reviewing the plan on a regular basis should is important, especially if your loved one is hospitalized, has a fall, change in medical needs or significant weight loss. 

Move Your Loved One to a Memory Care Environment

Those needing specialized Memory Care can receive customized care plans with a move to a Memory Care environment. Designed for safe living, these environments provide extensive programs, housing, meals, and medical attention to enhance the lives of those living with Memory Loss. 

Talk to Our Experts About the Importance of Memory Care Plans

Memory & Company is the world’s first Respite Hotel and Premium Day Program offering short-term and long-term accommodations for those living with Memory Loss. With locations in Oakville and Markham, we provide personalized Memory Care plans for our Members and their care partners. 

Contact us at (905) 888-8808 or email us at info@memoryandcompany.com to discuss how our compassionate care programs can help you and your loved one.