Atria’s new collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter enhances our ability to provide supportive environments for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Aimed at enriching the lives of older adults and their families, this collaboration brings additional support systems to communities throughout the region.
Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Connecticut
“The Alzheimer’s Association is home to the field’s leading experts,” says Jason Shott, Regional Vice President at Atria. “And by working closely with them, our communities benefit from their expertise while we further the Association’s mission to maximize quality care and support.”
Laura Hoffman, the Association’s Vice President of Development for the Connecticut Chapter, says, “The Alzheimer’s Association is thrilled to build on our relationship with Atria Senior Living here in Connecticut. We are both committed to providing those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia – and their caregivers – the support and resources they need.”
To further these shared goals, the collaboration enables Atria to provide robust programs and toolkits to support family members navigating the complex waters of dementia care. A dementia diagnosis can leave many families feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. By tapping into the Alzheimer’s Association’s resources, Atria’s Life Guidance neighborhoods are better positioned to offer industry-leading care based on the latest research.
Education and awareness
According to a 2024 report from the Alzheimer’s Association, 128,000 Connecticut family members of people living with dementia perform 201 million hours of unpaid caregiving per year, work that’s valued at 4.3 billion dollars. This unpaid labor comes with a high level of emotional, physical and financial stress, leading to burnout, depression and strain from trying to navigate care decisions.
Seeking to alleviate some of the burden faced by caregivers, Atria and the Alzheimer’s Association are collaborating to offer tangible support and education that can make a real difference in the lives of Connecticut caregivers.
“Atria has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to better engage communities and community education through the Connecticut Chapter gala, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Go Purple awareness initiatives throughout the state,” says Hoffman. “Through this collaboration, we have the power to impact thousands of lives throughout Connecticut and beyond.”
Upcoming events
To support families and individuals affected by dementia in Connecticut, we’re hosting a series of events designed to educate and foster connection among those impacted by the disease. Join us in strengthening a network of care across the state.
Brain Health with the Alzheimer’s Association
Join us for a presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association, featuring the latest research on healthy living for the brain and body.
As a proud local sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, we’re raising funds for care, support and research. Register to walk with one of our community teams.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia present strenuous and unique challenges for those afflicted and their families. As the baby boomer generation enters their senior years, more and more people will be diagnosed with dementia – experts estimate that there were more than 7 million Americans 65 and older living with dementia in 2020, and if current demographic trends hold, more than 9 million Americans could be living with dementia by 2030, and nearly 12 million by 2040.
Jason Shott, a Regional Vice President at Atria Senior Living, knows firsthand how difficult dementia can be for older adults and their families. His mother developed vascular dementia following a stroke.
“Like so many seniors, my mother had resisted moving to assisted living and ended up mismanaging her medications at home,” Shott says. “Trying to provide care for her after her dementia diagnosis was very challenging because, at the time, I didn’t know about all the available dementia resources for caregivers.”
He lost his mother to an infection she acquired during a hospitalization. When his father started showing signs of vascular dementia, Shott was more prepared.
“My dad had already moved into senior living, and his dementia was developing more slowly,” Shott says. “We were able to find ways to keep him engaged and he ended up living a long life in senior living.”
Shott currently sits on the board of advisors for the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and devotes much of his time to providing information and increased awareness to families dealing with dementia.
“It’s so important that you educate yourself and your family members about what dementia is and what it entails for everyone involved,” Shott says.
Below, Shott answers some of the most common questions about dementia, its progression and treatment options.
Q: After a family member has been diagnosed with dementia, what are the next steps?
Shott: The most important thing is to know you’re not alone. It really does take a village to address your family member’s needs and concerns. At Atria, we work very closely with the Alzheimer’s Association, often recognized as the national experts on the disease. They have a 24-hour hotline – that number is 1.800.272.3900. You can also go to their website for a list of myths about Alzheimer’s.
So that’s a good starting point. Once your family member has been diagnosed by a physician, have a conversation with them to better understand what the next steps are from a medical standpoint.
Finally, you want to make sure that you communicate what’s going on to your family members, to your network of peers. A lot of senior living communities provide support groups with a Certified Dementia Practitioner® that will help guide you. But the key really is to know that you’re not alone.
Q: What are the stages of dementia and what kind of timeline can I expect for the disease’s progression?
Shott: Dementia can vary from person to person, depending on habits, genetic factors, lifestyle changes and so forth. And we’ll set aside early-onset dementia since that’s a different subgroup. But for seniors, there are basically three primary stages of dementia: early, middle and late. The early stage of dementia typically lasts about two years. The middle stage can be anywhere from two to four years – again, these are averages. And then late-stage dementia can be two years or longer. Regardless of the stage, the important thing is to understand what your family member is going through and how you’re going to best meet their current needs.
Q: What are some tips for creating a care plan for a family member with dementia?
Shott: Again, I want to stress the importance of being present and enhancing your communication. Understand that sometimes you have to speak slower, listen longer, maintain eye contact and try to avoid any kind of sudden movements. Really slow down the communication process with them and be patient.
Exercise is also a very important aspect in developing a care plan. The more activities and mobility that an individual exhibits, the longer they’ll retain the use of those functions. Try to structure sleep routines as much as possible. Depending on what stage of dementia they’re experiencing, their sleep may become more erratic. So the more consistent you can be in the beginning with sleep patterns is extremely helpful.
And finally, you want to have structured calendars to make it clear what’s going to happen on a day-to-day basis. The more you keep their days structured and the more you focus on communication, exercise and establishing routine bedtimes, the easier life will be for both of you.
Q: How does care vary for different kinds of dementia?
Shott: It depends what stage of dementia the person is in and what their needs are. A lot of people want to be the primary caregiver, spending most of their time taking care of their family member, and they end up burning themselves out – we see that an awful lot. Your emotional stress and physical stress take a toll on your body and your mind, and it’s not good for you or your family member because you’re not giving your best self to them.
Hiring a 24-hour caregiver, or caregivers, for your family member is a possibility if they’re living at home. Some folks with mild to moderate dementia can also do well residing in assisted living communities. If it’s middle- to late-stage dementia and you’re seeking a safer environment, then a secure memory care neighborhood is an ideal option, which many assisted living communities offer. As the dementia progresses and your family member becomes more bedbound, they can move to a skilled nursing care environment. And then, as they reach the final stage of dementia, there’s hospice care.
Q: What treatments are available for dementia and does insurance cover dementia care?
Shott: It’s a great question because we’re in such an exciting time in terms of treatment for the disease. There are some folks with Alzheimer’s or early-onset dementia who may qualify for a new type of treatment currently in the trial stages. Certainly you should consult with your physician or healthcare partner to determine whether you qualify for those type of treatments, but this is the first treatment that really targets the plaques that are significant in the brain that affect us in terms of the disease.
These treatments are becoming more readily available. We’re educating folks on it. Doctors are getting educated. Hospitals are running trials. So there are certainly some exciting developments happening.
Medicare and Medicaid do cover dementia treatment, up to a certain point. There are several other long-term care insurance policies that may also provide treatment outside of the specific type of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. For other types of dementia, there are medications to treat the symptoms but not necessarily the underlying cause. And there have been some mixed results in how those medications work with people. Again, you really want to work with your healthcare professional and determine what medication is right, if any. But typically those types of medications are covered under insurance.
Q: Is there a cure for dementia?
Shott: Currently there is no cure for dementia. However, there are things you can do to slow its progression. There have been successful trials of new treatments for Alzheimer’s where folks have gone into a period of remission, where their disease did not progress further.
But certainly there are a lot of things you can do to slow the disease’s progression, such as increased activities, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. There are certain programs available in assisted living, memory care and senior community centers that are designed to slow the disease’s progression. We’re really trying to educate people about what they can do to be proactive and really improve their lifestyle.
Q: What is memory care?
Shott: Typically, memory care signifies a comfortable but secure environment, meaning that it’s an environment where the individual is very engaged and won’t necessarily know that the doors are locked to keep them from wandering off.
That can be in a skilled setting. It can be in an assisted living setting. It can be in your community center. The key is that a memory care environment should provide the supervised, specialized care that your family member needs, depending on what stage of the disease they’re in.
Memory care can be helpful for caregivers as a chance to relieve stress and allow them time to care for themselves. But it also provides an opportunity for an individual with dementia to be in an environment with others like them, where their behavior doesn’t seem abnormal. They’re around other people afflicted with the same disease, which can help reduce anxiety.
Q: How much does memory care cost?
Shott: That can vary depending on what area of the country you live in. On average, we think the median rate is somewhere around $6,000 a month for memory care offered in an assisted living setting, but that can vary depending on what geographic location you’re in. It can be less, it can be more.
Some insurance plans will cover some memory care costs, depending on the type of living environment. There may be local stipends that can assist. There may be veterans assistance that can be applied. There are a number of resources and experts out there that can help you navigate the financial aspects of memory care.
Q: How does a family member or spouse know when to move from assisted living to memory care?
Shott: It really depends on what stage they’re at.
We see people in assisted living who function well in the moderate stage until they develop anxiety because the people around them seem abnormal to them, or when wandering begins and we’re concerned about where they are at any given time, or if an increase in activities and structured activities throughout the day and into the evening would benefit them and keep them engaged. Those are the times that you would really think about moving somebody to a memory care neighborhood.
Q: Where can family members find Alzheimer’s dementia support groups and other dementia resources for caregivers?
Shott: The primary place you can go now is the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, which I mentioned earlier. They offer help in finding local and online support groups. They also have a 24-hour hotline number available in Atria’s communities and a lot of other senior living communities. Additionally, many senior living communities have a Certified Dementia Practitioner to provide support as well.
Also, every county across the United States has a chapter of the Area Agency on Aging, which is a nonprofit local resource that provides additional information in terms of financial support or caregiver support.
So there’s a lot of help out there. Get connected and be proactive. Please do not do this alone. It won’t benefit your family member. It won’t benefit you. It’s so, so important to have that village and that support that will help guide you through this process.
If you’re just starting to explore senior living communities for your parent, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. From cost to care levels and quality of life, there’s a lot to consider. This article will help you understand the difference between memory care and assisted living.
What does assisted living offer?
Assisted living communities help older adults maintain independence by offering private apartments, daily meals, transportation and 24-hour support for essential activities of daily living – or ADLs – including:
Bathing
Getting dressed
Toileting
Transferring to and from a bed or chair
Eating
Incontinence management
Some families delay making the move to senior living until an incident forces their hand. However, waiting for an accident or higher care need may make it harder to transition to a new environment and integrate into the community. In addition to assistance with daily life, one of the greatest benefits of senior living is staying physically and socially active through community events.
Memory care communities offer a safe and secure environment where specially trained staff offer round-the-clock care and supervision. These tailored communities plan events that cater to the abilities of memory care residents, design spaces that feel soothing and familiar, and offer opportunities to socialize – all of which can help cognition and mood. As an added layer of security, entries and exits at a memory care community remain secured to prevent wandering.
The primary differences between assisted living and memory care are the level of assistance and security offered in the community. However, some communities offer both options in the event a resident’s care needs change.
Can someone with dementia live in assisted living?
Jason Shott is an Atria Regional Vice President with a long history of researching and working in memory care communities. He notes that many residents in assisted living experience mild cognitive impairment (referred to as MCI), including quickly forgetting names, or difficulty planning and organizing.
“When you begin to notice these symptoms, the first step is to go to a physician – preferably a geriatrician – to rule out medical reasons such as mini strokes or a UTI,” Shott says.
If symptoms are truly related to the beginning stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the social and cognitive stimulation a community environment offers may help with cognition, and symptoms can be managed until the disease progresses. In later stages, however, it may become necessary to seek an environment that’s dedicated to maintaining the safety and well-being of those living with dementia.
Signs it’s time for memory care
If you’re wondering if memory care is the right choice for your parent, there are a few things to consider. Shott recommends asking yourself if your family member:
Is safe in their current living situation
Has become withdrawn and moody
Struggles to recall the date or time
Is experiencing difficulty sleeping, including sundowning (confusion or agitation in the late afternoon and into the night)
A Place for Mom reports that in 2023, an assisted living one-bedroom apartment typically costs $4,803 per month. That said, the price can vary greatly by location, amenities and care needs.
Because memory care communities offer a higher staff-to-resident ratio with specialized care, the cost is typically more than assisted living. According to A Place for Mom, the median cost of memory care in 2023 is $5,800 per month, but the range is vast. They note that memory care apartments can be found anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000 per month.
No matter which community or living option you decide is best for your family, it’s important to understand what’s included in the monthly rate.
Finding the right community
AARP notes that even if your family is confident that assisted living is the right fit right now, it’s still important to understand what continuing care options are available. Finding a place where your parent can receive the care they need as their needs change will offer you peace of mind now and remove undue burden in the future.
Shott agrees – and says that if the community you visit won’t work out, they should help you find one that does.
“You want to work with a provider who doesn’t just want you to move in,” he says. “They should understand that if you can’t move in, their job is to help you find the resources you need.”
Adult Daughter Talking To Depressed Father At Home
The emotional changes caused by dementia are unpredictable. Your parent may be easygoing one day and uncharacteristically angry the next. It’s difficult to understand why they are acting out or how to provide care in tense moments – especially when it seems the target of that anger is you. So, is anger just a sign of dementia? Did you do something wrong? How can you fix it?
If your parent is in the later stages of dementia, their anger or agitation could be a reaction to pain or confusion coupled with frustration from communication challenges.
“While dementia does cause mood swings, anger isn’t always ‘just the disease.’ The person could have an unmet need that they can’t communicate,” says Catherine Schneider, Director of Resident Well-Being Curriculum at Atria Senior Living.
Angry outbursts, intense combative behavior and emotional moments of confusion can seem almost impossible to manage, but with the right information, you can.
“Disease education is power,” says Schneider.
Watch this video for information about helping a parent with dementia or continue reading below.
How do dementia symptoms affect my parent’s ability to communicate?
Different types of dementia present different communication barriers. Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia. It helps to understand your parent’s specific diagnosis and how their dementia symptoms may progress. In addition to amnesia or memory loss, your parent may experience one or more of the following:
Apraxia, or loss of motor skills
Agnosia, the inability to recognize faces, objects, voices or places
Aphasia, trouble speaking or understanding what’s said
Anomia, the inability to identify names of objects
What you’re experiencing as a random emotional breakdown may be a reaction to the temperature of the room being too cold – and your parent is frustrated that they can’t remember where they placed their blanket (amnesia); can’t unfold the blanket to put over their legs (apraxia); can’t recognize the blanket (agnosia); can’t verbally ask you for a blanket (aphasia); or can’t recall the word “thermostat” to request that it be adjusted (anomia).
If you notice sudden changes in your parent’s ability to talk, understand conversations or properly engage with everyday objects, speak with a geriatrician. A proper diagnosis and further insight on your parent’s unique forms of cognitive impairment will help you set behavior expectations for yourself and provide better care for your parent.
How can I determine the cause of my parent’s anger?
Ask yourself these questions: Is this behavior new? If so, when did it start? How often does it occur? If the behavior isn’t new, how is it different? What happened right before the outburst occurred? Observing your parent’s behavioral patterns will help determine if an unmet need is truly the root of their anger.
Many memory care professionals use a simple assessment called PIECES. Designed to determine unmet needs in critical categories, PIECES. stands for: physical, intellectual, emotional, capabilities, environmental and social.
Physical – Is your parent hungry, thirsty, in pain, not feeling well or in need of a bath? Have they started or stopped any new medications?
Intellectual – Are they having trouble speaking, in a state of confusion, or having issues hearing, seeing or identifying objects and people?
Emotional – Are they experiencing depression or grief over a loss or major life change?
Capabilities – Is your parent frustrated because they need help handling daily tasks such as eating, bathing or getting dressed?
Environmental – Are changes in their surroundings triggering? Assess the space. Is it too noisy? Might they find the temperature uncomfortable? Is it dark or cluttered?
Social – Are they bored or isolated? Are they overwhelmed by too many people around them? Do they feel as if their care provider is moving too fast, ignoring them or showing impatience?
Multiple factors can contribute to your parent’s behavior. Use your observation skills to help narrow down causes. Rule out pain first.
“A lot of people who are angry or scream are in pain. Something’s hurting. Pain is the most underdiagnosed symptom in people with dementia,” says Schneider.
Check for infections such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause discomfort and worsen dementia symptoms.
Focus on feelings, not facts. If your parent believes they are in another time and place, go along with it. When you live in their moment, it may be easier to find the meaning behind their words or actions.
“A woman in our community would often wander off. We learned that she – like my grandmother – always kept her purse by her side. She needed her purse,” says Schneider.
“Once we gave her a purse, the behavior improved. We even put fake money and coins inside. She felt secure and safe at that point. If anything happened, she was ready. Small things like that can address an unmet need.”
Redirect their energy to diffuse agitation. If your parent is suddenly agitated and shouting while around people or during an activity, they may feel overwhelmed. Try moving to a quieter spot and play music for them.
Overall, make it a habit to exercise the highest level of empathy possible during an outburst. You have the cognitive functions to regulate your emotions, control your body and communicate your needs to the world, your parent does not. Practice patience with your parent and yourself. Some unmet needs are obvious, others take time to figure out.
How do I cope during difficult moments?
There is an undeniable pain and grief that comes when you no longer recognize your parent because of dementia. What is the best way to help your parent and – equally as important – how do you help yourself?
If your parent with dementia often reacts combatively, or you’re overwhelmed by their anger, it’s okay to step away. Make sure, above all else, that both you and your parent are in a safe environment to avoid harm. Don’t try to restrain them. If you do need to call 911, make sure to notify emergency responders that your parent has dementia.
Replacing the main caregiver – even if that caregiver is you – may be the appropriate intervention for ongoing anger.
“They recognize that their son or daughter, who they used to take care of, is now taking care of them. It might be time to bring somebody else in to provide care. There’s nothing that you’re doing wrong,” says Schneider.
Lean on your support system when you can. Beware of caregiver burnout, and consider counseling when your own emotions are too overwhelming to manage alone.
We’re here to help
We understand the complicated dynamics of caring for those with dementia and how they impact the relationship between parent and adult child. It isn’t easy. We can point you in the direction of support groups, counseling and other senior care resources available for families coping with the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’d like more information about the ways we can help – from geriatric care managers to short-term stays – we’re here when you need us. Find your local memory care community to get in touch with our staff.
When it comes to dementia, boredom invites agitation, restlessness and increased confusion, especially in the evening. Engaging in hobbies, passions and interests promotes communication and uplifts the spirit.
You can create dementia-friendly activities that leverage your parent’s strengths, focusing on their abilities instead of deficiencies. This can provide a sense of structure and purpose to time, and also positively impact your parent’s cognitive, physical and emotional health.
1. Sing songs or play a musical instrument
Take a tip from healthcare professionals who prioritize music for dementia patients. Memories attached to music are the last to leave the brain and a powerful tool of expression when communication becomes difficult. Music decreases depression and anxiety, supports cognition, and improves overall well-being.
Here are other musical instruments your parent may enjoy:
Drums or bongos
Tambourine
Harmonica
Ukulele
Mbira
Sing or play familiar songs and let your parent take the lead, or simply listen. Both will positively impact their well-being. Easily accessible headphones paired with a playlist of their favorite tunes invites joy and promotes independence.
2. Repair or build simple items
Was your parent handy around the house? Did they show interest in carpentry or woodworking? If so, they may find fulfillment with hands-on projects modified for their ability. Simple birdhouse kits, wooden model ships and similar projects may be ideal activities for dementia at the beginning and middle stages. If cognitive impairment is more advanced, consider tinker boxes or busy boards made with wood and metal. Avoid anything with childlike features.
“I used to work with a retired mechanical engineer,” says Catherine Schneider, Director of Resident Well-Being Curriculum at Atria Senior Living. “He was very smart, and very good with his hands. He loved to fix things. We purchased things from Goodwill and broke them, and he would fix them.”
3. Reminisce and share stories
If your parent loves to share stories from the past, encourage them to continue doing it! Open a photo album, look at keepsakes or prompt stories. While it may seem simple and passive, engaging long-term memory is actually therapeutic and helps your parent feel empowered, at peace and important. Maximize the effectiveness by following these guidelines for engagement:
Allow your parent to guide you
Ask open-ended questions when prompted
Allow time for silence
Share your own memories
If a sad memory occurs, give your parent space to feel the emotions that come with it
Listen to them; gently move on to a more positive memory when it feels appropriate within the conversation
Take your at-home reminiscence therapy beyond photo albums and keepsakes if you can. Consider books or other items centered around important past experiences. For example, if your parent worked on airplanes, show them a small replicate model and see what memories arise. If your parent was a doctor, keep an anatomy textbook on hand and flip through a few pages together.
4. Complete daily household tasks together
As menial as it may seem, cleaning and completing small household tasks are stimulating as well as rewarding activities for dementia. You may already have a schedule centered around care, meals and medication management – work in ability-appropriate tasks when possible and assist when necessary. There is power in routine when it comes to dementia. Use it to your advantage, and theirs.
Here are a few examples of familiar, dementia-friendly activities your parent can complete around the house:
Make their bed in the morning
Wash and dry dishes after meals.
Sort and polish silverware
Take the dog for a walk after dinner
Fold laundry or towels
Polish and shine shoes, and then put them away
Knead dough to make bread
Water house plants
Feed the cat in the morning
Those with dementia like to know what to anticipate next. Providing a flexible daily schedule with a variety of tasks provides structure and prevents idleness, which may exacerbate sundowners and sleepless nights. Completing these responsibilities may give your parent a sense of accomplishment and control over their environment.
5. Listen to favorite books and stories
Reading is a popular activity for seniors with dementia, and audiobooks are an excellent resource. Hearing the words of a favorite book or story engages the imagination and the mind. Audiobooks also help calm overstimulation. If your parent enjoys the sound of your voice, read to them instead. Either way, try not to exceed 15 to 20 minutes.
Look for opportunities to introduce sensory stimulation, which means using foods, aromatherapy and sounds to help your parent better engage with the story.
Researchers and healthcare professionals find sensory stimulation for dementia patients evokes positive emotions and memories, encourages relaxation, and improves mental well-being. Drinking warm cider and using autumn scents while listening to a story about fall or holding seashells while listening to a story set on the beach are examples of ways you can introduce sensory stimulation for your parent.
6. Create works of art through different materials
Creating art in any form is a meaningful activity for those with dementia. It is another method of sensory stimulation that allows for self-expression, which is important because dementia often impacts the brain’s ability to communicate.
Show your parent pictures of art to help their creativity flow. Take things slowly. You may have to assist them. Guide their hand as they paint a stroke of color. Work alongside your parent as they roll out clay. Help them cut pictures from a magazine to make a collage. String beads on a nylon cord for jewelry. Even if your parent never showed artistic skills before, you both may be impressed by what they create. More important, you may find your parent really enjoys the process.
Finding meaningful moments to engage with your parent will help strengthen your relationship and help them live a healthier life – despite the cognitive impairment your parent is experiencing.
If you need more assistance navigating the challenges of dementia, we’re happy to share our expertise and senior care resources. Find a memory care community nearby and give us a call.
If your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may be wondering when caring for them at home may no longer be a sustainable – or safe – option. While every situation is unique and should be discussed with a physician, your parent should stop living alone if they’re experiencing injuries, wandering outside the home or putting themselves in dangerous situations.
You may have heard about memory care but may not fully understand what it is, what types of services are available, how much it costs and whether it’s a better option than in-home care.
Memory care is a term that refers to very specialized, long-term dementia care for people with memory impairment. Many assisted living communities, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes offer memory care services. Memory care communities may be a better option for your parent because they provide the type of daily care, attention and engagement that helps people with dementia live as fulfilling a life as possible.
Here are a few important things to consider when choosing a memory care community, along with some insights from Amber McDaniel, Divisional Engage Life Director at Atria, who not only advises families of parents living with dementia but is currently facing these same challenges with a member of her own family.
What makes memory care different?
Senior living community residents enjoy a host of amenities, services, programs and social events designed to make everyday life more convenient, fulfilling and engaging. Memory care communities offer a similar experience, but within a safe, structured environment with a specialized staff and programs designed to lower stress for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“Memory care residents receive whatever assistance they may need with the activities of daily living,” says McDaniel. “The staff guides daily programs, serves meals and offers personalized interaction and support throughout the day.”
Memory care programs are designed to improve cognitive function and, in robust communities, are tailored to residents and their specific stage of disease. Staff members understand each resident’s degree of dementia and provide the structure and support needed to navigate their day.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people with dementia are prone to wander. Memory care communities typically feature floor plans and enclosed outdoor spaces designed to keep residents safe while not restricting their freedom. In many communities, interior spaces are painted in soothing colors and apartment doors are personalized with photos and mementos that resonate with residents and help them more easily identify their apartment. To prevent residents from wandering out of the community, any exits or elevators require special access codes. Some communities offer tracking bracelets to monitor a resident’s exact location.
Is my parent ready for memory care?
Although many people diagnosed with dementia can live on their own during the early stages of the disease, at some point they will require around-the-clock supervision or more specialized care than an in-home caregiver can provide. Here are some questions the Alzheimer’s Association suggests asking to help you determine if it’s the right time for a move to a memory care neighborhood.
McDaniel says that many families struggle when placing their parent in memory care because they feel like they’re giving up and abandoning them.
“I help families understand that memory care is a type of reset,” she says. “While we love our parents deeply, we can’t care for them the way they’ll be cared for by specially trained memory care staff. These professionals understand dementia and know how to establish the routines and use programs that not only help your parent cope with their disease but are designed to slow its progression.
“The reset comes from understanding that memory care establishes the new normal. You hand off the caregiver responsibilities to a team that’s devoted to helping people with dementia – and you become a supportive family member who helps your parent live their best possible life in an environment that caters to their special needs.”
How much does memory care cost?
The cost of memory care depends on the level of care needed and varies from state to state. According to this AARP article, the average memory care monthly rent is $6,935. While this is more than assisted living, which averages $5,380 a month, it’s a lot less than the $10,562 average monthly cost of a nursing home.
A financial expert or elder law attorney can help you explore finance options, including life insurance policies, Medicare and veterans benefits. The memory care community you are considering can also provide more information and resources.
We’re always here to help
Atria’s memory care neighborhoods provide the same high caliber of amenities, chef-prepared meals and engaging programs as our senior living communities, but they are designed specifically with the needs of individuals with dementia and their families in mind.
We’re happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can. Let us call on our relationships with trusted senior living organizations and help find the best solution for you and your family. Reach out to your local Atria community director today and they’ll be happy to help.
Senior woman and her adult daughter looking at photo album together on couch in living room
Having a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is an emotional experience – one that is often fraught with stress and anxiety. Despite your best intentions to care for your parent at home, at some point they will require around-the-clock assistance from a memory care community.
This list of questions – along with insights from Abby Figueroa, Atria’s Senior Vice President of Functional Operations – can help you choose a memory care community that is the best fit for you and your parent.
What are your parent’s needs?
The stage and type of dementia your parent has will determine the type of memory care services needed. Keep in mind that if your parent is in the early stages of dementia, you should consider a community that can provide more advanced care as the disease progresses.
When you visit memory care communities, let them know if your parent:
Needs help with activities of daily living (getting dressed, using the bathroom, eating)
Is easily disoriented, seeks exits for no apparent reason, wanders off or gets lost
Requires a walker or wheelchair
Requires 24-hour supervision
Needs ongoing medical attention or treatments (dialysis, diabetes, colostomy care)
According to the National Institute on Aging, if your parent needs 24-hour supervised nursing care, a nursing home may be a better choice than a memory care community.
How does the memory care community approach resident interaction?
When Figueroa talks to families about choosing a memory care community, she says this may be one of the most important factors to consider.
“The memory care staff becomes a second family to your parent, so you want to really look closely at how the staff interacts with residents,” says Figueroa. “Does the relationship feel relaxed and comfortable? Does the staff know the residents’ names? Personal histories? Likes and dislikes?”
Figueroa emphasizes getting to know the staff and their approach.
“Ask what kind of specialized training they receive,” says Figueroa. “Along with the training, observe how they relate to the residents. Does their approach come from empathy, understanding and kindness? Do they relate to residents at their level of understanding? Are they able to smoothly redirect any negative behavior?”
Questions related to staff interaction:
What type of dementia care training do they receive?
What dementia techniques do they use?
Is a resident cared for by the same staff members every day?
How do staff members care for residents who are physically aggressive or those who exhibit disruptive behaviors?
As dementia training requirements vary by state, ask what kind of training or certification is required, and whether the staff receives ongoing training.
What is the memory care environment?
Figueroa advises that when visiting a memory care community, take note of the design and layout. Is it easy for residents to move from their apartments to common areas? Are the colors and textures soothing? Are the spaces warm and inviting? Is there a secure outside area for residents to enjoy a change of scenery and fresh air? Are residents’ apartment doors personalized so they can easily identify them?
How safe is the environment? Are the spaces free of clutter? Do the hallways and bathrooms have handrails? As people living with dementia are prone to wandering, any doors or elevators leading outside the community must be secure.
Check for these top safety features:
24-hour supervised care
Emergency call buttons
Keypad entry
Alarms on emergency exits
Interior courtyard for secure wandering
Easily navigated hallways
24-hour nurse
A visiting physician
Access to medical services
A good staff-to-resident ratio day and night
Automatic lights in the bathrooms
Low grab bars or handrails to improve stability
What memory care activities are offered?
Once the memory care community’s staff and environment pass your scrutiny, it’s time to take a closer look at programs for residents. Engaging the minds of people living with dementia not only brings them joy, but it can also stimulate cognitive function and slow the progression of their disease.
Learn what types of memory care activities the community offers. Are the programs passive or do they offer real opportunities for residents to engage? Do they provide a sense of purpose and enjoyment?
Memory care activities may include:
Puzzles and board games
Music programs
Sensory and tactile stimulation
Pet visits
Gardening
Painting
Cooking
Going on outings to parks or community events
“People with dementia can still grow and have fulfilling experiences,” says Figueroa. “Be sure that the community you choose offers a variety of programs and activities that stimulate the mind and the senses.
“Living in the moment is critical to successfully relating to someone with dementia. So, if that day’s particular program does not appeal to a resident, it’s important that the community can adjust or quickly pivot to a different program or activity they enjoy. It’s understanding the resident at that specific moment, and then customizing that moment to their current mood and needs.”
How is the overall resident well-being?
A soothing environment, professionally trained staff and engaging programs go a long way to fostering residents’ mental well-being – so take these all into account when comparing different memory care communities.
Learn how the community addresses the residents’ physical well-being, as well. Dementia can also affect a person’s appetite and how they relate to food, so learn how the community approaches resident nutrition. Are small bites available throughout the day? How does the staff help with meals? Do they keep track of how much each resident is eating and provide gentle reminders when necessary?
Well-being is also strengthened by personal relationships. Ask if the community provides opportunities for residents to connect with the world. Do they have multigenerational programs or invite grade school children to perform?
One final tip
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, ask the communities if any of the residents’ family members can contact you to discuss their experience – it always helps to hear what other families have gone through and what their experience is like.
We’re always here to help
Atria Senior Living is happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can. Reach out to your local Atria Community Director for assistance. If needed, they’ll call on their relationships with trusted senior living organizations to help find the best solution for you and your family.
Hearing the doctor tell your mom or dad they have Alzheimer’s disease – or another form of dementia – is upsetting for both you and your parent. Once the initial shock subsides, there are steps you can take to feel less anxious about what lies ahead, prepare for the different levels of care your parent will need, learn how to cope with the diagnosis and help your parent continue to fill their days with meaning and joy.
Allow time for everyone to accept the diagnosis
A diagnosis of dementia can create a whirlwind of emotions. It’s natural to experience feelings of denial, fear, anger, sadness, frustration and even guilt. While the ups and downs can vary from day to day, your emotional state should even out with time.
As no two people process such complex feelings the same way, allow yourself, your parent and other family members the time needed to work through these feelings. If the feelings become overwhelming or elevate to a deep depression that won’t go away, seek help from a medical professional.
Learn more about dementia
The more you understand the progressive symptoms of dementia, the better equipped you’ll be to provide the care your parent needs and instill a sense of confidence knowing you’re doing everything possible to support them.
First, ask your parent’s physician to explain the diagnosis and refer local support groups. Explore resources on the Internet including podcasts, YouTube channels and online support groups – the Alzheimer’s Association® is a great place to start.
Be mindful that although various types of dementia exist, most involve symptoms that become worse over time. It’s helpful to develop coping methods to better manage your reactions should your parent become more confused, manipulative or aggressive.
What to expect as dementia progresses
People living with dementia may present many challenges for caregivers. Your parent’s symptoms may seem mild at first – like forgetting a person’s name and where they put their keys or trouble with routine tasks – but they can escalate to social withdrawal, wandering from home and the inability to feed themselves or use the bathroom.
Understanding the stages of dementia and utilizing this helpful guide will assist your decision-making process about the level of care your parent needs. Assistance with routine activities such as getting dressed, eating and bathing can be expected in the middle stages, which can usually be handled by a family member or visiting caregiver while your parent is still living at home. However, later stages often require full-time attention from dementia care professionals.
Periodically ask your parent what you can do to help and then provide assistance in a way that maintains their sense of control and independence as much as possible. Typically, in addition to routine daily tasks, those living with dementia will eventually require help managing finances, remembering medications, preparing meals, making medical appointments and arranging transportation.
While their needs will change – and may be challenging to provide for at times – taking steps that foster their independence and help you cultivate patience can ease a lot of frustration for both of you.
Explore treatment options
Alzheimer’s and many forms of dementia are progressive diseases that currently have no cure, but medical researchers are working hard to find one. Medications can ease or delay symptoms for some people. Talk to your parent’s doctor to understand the currently available options along with the potential risks and side effects of each. Check the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline for the latest news on memory loss clinical trials and see if there are any opportunities to participate in research groups.
Make home safe
Making the home safer for older adults is always a good idea regardless of a dementia diagnosis. Your parent will likely prefer to live at home until their condition requires more specialized care. Because you or another caregiver may not be present 24/7 in the early stages, take additional precautions to ensure your parent’s safety.
Identify hazards – As dementia can affect your parent’s judgment and physical dexterity, remove any tools, kitchen appliances, utensils, and cleaning supplies or other poisonous chemicals that could cause harm. Disconnect the garbage disposal and apply safety knob covers to the stove. Consider safety locks on the washer and dryer, and periodically inspect lint screens/ducts to make sure they’re clean.
Change locks – Replace locks on all exterior doors with a latch or deadbolt lock above or below eye level (so they are out of sight) to reduce the risk of accidental wandering. Hide an extra set of keys near an exterior door for emergency access. To prevent your parent from locking themselves in within the house, remove locks on all interior doors.
Secure medications – Place any vitamins and prescription medicines in a locked drawer or cabinet.
Remove firearms – Dementia may cause anxiety, hallucinations and aggression, so remove any firearms as your parent could mistake a well-known friend or family member as an intruder.
Create joy and find purpose
As dementia continues to affect your parent’s behavior and abilities, remain mindful of their feelings and treat them with dignity and respect. Share simple joys, whether it be listening to their favorite music, looking through a family photo album or painting their nails. Simply being present and offering companionship can go a long way to improving their attitude and well-being.
As people with dementia are prone to lose a sense of who they are, you can help strengthen your parent’s self-identity by discussing what gives their life meaning and purpose. Encourage them to participate in existing hobbies, explore new interests and reach out to others living with the disease for inspiration.
Plan for what’s ahead
Discussing financial matters with your parent can be awkward, but it is best to collect details of all bank accounts, tax returns and other important legal documents before their disease progresses. Talk to an elder law attorney or trusted financial professional to prepare or update your parent’s will and help you obtain medical power of attorney.
This is also a good time to explore care options for when you need a break from caregiving – or when the level of care your parent requires exceeds the care you and your family can provide. Research the home care and respite care providers in your area and make a list of those you prefer.
Memory care can be beneficial even to those living with the early stages of dementia, but deciding when to move a parent to such a community will depend on your parent’s health, symptoms and other factors. While your parent may be a long way from requiring round-the-clock care, it’s a good idea to schedule tours of local memory care assisted living communities before their condition progresses. This will give you and your family time to compare options and discover which community offers the specially trained staff, programs and secure environment that will best serve your parent.
Connect with others
Being a caregiver for a parent diagnosed with dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s important to protect your own well-being so you can continue to provide the care they need as well as manage your many other obligations to work, home and family. If possible, don’t take on all of the responsibilities yourself.
Share your dementia knowledge and caregiving tips with family and friends who are offering support. Keeping everyone in the loop prevents any surprises as your parent’s disease progresses and helps ease the burden of everything resting solely on you.
Look for a support group and connect with others who can share their experiences and offer advice, encouragement and, perhaps most important, a sympathetic ear.
Call on us for help or support
As a leader in the industry, Atria Senior Living is here to share our expertise in assisted living and memory care and offer any support we can – even if the support you need is from someone other than us. Use this resource to guide and assist your family as you explore options for your parent’s care needs. We can call on our relationships with trusted financial advisors and provide senior care resources to put you in touch with the best solution for you and your family, whether you’re moving to Atria or not. To see if memory care is offered near you, find a community and look for the purple memory care icon.
Forgetfulness and mild changes in memory may be common signs of aging. For example, we might occasionally misplace car keys, forget to pay a bill or struggle to find a word. Such small memory lapses are considered common. But ongoing problems with communication, memory and attention could be signs of a more serious issue called dementia.
It’s important to understand the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, and how to provide care for your parent if they are diagnosed with this disease.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Dementia is not a disease, but a broad term that refers to various conditions of more serious cognitive impairment. It is caused by damage to brain cells which can affect thinking, behavior and feelings.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most prevalent health concerns among adults ages 65 and older and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. It is a degenerative disease resulting from brain cell damage where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over time.
Scientists are working hard to identify what causes this damage. They do know that, as this damage spreads, the brain cells lose their ability to function and then die. This causes irreversible changes in the brain that leads to memory failure, personality changes and problems carrying out daily activities.
A person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years on average after diagnosis, but depending on other factors, can live as long as 20 years.
Although scientists do not yet fully understand what causes the disease, it is currently believed that there is not a single cause but rather several factors that lead to Alzheimer’s.
Education, diet and environment are being studied for their possible influence on developing Alzheimer’s.
The same healthy behaviors that help prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease may also reduce the risk of dementia.
The early warning signs of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can affect each person differently, but there are some common symptoms to be mindful of. Trouble remembering new information is an early warning sign, because the disease first affects the part of the brain associated with learning.
As the disease progresses, disorientation, confusion and changes in behavior are commonly experienced, such as:
Getting lost in familiar places
Forgetting names of close family and friends
Confusion dealing with cash or trouble paying bills
Difficulty completing routine tasks
The inability to retrace steps to find misplaced items
Unusual changes in mood, personality or behavior
Exhibiting a few or even all of these signs is not a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s – these could be signs of a vitamin deficiency or a side effect from medication, so seek the counsel of healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis. If dementia is identified, they will offer options for treatment, help with enrollment in clinical trials and provide information on care needs.
How is Alzheimer’s treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Although we have yet to discover how to prevent the disease or reverse its effects, researchers are developing drugs that can slow its progression and ease anxiety-related symptoms. Socialization has also been found to have a profound positive impact.
Medical management can improve quality of life for both those living with the disease and their caregivers. Treatment addresses several areas:
A doctor may also recommend fostering an environment for an Alzheimer’s patient that’s calm, safe and supportive, and an exercise and nutrition regime that promotes overall well-being. (Specific suggestions may vary between providers.)
How to care for someone with Alzheimer’s
Family members are most often responsible for providing care for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This is often a new role for the caregiver, and it’s natural to feel some anxiety over knowing what to expect and how to provide proper care. Along the way, you’ll need the support of others. As the disease progresses, more intensive care is often needed – care that requires ongoing attention which can be very demanding of one’s time and eventually becomes a full-time job. This overview will help you understand what to expect with the different stages of the disease.
Early-stage caregiving
If your parent’s Alzheimer’s is diagnosed in the beginning stage of the disease, they will likely be able to continue doing all the things they did before their diagnosis. This early stage can last for years, during which time it is important to provide companionship, support and plan for the future. It’s also the time to discuss available treatments and clinical trials, and start building a support network of family, friends and neighbors.
At first, it is difficult to know how much assistance is needed, as many people with early-stage dementia are often very independent. Such everyday activities as dressing, bathing, walking and even driving may be well within their abilities. Here are some tips to help find the right balance of caregiving for your parent with early-stage Alzheimer’s:
Don’t over-help – Be mindful of how much assistance is truly needed. If your parent can complete a task alone – and there’s no immediate risk of injury – providing only the support or supervision necessary helps them maintain their independence.
Make a routine – Fill each day with opportunities for your parent to engage with others and make sure you allow for quality sleep.
Relax – Prioritize stress-free tasks and approach stress-inducers differently. If going to the grocery store is a stressor for your parent, ask them to help you with a weekly menu and grocery list, and then add this to your grocery trips or purchase online and have them delivered.
Stay positive – Assume your parent can safely handle a task. If they become frustrated, determine the cause before intervening. Focus on the moment rather than dwell on the future.
Get physical – Studies show that staying active may play a role in living better with dementia.
Eat healthy – Help your parent maintain a balanced diet that favors vegetables and is low in fat.
Help signal – Even in this early stage, your parent may need gentle reminders for daily activities such as keeping appointments and managing medications. Agree on a phrase or body cue – like a head nod – to help you know when they welcome your help remembering a place, a word or someone’s name.
Talk about it – Ask your parent what they need or if they’re feeling frustrated about something and make a plan to move forward together.
You’re in this together – Spend time doing activities together and ask if they feel comfortable with the amount of support you’re able to provide.
While this stage does not typically call for around-the-clock care, you may consider a senior community that offers memory care as it is usually easier for those with Alzheimer’s to adjust to a new environment during this early stage. Waiting to make such a move until the middle-stage of the disease often makes it more challenging for them to understand and feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
Middle-stage caregiving
This phase of Alzheimer’s is usually the longest and requires a greater degree of attention and care. More advanced brain damage makes it more challenging to do everyday tasks including speaking, getting dressed and maintaining personal hygiene. This can understandably lead to frustration and possibly escalate to feelings of anger, so it’s important to be patient and calmly provide support.
To be better prepared to adapt to the ongoing changes in behavior typical with this stage, consider support groups and educational workshops. It also helps to familiarize yourself with the most pressing concerns of this stage:
Communication – Repeating questions, stumbling over words, the inability to express thoughts and even reverting to a native language are common at this stage. It helps to address such instances in a calm manner, using a gentle tone and speaking slowly and distinctly. If the changes in communication are sudden or unusual, notify their doctor.
Daily care – As dementia progresses, your parent may need more help eating, grooming and dressing. They can understandably become angry or frustrated by their declining independence. Express compassion and encourage them to do as much as they are safely able to do but be at the ready with a helping hand.
Engaging activities – Providing routine activities can help subdue agitation and reduce the risk of wandering. These can be simple, everyday activities such as gardening, making a meal together, looking at family photos or going for a walk.
Driving – Revoking driving privileges is a sensitive subject as it further chips away at your parent’s independence – but when driving becomes a safety issue, there is no other choice. Try to make the decision together, stating concerns and providing assurance that alternate modes of transportation will be provided. If your parent is resistant, it may be helpful to have their physician be part of this conversation.
Wandering – While in the middle stage of this disease, your parent can’t be left alone as they are prone to accidents or wandering off. If your parent is living alone their safety could be jeopardized, so it may be best to have them move in with family, find residential care or consider a senior community that offers memory care.
Late-stage caregiving
Lasting several weeks to several years, this stage of Alzheimer’s usually requires around-the-clock care as needs deepen and become more life-threatening, which might include:
Difficulty swallowing and eating
Assistance walking until unable to walk
Full-time assistance with personal care
Assistance with toileting
Becoming more susceptible to infections
At this late stage, the focus should be on providing your parent proper care, compassion and participating in simple activities that support quality of life. Despite a person’s deteriorating condition, there are still opportunities to connect, such as:
Reading books, playing music and looking at old photos
Preparing favorite foods
Brushing hair and applying soothing skin lotions
Sitting outside to enjoy a sunny day
As care needs become more demanding, you’ll need to consider moving your parent to a facility that specializes in serving the needs of those with advanced Alzheimer’s. This can be the most challenging and stressful time in dealing with the disease, but the decision is about providing the proper care and understanding that outside help may be needed.
Memory care at Atria
At Atria, we believe that despite the difficulties of memory impairment, a person with dementia can continue to live an engaging, joyful, and meaningful life. Our proprietary approach to memory care, Life Guidance®, is a specialized program that promotes the health benefits of physical activity, social connection and individualized care. Learn more about all that Life Guidance® offers and read about some of the signs that it’s time to consider memory care.
If you’re considering care for a family member who is living with the challenges of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, one of the most important factors to consider is the training and education provided to their caregivers.
