Memory care units and facilities provide highly specialized care for people who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related conditions. These residents often have memory loss and significant cognitive decline, which requires them to rely heavily on the workers caring for them.
Because the residents need more intensive care than those who are able to reside in the general long-term care facilities, there is often a smaller patient-to-staff ratio, which enables caregivers to provide the care the residents need.
Residents need familiarity for comfort
Residents in a memory care unit usually look for familiar things and faces for comfort. This makes the initial transition into the unit difficult because they may not know any workers. This puts them at a disadvantage because they may lean on people who don’t have their best interests at heart.
Risk of wandering is considerable
Memory care units are usually secured to prevent wandering. Residents are prone to getting lost, so these units are often set up in a way that prevents that from happening. Exterior doors are likely locked, and some residents may have special call buttons and tracking devices to use. The goal is to prevent residents from suffering mental, emotional or physical trauma because of wandering.
Individuals who are in a memory care facility are at risk of abuse and neglect. They may not have enough comprehension about matters to be able to speak up when there’s something amiss. Because of this, their loved ones need to keep a close eye on the resident. If there are signs of abuse or neglect, legal action is often an option. Working with a representative familiar with these matters may help them as they seek compensation.