What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term that refers to a range of symptoms like loss of memory, language ability, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that affect daily life. There are diseases grouped under the umbrella of dementia such as, Alzheimer's, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, and others-- Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 60-70% of cases.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory loss that can progress to dementia, along with other conditions or diseases that can progress into dementia. It's important to update your doctor with any symptoms you notice to remain diligent, as dementia is progressive in nature and early diagnosis and treatment is highly important and most effective.
What is Involved in Specialized Memory Care?
Specialized Memory Care involves a tailor-made, personalized plan for those in need of care. Due to the more complex needs someone living with dementia or cognitive impairment has, the care provided for them is specialized. Every case is different, too, meaning a unique care plan is created instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, caregivers for memory care have to have a higher degree of communication skills, patience & understanding, knowledge, and empathy due to the behavioral changes and medical effects dementia has on someone.
There are also more benefits for dementia care recipients with specialized care. Clients benefit from having a more secure and comfortable setting by receiving care at home, specially trained staff, social engagement & physical activity, and a general increase in quality of life. For families, they get to be around their family member without having to provide care, allowing them to rest and have more peace of mind.
Memory Care at Home with Care Around the Block
Overview of Care Around the Block's Dementia Care Program
Care Around the Block provides in-home memory care through our program designed in-house, based on research, experience, and screenings & assessments, called EMBRACE.
EMBRACE is designed to improve overall well-being, strengthen cognitive resilience, and slow disease progression. Our assessments & screenings combined with tailored care plans are focused on recognizing where each client is uniquely at when it comes to cognitive abilities like functional mobility, problem-solving, sequencing, language, and safety awareness. We develop a deeper understanding of our clients through these steps: a cognitive assessment, creating a care plan based on results & disease progression, and activities of meaningful engagement to target strengths and weaknesses as well as stimulate abilities to improve short and long term memory.
Tailored Memory Care Plans
Our care plans are created following an initial Care Management assessment and an EMBRACE cognitive assessment. Based on the results, the program coordinator designs a care plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs, whether those involve support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), problem-solving skills, functional mobility, or cognitive function.
The care plan also includes targeted sessions that focus on enhancing cognitive abilities through a variety of sensory engagement techniques. These techniques—such as music therapy, tactile activities, and visual stimulation—are designed to promote memory recall, improve mood, and stimulate different areas of the brain.
One example is a client who was able to recall past memories sewing with her mother. Our EMBRACE coordinator began sewing with her and noticed that the client could sew without needing verbal cues. As they continued, the client started to reminisce about sewing dresses with her mother when she was a teenager. This activity not only drew on her muscle memory but also helped improve her focus, sequencing skills, and ability to initiate and complete tasks. It was a powerful moment for both the client and the coordinator, who noted, "Something woke up in her. She seemed empowered." This is just one example of how meaningful activities within the EMBRACE program can spark memory recall and help clients regain a sense of self and purpose.
For more information on our EMBRACE program, contact us for a free 30 minute consultation or visit our website to learn more about our services.
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