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What a Day Is Like for Shared Memory Care Residents
Getting into the flow of a regular daily schedule in a memory care community can lighten an older adult’s mood and help seed a sense of purpose. It’s especially true in shared memory care—not only can having a roommate keep your loved one more involved with life, it can help slow the impact of cognitive change.
Why? Because in shared memory care, there’s always someone close by encouraging your loved one to participate, even if it’s just by seeing them get ready for the next activity. It’s called physical cueing, and it’s vital for helping memory care residents stay active and engaged.
At Assured Senior Living, we see how shared memory care benefits our residents every day, and we want you to know more. Here’s just an example of what a typical day in shared memory care might look like.
What a day is like for residents in a shared memory care setting
Mornings
Residents of shared memory care communities start their day with a helping hand as well as a smile. Not only will they receive caring assistance with dressing and preparing for the day, they’ll see their roommate is doing the same. In fact, they will most likely motivate each other to get up and get going.
Breakfast will be comfortable and familiar, served family-style in a casual setting. Already, there’s a feeling of being part of a loving group. Next comes all kinds of possibilities: meaningful activities that relate to each person’s interests. Opportunities for creative expression. Maybe a morning exercise session to awaken the senses.
Through it all, in memory care assisted living at Assured, your loved one is out of their room, interacting with others, and gaining all the important health benefits of healthy socialization. In a larger, ‘big box” community, they might be lost in the shuffle and be left to sit alone in a private room with no social contact. But at Assured, they are part of the mix from dawn’s first light!
Afternoons
It was a busy morning and lunch was the perfect break, especially since our residents are always invited to help set the table and create the dining experience.
And while every afternoon is a bit different, the afternoon schedule might include sitting in an outdoor area to enjoy the breeze. Listening to a concert from a visiting chorale. Making special treats or crafts. Joining the group for an outing to a park nearby or even for a walk together around the neighborhood (made possible by the fact that Assured memory care assisted living is provided in a residential home, located in a neighborhood). Cozy; friendly; familiar. It’s a setting that welcomes and nurtures.
And there’s always an opportunity for some quiet time and relaxation, whether in the comfy living room or your loved one’s shared room.
Evenings
As dinner time approaches, your loved one and their roommate will inspire each other to join the group for a satisfying meal. Just like home, tempting aromas might already be in the air; it’s fun to help set the table and watch the meal come together. Dining with others is reassuring and soothing.
After dinner, maybe there’s a movie to watch. Or family dropping by for a visit. In shared memory care, roommates benefit from even more social interaction with family members and guests. If the weather is good, residents and visitors can enjoy a sunset from the outdoor secured patio. It feels good to be around the same familiar faces in a more intimate, close-knit atmosphere.
Settling in for a good night’s sleep goes more smoothly with a roommate there to cue your loved one it’s time to retire. And don’t discount the benefit of hearing another person’s breathing during the night. So many older adults spent years sleeping with someone else in the room. Now, in shared memory care, they can do it again.
In addition, having a roommate and knowing staff members are nearby can reduce sundowning symptoms including confusion and nervousness. It can also decrease the tendency to wander.
Shared memory care brings your loved one back to what makes them most comfortable: companionship
Shared memory care can break the cycle of isolation and withdrawal and motivate your loved one to spend the day and evening as they once did: active and involved, and feeling like part of a community that cares for them. Every day is unique, just as your loved one is unique.
At Assured Senior Living, we invite you to learn more about our exceptional communities. Contact us today, or download our free Family Decision Toolkit guide for more information.
