Tag: Memory care

Stages of Dementia and Activity Levels

Elderly man with dementia painting at a table in a memory care setting, engaging in a therapeutic, creative activity.

May 15th, 2025 by hgmarketing

Stages of Dementia and Activity Levels:

Understanding Memory Care and Dementia

A dementia diagnosis can be very intimidating to individuals and their families. It signals a decline in cognitive abilities, and there isn’t a cure for most memory disorders. Many also fear that the individual affected will no longer be able to engage in activities for their enjoyment or benefit.

People with memory care disorders at all stages can still enjoy activities, even if that participation looks different. Dementia is a memory disorder that refers to the loss of memory, language, and cognitive abilities that affects the ability to function in everyday life. It’s important to know the stages as well as the activities and levels of participation that are best for each stage.

Early-Stage Dementia:

Individuals who are impacted by early-stage dementia may still be able to function independently. Although individuals may still participate in their daily routine, you may start to notice signs of memory decline, like misplacing their keys. Symptoms start to have some impact on the person’s life. Other common symptoms include:

Memory lapses: forgetting or losing items around the house, frequent difficulty finding the right word in conversation, inability to recall recent events

Difficulty in planning and problem-solving: confusion is more common, and individuals affected by dementia have trouble planning and making complex choices

Increasing irritability or anxiety: mood changes may arise at this stage, where anxiety and depression become more common. Signs of these mood changes include withdrawal from hobbies or socialization and lack of self-confidence

In the early stages, most individuals can still participate in regular recreational activities. Memory impairment may become evident, especially with memory-related games. Activities that are most helpful at this stage involve storytelling, memory activities such as word searches and puzzles, and self-expression activities such as painting or singing along to music. Though practicing memory activities may seem counterintuitive, it can be beneficial for people with dementia to help jog their memory.

Middle-Stage Dementia:

The middle stage of dementia presents changes and symptoms that become much more noticeable, especially to family and friends of those affected. At this point in the disease, many individuals need either reminders or physical assistance with completing activities of daily living (ADLs). Common ADLs include bathing, dressing, and toileting. Symptoms include:

Memory decline: Individuals who experience dementia have more difficulty recognizing people in their lives at this stage, and repetition of the same question is common. They may also forget basic information about themselves, such as their phone number, age, and home address

Confusion increases: People with dementia at this stage tend to get more easily confused about where they are and the time of day, and this may lead to wandering

Hallucinations and delusions: Middle-stage dementia often presents issues related to paranoia and seeing or hearing things that are not real. Common delusions among individuals with dementia are that someone is stealing from them or that a lover is cheating on them

During the middle stage of dementia, many people still desire to participate in recreational activities but may need prompting to start or continue engagement. The best activities for this stage include cognitive skills (such as daily living tasks like folding laundry), easy physical activities such as guided walks, memory activities like watching an old movie, and sorting.

Late-Stage Dementia:

This stage of dementia causes a very significant impact on the lives of those who have dementia, and often on their caregivers as well. At this point, individuals require full-time, 24/7 care, available around the clock, and need physical assistance with every activity of daily living. It’s very common to see drastic personality changes and a loss of ability to control their movement or respond to most of the world around them. Symptoms include:

Difficulty or loss of ability to communicate

Increased emotional distress, restlessness, and fear

Physical immobility: difficulty walking, eating, and swallowing, and incontinence is common at this stage

Individuals who are at the severe stage of dementia have limited abilities to communicate and experience increased emotional difficulty due to memory loss. At this stage, activities should be focused on providing sensory comfort and gentle stimulation to impacted individuals. Even if individuals are unable to communicate, they can still enjoy sensory activity participation, meaning that engagement is important at this stage.

Activities that best support individuals at this stage are gentle stretches, pet therapy, holding hands, and looking at old photos. Social interaction is still important at this stage, regardless of the affected individual’s ability to talk. Friends, family, and caregivers can accomplish this by telling stories or reading to the individual as well.

Despite the challenges that dementia brings, people with dementia can still find comfort and enjoyment from participating in recreational activities that are fun and mindful of their abilities. It is important to consider that some activities may have to be significantly modified to meet the needs of individuals with moderate to severe dementia, as their cognitive and physical abilities will decline over time. In addition, during the progression of the disease, they may show disinterest in hobbies they’ve previously enjoyed, so new activities may have to replace old ones.

Though a dementia diagnosis can be challenging for individuals and their families, recreational activities are a great way to navigate those difficulties and provide stimulation and enjoyment. By utilizing activities that play to the individual’s strengths and capabilities, memory care patients and their caregivers will see positive outcomes. Memory care facilities can offer great assistance for dementia patients and their families, providing activities that are tailored to the needs and capabilities of individuals with dementia. Lansdowne Heights offers 24/7 recreational activities for the residents in its memory care facility in Leesburg VA, providing a variety of entertainment and engagement that has something for every resident. If you or your loved one is struggling with a memory care disorder, we can help. Schedule your private tour today!

8 Step Planning Guide: Deciding Memory Care is the Best Option

MC Planning Guide

January 22nd, 2025 by Rachel Dimitroff

Planning Guide to Memory Care

There is a lot of planning that goes into making the decision of choosing memory care for yourself or for a loved one. This guide can help to spark your thinking on important factors to consider.

8 Step Planning Guide: Deciding Memory Care is the Best Option

There is a lot of planning that goes into making the decision of choosing memory care for yourself or for a loved one. This guide can help to spark your thinking on important factors to consider.

#1 RESEARCH MEMORY CARE FACILITIES IN YOUR AREA

When the time comes for you or your loved one to decide on memory care, where you choose to spend it is important. After deciding an easy first step to research is typing in memory care facilities in you or your loved one’s area. Click around and spend some time on the websites that appear. When researching in the designated area, look at pricing as well. Some facilities offer a monthly fee or “all-inclusive” which covers everything, while others offer prices based on the level of care you or your loved one need. Pricing can have a large impact where people choose, but other factors like amenities, services, location and reviews play a role as well. Some facilities offer solely memory care, and others offer multiple care services like independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

#2 TAKE A TOUR

As you narrow down facilities, book appointments to visit them. It’s important to see the facilities in person rather than on their website. Observe your visit closely. Pay attention to whether the staff are friendly and helpful, if the residents look happy, and if it feels comfortable. On this tour, it’s important to be able to ask questions and come prepared. Deciding to go into memory care is not a decision to rush, which is why should put in the time to research the best fit. The “fun stuff” on a tour is important, do the amenities match what they advertise on their website, if they are up to standard as well as checking to see if their nurses are Certified Dementia Care Managers. It can be difficult to see which will be the “perfect” fit for you or your loved one, an in-person tour is a step in the right direction. On the tour, make sure to ask staff members how they plan to care for residents with dementia, and ask about individualized care plans.

#3 TALK TO YOUR FAMILY

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to talk with family as soon as possible to create a game plan. Discuss financials, legalities, and create a long-term care plan shortly after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Talk to the people you love or talk to your loved one. When making a significant transition such as this, leaning on others for advice and to talk about plans will be beneficial. The transition to memory care can affect everyone differently, you or your loved one may be having second thoughts or anger towards this decision. It’s possible you could be alone on this journey. It can be scary to go through a big life change with no family or support, if that is the case there are many online therapy websites for elders, this is to be able to speak your feelings and talk to someone out loud about coming to terms with your diagnosis. Check out elderly counseling.

#4 DISCUSS A CARE PLAN IN ADVANCE

It’s important to develop a care plan which is individually based on you or your loved one’s specific needs. This disease will eventually take away you or a loved one’s ability to make cognizant decisions when it comes to health. Lay out from the beginning what the necessary steps are to take as this disease continues to progress. Creating a will in advance will allow your loved one’s assets and belongings to be distributed how you specified before the turn of the diagnosis. Choosing a power of attorney, AKA “proxy”, should be someone close and able to make proper medical decisions. These conversations can be difficult but having someone make personal medical decisions for someone else is not ideal. Planning will save you or your loved one trouble and possible resentment. Check out more about financial planning when deciding to go into memory care.

#5 MAKE SURE HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS ARE TAKEN CARE OF

If a loved one moves into memory care, here are three main things to remember:

  • Make sure to change the mailing address to you or your loved one’s new address.
  • Cancel any cable and Wi-Fi subscriptions.
  • Update addresses on cards and accounts.

Hopefully, there is someone to help you or your loved one dive deep into what is the best plan for moving into memory care. Being prepared will make the transition much smoother and more efficient. It’s important to discuss this when it’s still early in the diagnosis so you or your loved one can still have input.

#6 CREATE A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT

When setting up for you or a loved one’s room, it’s important to create a sense of familiarity. Bring a favorite chair, favorite blanket, or pictures of family and friends to provide comfort. Being in a new space, anything familiar can make a difference. Arranging the furniture in a similar setup to the previous living room can help, as living in a new space can feel overwhelming. As the Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, being around familiar objects and photos of family will help to stimulate the brain even if there is no recollection.

#7 PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES

With a 24/7 activities calendar to take part in, there is always something to do. With Alzheimer’s or dementia, staying active and social can help increase cognitive function and boost overall mood. Activities are offered at all times of the day to give each type of resident the chance to participate. Activities are not mandatory, however, strongly encouraged. Participating in these activities will help your loved one see how important it is to engage with others and how enjoyable it can be. When someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to stay distracted and enjoy the small moments in life. Not everything has to be to you or your loved one’s taste, but there is a good mix of different types of activities for different interests.

#8 Establish a Support System

Having people who will be there for you or your loved one will be crucial through the battle of this disease. Having family and friends that will check in, reach out, and remind you or your loved one of old memories will help lessen the burden of reality. Early in the diagnosis, establish important people who will make the effort to be there for you or your loved one. Discuss how it can become difficult to watch this disease take over and how communication will decrease. Having a support system will help not only you or a loved one but family and friends.

We’ve discussed 8 important steps to plan for after making the decision to go into memory care. Although there are many steps that correlate with making the transition, these are some main points to really consider. Make sure to do enough research and see these facilities in person. Reach out to a support system for assistance and have them help in the aid of housekeeping items that need to be taken care of. Understanding the significance of planning when facing a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia will drastically help the process. Memory care is necessary for anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, it helps with the progression of the disease and creates a positive environment for you or your loved one to have the opportunity to thrive in.

Book a tour here to see if we’re the right fit.

Healthy Vision: Tips for Saving Your Eyesight

May 1st, 2024 by lansdowneheights

Healthy Vision:

Tips for Saving Your Eyesight

Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet it’s easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Let’s focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:

  1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams:

One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you don’t currently wear glasses or contact lenses.

  1. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays:

 Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Whenever you’re outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage.

 

  1. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens:

 In today’s digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether it’s for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

  1. Eat a Balanced Diet:

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.

  1. Practice Good Eye Hygiene:

Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctor’s recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.

  1. Stay Hydrated:

 Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.

  1. Get Plenty of Sleep:

Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.

By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.

Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!

Empower Yourself: National Healthcare Decisions Day and Advance Care Planning

family reading a memory care blog on their computer

April 15th, 2024 by lansdowneheights

Empower Yourself:

National Healthcare Decisions Day and Advance Care Planning

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is approaching, urging us to reflect on the importance of taking control of our health journey. NHDD is not just a day; it’s a movement that aims to inspire, educate, and empower individuals and their families about the significance of advance care planning.

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning goes beyond mere medical decisions. It’s about ensuring that your wishes are known and respected, particularly during times when you may not be able to express them yourself. By proactively discussing and documenting your healthcare preferences, you provide yourself and your loved ones with peace of mind, knowing that your choices will guide your care.

For Those Considering Senior Living Options

Whether you’re exploring independent living or assisted living, advance care planning is vital to maintaining autonomy and dignity. With a plan in place, you can continue making choices aligned with your values and preferences as your needs evolve. Whether you envision an active lifestyle or anticipate the need for additional support, advanced care planning empowers you to live life on your terms.

For Families Seeking Memory Care

For families navigating the complexities of memory care for a loved one, advance care planning offers clarity and direction amidst challenging circumstances. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia require thoughtful discussions about medical care to ensure your loved ones get quality care from memory care-certified staff at a licensed memory care community.

Our highly trained memory care staff is always on hand to lend support to family members, while providing peace and purpose to our residents, creating a truly exceptional experience for our families.

 

How We Can Help

We aim to ensure you feel informed, supported, and empowered to make decisions that reflect your values and preferences. Whether you’re considering independent living, assisted living, or memory care, having a plan in place empowers you to live with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more!