Idaho Memory Care

Do you have a family member or loved one with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other memory loss and while it’s rewarding caring for them, you are feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility? At The Gables, we have an Idaho Memory Care Facility that provides a higher level of care and attention to ensure their safety and needs are met, while providing you with peace of mind that they have 24-hour care.

Memory care is one of the fastest-growing healthcare segments in the U.S. But, when it comes to the best memory care available, Idaho Memory Care can help you get a personalized care plan for your loved ones.

What is a Memory Care Facility?

Those with memory loss challenges not only have difficulty with memory, but also require assistance with seemingly simple cognitive tasks like thinking, making decisions, mealtime and personal care. Many Assisted Living facilities, like The Gables, have special Memory Care units for residents with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other memory loss.

Memory Care facilities are specifically designed to ensure a safe, comfortable and structured environment to reduce stress for the residents. Carers of the units will provide meals, and help residents with eating if required, depending on their individual needs. Carers will also help residents with personal care tasks such as getting in and out of bed, dressing and showering, providing the same care as Assisted Living facilities. The difference is that the carers are trained to deal with the specific challenges and issues that may arise due to Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

Memory Care units also have a lower staff-to-resident ratio with round-the-clock supervised care as it’s common for those with memory loss to experience sundown syndrome meaning they can become agitated, disoriented and confused from the late afternoon and through the night. By providing extra support and alarmed doors and elevators that require a code, we can ensure that if a resident tends to wander, there is always a carer available to assist, and they will remain safe at all times.

In Assisted Living facilities, residents manage their own day and activities with staff and carers always available when needed. However, in Memory Care facilities, the staff monitor all of the resident’s activities throughout the day as these residents don’t have the same concept of time or ability to be responsible for their own care.

Cognitive diseases deprive people of their most treasured possession –their memories. Environments can suddenly become strange and intimidating—so, creating the right environment is essential. Idaho Memory Care strives to offer the most conducive environment to their residents, creating a healthier, happier environment for them.

What Makes The Gables Memory Care Facilities Different

If you are considering a Memory Care facility for your loved one, like our Idaho Memory Care facility, it’s important to carefully research and assess the special precautions that are taken to ensure their care, safety and comfort. These are our recommendations on questions to ask and things to observe.

Building Layout and Environment

As mentioned, those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or other memory loss can sometimes experience confusion or feel disoriented, therefore the layout and environment of the Memory Care facility is extremely important.

Trained & Educated Caregivers

With the specific needs of residents with memory loss, we highly recommend finding out as much information as possible about the initial and on-going training and procedures that carers and other staff must complete for your peace of mind. Cognitive diseases deprive people of their most treasured possession –their memories. Environments can suddenly become strange and intimidating—so, creating the right environment is essential. Idaho Memory Care strives to offer the most conducive environment to their residents, creating a healthier, happier environment for them.

Basic Needs & Activities of Daily Life Assistance

People in advanced stages of dementia need 24-hour supervised care in a secure environment. Simple activities of daily living–ADL–such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet, become difficult. Often, confusion, disorientation, and aggression tend to get worse.

Proper hygiene and activities to keep your loved one’s mind and body active are incredibly important for their overall health and wellbeing. If possible, visit a facility around mealtime and during activities for your observations.

Cognitive Activities

Level of Care

It’s important to convey the level of care your loved one requires as some Memory Care facilities may not be able to provide the complex care required. Outside of their physical health, it’s also important to consider your loved one’s other needs.

Strain on Caregivers and Family

Dementia symptoms worsen over time, making elderly adults unable to live independently; this often leads to tremendous stress and burden to caregivers and families. In addition, changes in behaviors and symptoms become difficult to manage—living at home may no longer be an option.

As a result, family caregivers find it challenging to provide the level of care for a loved one with advanced dementia while also working and handling other family responsibilities. The additional physical and emotional stress also puts caregivers at risk for health problems of their own. Idaho Memory Care provides the much-needed support for caregivers and exceptional care for people with dementia.

Research shows that caregivers can have higher levels of mental and physical illness because of the burden placed upon them. Part of the reason why being a caregiver, especially to someone with memory loss, is so difficult is because it is a full-time job with little thanks.

Caregiving is physically demanding because you are on your feet most of the day, and if the person needs assistance with transferring and bathing it is an added measure of physical exhaustion and strain. Obviously, the physical aspect increases with the size of the person needing assistance.

Caregivers will often take on way more than they can handle because of feelings of guilt or obligation. Many caregivers and family members are hesitant to place a loved one in a facility because of this. However, oftentimes a facility is the best place for the loved one and allows for better health and relationships for the caregivers.

FAQ about Memory Care

How do residents stay active?

Idaho Memory Care offered by The Gables has resources such as physical exercise, music therapy, animal therapy, and more for residents to stay physically and mentally active. These types of things are proven to help with symptoms of memory loss and increase the quality of life and feelings of normalcy although residents are out of their home and routine.

How can memory care patients feel more secure?

When moving a family member to a memory care facility there are a few things that can help the transition. Having a private room filled with furniture and decor including pictures from home can facilitate feelings of comfort and familiarity.

Having regular staff and interacting with the same staff members each day is also a technique that memory care facilities use to help residents feel more secure.

Are memory care residents allowed visitors?

Memory care facilities are locked down and more secure than other care facilities. However, that does not mean that the residents are not allowed visitors. Family and friends are welcome to visit during approved visiting hours. Visiting will most likely require either being let in by way of ringing a bell, or knowing a code to securely enter the building.

Visitors for those with memory loss are encouraged because it can lighten their mood, and help them feel more relaxed and might even spark a few memories and times of lucidity.

What are the signs it may be time to move a loved one to memory care?

Sometimes it is difficult to know if symptoms are normal signs of aging or if they are part of a bigger problem that needs to be addressed. The brain’s functions naturally decline with age. There are certain red flags of forgetfulness to watch out for in your loved one.

The following are just a few examples of memory loss concerns:

Getting lost in familiar places
Wandering aimlessly
Repeating things often
Neglecting daily care
Unable to recall words more often
Misplacing items frequently

Coordinated care

Care coordination is a critical part of the services we offer. Our staff works closely to assess residents and plan activities according to their needs and abilities.

We also work with other health care providers. Care coordination at Idaho Memory Care include:

Bring services on site if needed
Coordinating care with cardiologists, primary care physicians, podiatrists, dentists, etc.
Coordinate home health appointments for residents recovering from injuries or illnesses.
Coordinating hospice care while keeping residents comfortable
Coordinating rehab services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Diabetes support
Medication management
Transportation to medical appointments

If you resonate with this information, organizing the move to a Memory Care facility may be the best option for you and your family. Our Idaho Memory Care facilities in Shelley, Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Caldwell (Boise area) may be suitable. To learn more about The Gables, please feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries, we’re more than happy to help and can also schedule a tour for you. Feel free to forward this blog post to anyone you think may benefit from the information and advice.

Our Idaho Memory Care Locations

Blackfoot Memory Care

Experienced Memory Care Facility in Blackfoot, Idaho Here you can enjoy the comforts of home, while also receiving excellent service and quality care. We offer personalized care for each resident, no matter what they are struggling with. From three home-cooked meals a day to regularly scheduled activities, to a quiet afternoon on the patio, The […]

Caldwell Assisted Living & Memory Care

Caldwell, Idaho Assisted Living Facility Here you can enjoy the comforts of home, while also receiving excellent service and quality care. Our senior housing offers personalized care for each individual resident. From three home cooked meals a day, to regularly scheduled activities, to a quiet afternoon on the patio, The Gables of Caldwell Assisted Living […]

Pocatello Memory Care Building #2

Pocatello Memory Care Facility Here you can enjoy the comforts of home, while also receiving excellent service and quality care. Our senior living facilities offer personalized care for each individual resident. From three home cooked meals a day, to regularly scheduled activities, to a quiet afternoon on the patio, The Gables of Pocatello Memory Care […]

Shelley Memory Care

Shelley Memory Care Here you can enjoy the comforts of home, while also receiving excellent service and quality care. Our senior living facilities offer personalized care for each individual resident. From three home cooked meals a day, to regularly scheduled activities, to a quiet afternoon outside on the patio, The Gables of Shelley Assisted Living […]