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Memory support communities are designed to provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals living with memory impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. According to many memory support experts, routines matter. While specific routines can vary, here is a general overview of what a typical day in the life of a memory support community might look like:

Morning

• Wake-Up and Personal Care: Residents are gently awakened by team members they are familiar with and assisted with personal care routines and activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Breakfast: A nutritious breakfast is served in a communal dining area. Team members are on hand to assist residents who need help with eating.
• Morning Activities: Activities are designed to stimulate cognitive function and physical health. These may include light exercise classes, memory games, arts and crafts, or music therapy.

Midday

• Lunch: Residents enjoy a well-balanced lunch together. Meals are often planned with input from nutritionists to ensure dietary needs are met.
• Rest Period: After lunch, residents may have a rest period or quiet time to relax, nap, or engage in light activities like reading or watching TV.

Afternoon

• Afternoon Activities: These can include social events, group outings, gardening, pet therapy, or more personalized activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
• Snack Time: A mid-afternoon snack is provided, allowing residents to socialize and recharge.

Evening

• Dinner: Dinner is served, and residents are encouraged to participate in setting the table and other mealtime preparations if they are able.
• Evening Activities: Activities may be more relaxed in the evening and could include movie nights, puzzle solving, or reminiscing sessions where residents share memories and stories.
• Wind Down: Team members assist residents with their bedtime routines, including medication administration, and help them get ready for bed.

Night

• Overnight Care: Team members are on duty 24/7 throughout the night to monitor residents and provide care as needed. This ensures that residents are safe and have assistance available if they wake up or need help during the night.

General Environment

• Safety and Security: Memory support communities are designed with safety features such as secured entrances and exits, wander management systems, and easy-to-navigate layouts to prevent disorientation.
• Personalized Care: Team members are trained to provide personalized dementia care, recognizing each resident’s unique needs and preferences.
• Family Involvement: Families are encouraged to visit and participate in community events, fostering a sense of connection and continuity for residents.

The Importance of Routine and Structure to Daily Life in Memory Support Care

This routine ensures that residents have a balanced day with activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being while providing a safe and supportive environment. Structure is crucial in the daily routine of someone living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia for several reasons:

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

• Predictability: Knowing what to expect can help reduce feelings of confusion and anxiety. A predictable routine can provide a sense of security and stability.
• Minimizes Uncertainty: Sudden changes or unexpected events can be particularly distressing for someone living with Alzheimer’s. A structured routine minimizes these occurrences.

Enhances Cognitive Function

• Consistent Activities: Regular engagement in structured activities can help maintain cognitive function. Activities like memory games, puzzles, and social interactions can stimulate the brain.
• Routine Tasks: Repetition of routine tasks can help reinforce memory and cognitive skills. Performing daily activities in the same order helps maintain a level of independence.

Supports Physical Health

• Regular Meals: Structured mealtimes ensure that residents receive proper nutrition. This consistency helps manage blood sugar levels and prevents malnutrition.
• Exercise: Scheduled physical activities help maintain mobility, strength, and overall physical health. Regular exercise can also improve mood and reduce behavioral symptoms.

Improves Sleep Patterns

• Consistent Sleep Schedule: A regular daily routine helps regulate the body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep patterns. This can reduce nighttime wandering and improve overall sleep quality.
• Bedtime Rituals: Having a consistent bedtime routine can signal to the body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Facilitates Better Care

• Caregiver Efficiency: A structured routine helps caregivers plan and deliver care more effectively. They can anticipate needs and be better prepared to manage any issues that arise.
• Personalized Attention: Knowing the routine allows caregivers to provide more personalized care, adapting activities and interventions to the resident’s preferences and abilities.

Encourages Social Interaction

• Scheduled Social Activities: Regularly scheduled group activities promote social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Community Engagement: A structured day often includes communal meals and group activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Maintains Independence

• Routine Tasks: Repetition of familiar tasks helps residents maintain a level of independence. Structured routines allow them to participate in daily activities with less assistance.
• Empowerment: Having a routine empowers residents by giving them a sense of control over their day-to-day lives.

Behavior Management

• Predictable Environment: A structured environment can help manage and reduce challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s, such as agitation, aggression, and wandering.
• Activity Engagement: Engaging residents in regular activities can help avoid negative behaviors and promote positive engagement.

In summary, a structured routine helps create a supportive environment that enhances the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss, providing stability, promoting health, and fostering a sense of well-being.

Would you like to learn more about the memory support best practices of Jackson Creek Senior Living? Our wellness team is here to help. Please give our team at Jackson Creek a call at 719-259-1331 to learn more about our daily routine, including the Creekside Day Retreat, for residents living with Alzheimer’s and related memory loss conditions.

Approximately 17,000 people in Colorado are living with Parkinson’s disease. This estimate reflects the significant prevalence of Parkinson’s within the state, aligning with the broader trend observed across the United States, where about one million people are affected by this condition. As a result, Jackson Creek Senior Living sought to elevate its understanding of Parkinson’s disease and become a hub for families in the Colorado Springs area affected by this disease. Jackson Creek formally calls this effort Partners for Parkinson’s.

This effort led Jackson Creek to enter a unique partnership with the Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, and Bloom Healthcare & Hospice to share resources for individuals, families and caregivers affected by Parkinson’s disease in the Tri-Lakes region. This collaboration was launched April 11 on World Parkinson’s Day. Jackson Creek is one of only four organizations in the pilot program in Colorado to partner with PAR. This program offers free resources, including family consults, educational programs, support groups, and exercise classes specifically for those living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

Since April, a lot has happened at Jackson Creek with these trusted experts. The community’s staff has received two training sessions with Jodi Brown, CEO of PAR, and these quarterly training sessions will continue as team members apply these best practices in the care of residents.

Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, which has an office in Colorado Springs, has begun facilitating a quarterly Parkinson’s Support Group at Jackson Creek Senior Living. This support group, free and open to the public with a reservation, has become the most popular support group the community offers in just a few months.

Bloom Healthcare & Hospice, based in Lakewood and Monument, provides direct primary care services tailored to the needs of Jackson Creek residents living with Parkinson’s, enabling them to age in place comfortably. This too has become a popular and valuable resource for residents.

“We are extremely pleased to expand this partnership with these respected organizations to support families in the Tri-Lakes region,” said Lauren Hart, executive director, Jackson Creek Senior Living. “Collaborating with these expert organizations, with Jackson Creek as the hub where services and programs are being delivered, has already exceeded our expectations and the feedback from residents, families and community members has been nothing but positive.”

Call 719-259-1331 to learn more about Jackson Creek Senior Living and the Partners for Parkinson’s program.

Are you facing the challenges of caring for a loved one living with memory loss? Whether you’re a family member, friend, spouse, or professional caregiver, navigating the complexities of dementia care can feel overwhelming at times. The good news is, you’re not alone on this journey. That’s why the memory support care team at Jackson Creek Senior Living has curated a collection of recommended books on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, featuring experts and acclaimed authors, that offer valuable insights, practical advice, and emotional support for caregivers like you.

Visit our Resources Portal to learn more and download your free copy of our reading list today.

DOWNLOAD NOW →

As loved ones age, it’s natural to consider alternative living arrangements to enhance their quality of life. Many seniors and families start this process by researching assisted living communities. But what exactly is assisted living, when is it time to consider this option, and what are the benefits?

Assisted living is a type of residential care that provides support for seniors who need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, or preparing meals. Seniors who receive this level of care can communicate their needs but don’t require the intensive and round-the-clock medical care often provided in nursing homes.

This living option emphasizes autonomy and fosters independence while providing extra peace of mind for residents and families who know that additional assistance and personalized care are available if, and when, it’s needed.

Seniors and families should consider assisted living when several factors become apparent: an individual needs help with activities of daily living; the risk of falls increases; health challenges; cognitive decline; and importantly, social isolation.

If your friend or family member encounters difficulties with activities such as personal hygiene or meal preparation, it could indicate that an assisted living community might provide the assistance they require. Many assisted living communities offer restaurant-style dining and chef-prepared meals to ensure residents receive proper nutrition without the hassles of shopping and cooking.

Safety is always a concern for seniors who are prone to falls and other injuries. In assisted living communities, residents may have an emergency call device like a pendant as well as call buttons in their apartments and daily check-ins from team members to ensure they are generally in good health.

If your loved one’s health or cognitive function has declined, they may require more assistance than you can provide at home. Many assisted living communities offer different levels of care and memory support services for those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

Depression and social isolation are common for seniors who live alone. Study after study highlights that being around others and socializing at some level is imperative to a senior’s health and well-being. Assisted living communities offer an array of activities and opportunities for residents to socialize and engage like painting, playing board games, going to live musical performances, daily exercise, and educational forums.

If your loved one is beginning to exhibit signs that they require additional care, assisted living could provide the necessary support within a stimulating and autonomous setting. By researching assisted living communities now, you’ll ensure your loved one has options to age well, even if their needs change. It’s much less disruptive to get additional support in the environment you live in than to move later in life.

Your Senior Care Partner

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 719-259-1331 or contact us online if you have questions about assisted living or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

Our Memory Support Neighborhood is designed specifically for residents living with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory loss conditions. We provide a comfortable, secure, home-like environment featuring outdoor courtyards that offer fresh air, walking space and sunshine and tie in with a community room and dedicated dining area. As a community familiar with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory support conditions, we talk to families regularly about their options. Our goal is always to be a resource for families as they explore their options in supporting a loved one.

Based on the comments we receive we’ve organized 10 questions you should ask when looking for memory support for your loved one.

1. How large is the community?

Memory support communities range from hundreds of apartments and residents to smaller boutique communities with 100 or less people and every size in between. Be sure to find out:

• How many resident apartments are there?
• What size are the apartments?
• Are there private and/or companion residences?
• What are the indoor spaces like? Is there an activities room, fitness and wellness center and plenty of community gathering places?
• What type of outdoor spaces are there? Are they secure?

2. Who is the leadership team?

The leadership team ensures the community is safe and clean, offers plenty of opportunities for socialization and that residents are well-looked after. Meet with the leadership team and members in the memory support segment of the community you are considering to get a sense of their philosophy of care and how they interact with residents and their family members.

3. What is the staff like?

Memory support communities have specially trained personnel and are often staffed with a Resident Care Director who oversees the care team and residents’ health needs. It is important to know what level of care can be provided to your loved one in the community and how outside care is managed.

4. How do team members interact with residents?

Observe how a community’s team members interact with residents. If possible, speak to family members of a current resident to find out how they interact with the caregivers. You should feel very comfortable with the care team and have a good relationship with them.

5. What kind of training do the caregivers have?

People living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia require specially trained caregivers who understand the signs and symptoms of both. They should have experience caring for those with dementia and be capable of managing any situation, no matter how unpredictable. People living with dementia often experience extreme anxiety and confusion, may be prone to angry outbursts or try to leave the community alone, and require caregivers who are prepared to calmly redirect that energy and address these issues.

6. What is the dining program like?

Memory support communities typically offer three meals a day with snacks available in between. Ask to see a sample menu. Visit the dining room, inspect the food that is being served and inquire if special diets can be accommodated. Also ask where the food is sourced from and what percentage of it is served from fresh, not frozen.

7. What does a day look like and what activities are offered?

Many studies show people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s greatly benefit from specialized life enrichment activities like creating memory books, taking art or music classes, or attending fitness classes. Ask what kinds of activities are scheduled and who supervises them. And importantly, see how the team will accommodate the interests of your family member into the daily routine.

8. What is included in the monthly cost?

Always find out what is included in the standard monthly fee. All meals, comprehensive resident care, assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry services and community activities should be included.

9. What additional costs are there?

Be sure to ask what is not included with the base monthly apartment rates and what are typical extra expenses like community living fees and incontinence programs. This is important for creating a realistic budget for your loved one’s care.

10. Does the community offer care options?

As we age, our needs change. Some communities offer just independent living, others just assisted living, and others just memory support. It’s nice to know when you research a community that it has options for you or your loved ones if health needs change. It’s much less disruptive to get additional support and care in the environment you live in than to move later in life.

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 719-259-1331 or schedule a personalized tour online and come meet our team.

When looking for a memory support community that meets the needs of your loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory loss, the best possible place for them to be is in a community where they will have the proper support and care necessary to maintain a high quality of life even as their cognitive issues progress.

Research has shown that residents in memory support communities experience a multitude of benefits. They generally take less medication, have a reduced risk of falls and injuries, have improved wellness and nutrition, enjoy more independence and socialization, and visit the hospital less often.

Here are five important factors to consider when searching for the right memory support community and program for your loved one:

1. Staffing

It’s important to ask yourself whether the team in the community you’re evaluating appears to be knowledgeable and caring. Find out their level of training and experience and whether any team members are certified dementia care managers. Another important factor to consider is the staff-to-resident ratio, both during the day and at night. At communities like Jackson Creek Senior Living, team members are trained in compassionate, person-centered care and on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2. Safety

Six out of 10 people living with Alzheimer’s have the tendency to wander, so it’s a good idea to find out if the memory support community you’re considering has safeguards and electronic safety features against residents leaving the premises. Some communities are equipped with a wander alert system, while others implement access-controlled, video-monitored entry or emergency call systems and pendants in resident apartments.

3. Services

Think about what level of care your loved one needs, from basic services like meal prep and laundry to specialized medical care and assistance with activities of daily living. Find out a community’s standard procedures for medical emergencies, especially if your loved one has underlying conditions. You may also want to ask what kinds of therapies the community offers, such as pet, music, reminiscence, light, art, or another type of specialized therapy.

4. Levels of Care

Other important information to gather is whether the community’s Health and Wellness Director and memory support team develop an individual care plan for residents upon moving in, and how residents are engaged by team members with verbal queues and prompting. If necessary, ask whether the community can care for residents who exhibit disruptive behavior. If your loved one is not quite ready for memory support, you can also ask whether they have an assisted living to Alzheimer’s support bridge program for early-stage residents.

5. Amenities

Finally, determine what the living arrangements are in the community you are considering: are there memory support neighborhoods? Are the apartments arranged around shared common areas like a homelike living room or dedicated activities space? At Jackson Creek, we offer a memory support dining program and two outdoor courtyards to encourage movement and fresh air. Other services include wellness and life enrichment programs, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and scheduled transportation.

Before deciding, determine your loved one’s personal needs and then evaluate the memory support program and community as much as possible: schedule a tour, read online reviews, talk to residents, families, and team members, and most importantly, ask questions!

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call  719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com if you have questions about memory support or would like to schedule a personalized tour.

Do you or a loved one need help with activities of daily living as you age? Does a spouse or friend need help because their memory is declining? When you begin your search for long-term care for an aging loved one, knowing the difference between assisted living and memory support is important. While some of the services are the same, there are several differences in the level of care provided.

What Does Assisted Living Mean?

Seniors in an assisted living community typically need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, incontinence management, medication management, and mobility. While they require help with some of these tasks their reasoning skills are still intact, and they can communicate their needs.

What Does Memory Support Mean?

Memory support residents also require assistance with activities of daily living but to a higher and more personalized level. Seniors experiencing memory loss may forget how to turn off a faucet or burner, or even how to navigate to and from their apartment. They often cannot clearly articulate their needs which can lead to frustration. Memory support team members have special training to enhance engagement and communication with residents so they can be successful and still maintain purpose in a community.

Safety

Safety is always a concern for seniors who are prone to falls and other injuries. In assisted living, residents have call buttons in their apartments and daily check-ins to ensure they are generally in good health. Some residents may have pendants for emergency help as needed.

Residents in memory support need more personalized and enhanced security services to keep them from wandering from the community, which typically includes keypad access for team members and visitors to enter and leave the memory support neighborhood. Memory support communities are often designed to minimize confusion with plenty of open space for walking and movement, color-coded walls and personalized shadow boxes to help residents navigate the building, and lots of signage.

Socialization and Activities

Assisted living communities offer lots of fun activities and opportunities for residents to socialize and engage like painting, playing board games, going to live musical performances, daily exercise, and educational forums.

Memory support residents have access to most of the same socialization opportunities, but with more personalization to ensure they are meaningful and purposeful. Special activities may be scheduled for these residents that have been shown to help slow cognitive decline, reduce falls, and decrease the use of some medications, and are done with the support of trained team members.

At Jackson Creek Senior Living, we help families find the best living situation to meet their loved one’s needs. Call 719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com if you have questions about assisted living or memory support or would like to schedule a personalized tour.