Physical care for the memory impaired is not enough

Question: My father has Alzheimer's disease but still lives at home. In the past month he has become increasingly frustrated, disoriented and difficult to care for. How can I help improve the quality of his life?

Answer: If your loved one suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's, you should prepare yourself for the many changes that lie ahead. As the disease progresses you will need to think realistically about what level of care you are able to give and what type of care will allow your loved one to live a meaningful life. If you notice a decline in health, more confusion or increasing personal stress about your caretaking responsibilities, it may be time to consider memory care. Planning early on, when your loved one can make his or her wishes known, will ensure an easier transition.

There are countless memory care residences that focus primarily on safety and physical care. However, if the goal is to improve your loved one's quality of life, you will want to choose a residence that offers compassionate and quality care along with innovative programs designed to engage memory impaired individuals, like art and music therapy.

Art and music therapy have been shown to give back a part of what memory diseases take away from patients. Art activities stimulate the senses, trigger dormant memories and encourage conversation, while music can spark energy and inspire movement and personal connection in non-verbal ways. Therapies can include playing musical instruments, singing, painting, sculpting and ballroom dancing.

Artistically expressive activities that take place in a safe and nurturing environment also help family members to meaningfully connect with loved ones in satisfying new ways, without the stress of being a caretaker.

The Memory Care Residences at MorseLife offer individuals with Alzheimer's and other significant memory impairments opportunities to live a fuller life. With guidance from expert caregivers, residents are encouraged to engage through innovative programming and enriching social activities. Situated in a serene campus setting, the five-star living residence conveys the warmth and comfort of living at home with a sensory-stimulating open kitchen concept where delicious meals are prepared daily.

Since 2007, Keith A. Myers has served as President/CEO of MorseLife Health System, a nationally recognized provider of senior health care, housing and support services.

______________________________________

Marilyn & Stanley M. Katz Seniors Campus

4847 David S. Mack Drive

West Palm Beach, FL 33417

Phone: 561.440.5283

Website: morselife.org

Email: info@morselife.org

___

(c)2019 The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

Visit The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.) at www.palmbeachpost.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.