In 2020, there were more than 50 million people around the world living with some form of dementia. As the number of patients with this disease continues to grow, it becomes increasingly more important to understand as much about this disease as possible.
According to the National Institutes of Health, seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are more successful in familiar environments. Recognizing things like objects, furniture and photographs can help seniors to feel more at ease. When they are comfortable, it allows them to trust their instincts and their abilities, creating an opportunity for them to remain more active and independent.
For seniors living in a memory care community, a carefully decorated room can be a wonderful sanctuary and support. Selecting the right decorating items, including colors and décor, can actually help keep a loved one’s mind active and keep their spirits up! So, how do you know the best way to create a familiar, comforting environment?
What to Expect in a Memory Care Room
Memory care rooms may differ between communities, but each room is designed to promote safety and to facilitate activities of daily living for the resident. Safety measures in the room may include items such as:
- Alarms on the doors to prevent wandering
- Bed alarms
- Secured doors to the outside
- Handles and balance bars
At the Stratford Commons Memory Care Community, every memory care studio is modified for mobility and equipped with an emergency response system. The rooms are clean and artfully decorated, and the common areas provide safe and comfortable spots for residents to make friends and enjoy the sense of community. To help residents and prevent frustration, all areas of the community are labeled, and there is easily accessible signage if anyone forgets their way to their next destination.
Memory Care Decorating Ideas
While it is vital for a memory care community to be safe and structured, the resident rooms are encouraged to be creative and unique. This space gives the resident a sense of identity, while also providing privacy and support. Here are some memory care decorating ideas to help you create the perfect space for your loved one:
Remove mirrors. Dementia is a progressive disease, and there may come a time when a person no longer recognizes himself or herself. This can be a frightening experience, so it is best to remove mirrors from the room. Framed photographs are a wonderful reminder of the person’s appearance and the support he or she has from loved ones.
Make sure there is natural light. At Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community, memory care rooms are full of natural light and soothing colors. Light is important in a memory room because it is known to improve the mood of dementia patients, while also reducing depression.
Select color carefully. When considering apartment room decorations and furniture for a memory room, it is most helpful to use contrasting colors. For example, it helps if the furniture is a different color than the walls or the carpet and that bathroom towels are a different color than the walls. Many seniors with dementia suffer from a lack of spatial awareness, and contrasting, soothing colors are the best choice.
Use sentimental decorating items. Objects that mean a lot to the person are the very best choice to make any room feel like home. Memory walls with photographs and family heirlooms, special blankets and examples of past hobbies – such as quilts or scrapbooks – can help provide comfort and evoke a sense of identity.
Finding the Right Fit
The Thrive at the Courtyard training program, utilized at Tutera Senior Living communities like Stratford Commons and Tiffany Springs, is now recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for integrating evidence-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. The Alzheimer’s Association is the country’s leader in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia. They take part in research on a global scale, while also providing information, education and early detection tools. Our curriculum gives our staff the knowledge they need to provide the very best care and support for our residents.
At Tutera Senior Living, our memory care residents receive an individualized care plan to ensure their needs are met. Our team of experts works to help your loved one remain as independent as possible, while supporting needs as they arise. To learn more about memory care and the Tutera Senior Living communities, please contact us today at 877-988-8372.
