Memory Care Facilities Designed to Feel Like The Old Neighborhood

Designing spaces for dementia patients—and finding the perfect place for a loved one--takes special attention to detail. The little things matter in creating a place where people—our families—can live more peacefully, securely and socially in an environment they can understand.

The rapid aging of America creates a marked need to explore how assisted living spaces are designed and the manner in which care and services are delivered. Further underscoring this need, it is estimated that one in nine Americans 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease and that by 2050, there will be nearly 14 million Americans with Alzheimer’s—not including those who suffer from other forms of dementia.

For individuals with dementia who require a higher level of skilled care and supervision, memory care units are an ideal option. These facilities generally offer both private and shared living spaces. Sometimes they exist as a wing within an assisted living facility or nursing home or they can operate as stand-alone residences. Twenty-four hour care by trained staff focus on the specific needs and demands of dementia patients. In addition to offering many of the same services as assisted living, memory care units include activities that are intended to stimulate the memory of those with Alzheimer’s and possibly slow the progression of the disease. Such activities might include music, arts and crafts, games, etc.

Research has shown that the living environment itself can also be an effective therapeutic tool, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. AEC Living, the company behind a group of independently operated senior living communities and a Medicare-approved rehabilitation agency, recently renovated their Elder’s Inn dementia unit, incorporated a welcoming design evocative of the outside world while maintaining crucial patient security. Central to the remodel was making it feel like a real neighborhood, intended to evoke a feeling of safety and comfort for its residents. The neighborhood underwent a complete remodel—and with such was able to significantly improve resident and staff morale and boost the number of outside visitors and their length of stay, too.

New features include visual design aids, customized unit colors, gardens, and even a faux store, where patients can purchase items with play money, so they have the independent-feel and comforting experience of performing daily activities they performed when they were younger and more able. Every single doorway has been personalized, as these kinds of design elements tend to help trigger memories for dementia patients. Nothing was left untouched—AEC Living designed the facility also to address wandering, wayfinding, dining and activities, all to lessen confusion and feelings of unease. Patient rooms and waiting areas have been re-designed to alleviate stress and accommodate caregivers, residents and their families. Providing amenities and respite areas for caregivers is also important because their quality of work correlates to positive work environment.

A once sterile environment of memory care is slowly transforming into a welcoming, neighborhood environment, specially customized for people who need care for memory and Alzheimer’s. AEC is paving the way for seniors to find their way home.

Stephen Zimmerman, M.A. Gerontology and COO of AEC Living. Stephen is a licensed RCFE Administrator with over 10 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry. Stephen obtained his Masters in Gerontology from the University of Southern California where he graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact http://www.AECliving.com. With over forty years of experience in the senior care industry, AEC Living has successfully built and operated some of the most innovative and well regarded assisted living communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. These include Waters Edge Lodge and Elders Inn.