Memory Care Services in Rochester, NY

Q: What does Memory Care involve?

Memory Care can be available in a standalone building or in a secured part of an assisted living community, continuing care community or a nursing home. Because ensuring safety is especially important, a 24/7 secure environment is essential to prevent patients from wandering outside or off the premises without supervision. In many ways, Memory Care is like Assisted Living combined with the 24-hour care and supervision that a nursing home offers, in that staff provide meals, assistance with daily activities, housekeeping and laundry services, health services and physical activities. Staff members receive specialized training for memory care. Other specialists provide physical and creative activities to keep residents active and engaged. Family members can join residents for meals, activities and even stay overnight.

Q: What’s the difference between Memory Care and Skilled Nursing?

You’ll often find that Memory Care is available within a continuum of living options and care at a senior care community. But the difference between Memory Care and Skilled Nursing is that Memory Care residents can be in better physical health than patients who require Skilled Nursing. Memory Care patients are often more ambulatory, too, which is why a secure environment is so important for their safety. In some cases, Memory Care is provided as part of a nursing home’s (Skilled Nursing) services.

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Memory Care Services at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities

Memory care with Episcopal SeniorLife Communities is specialized care for people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Special training, additional staffing with structured, stimulating programming and a safe, secure environment are the hallmarks of our memory care communities. At Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, we offer our professionally designed Memory Care program as an extension of our Assisted Living neighborhoods at Seabury Woods and provide specialized dementia care at the Episcopal Church Home.

Creating Meaningful Moments for Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Persons affected by cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke or other brain injuries often require memory care services, especially in the moderate to advanced stages of the disease. Because these are progressive conditions, living and looking after someone who has dementia can quickly overwhelm family caregivers. ESLC offers a specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care community with specially trained staff, a safe and closely monitored environment, and daily activities to provide a higher quality of life to our memory care residents.

Take a look at our memory care community below to learn more.

Ashley Woods

400 YMCA Way

Penfield, NY 14526

585.546.8400

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Seabury Woods

110 Dalaker Drive

Rochester, NY 14624

585.546.8400

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What is Memory Care?

As you’ve likely heard, Alzheimer’s disease is only increasing as a larger percentage of people in the country are aging. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and the only disease in this country’s top ten diseases that can’t be prevented, cured or even slowed. With ongoing research, experts are hoping for insights that will lead to prevention and possibly a cure.

Alzheimer’s isn’t the only form of dementia, however. While Alzheimer’s accounts for somewhere between 60 and 80 percent of dementia cases, dementia itself is not a specific disease. It encompasses a wide range of symptoms that are related to a person’s memory and ability to handle everyday activities. One example is vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke. There are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.

Since every person diagnosed with dementia will follow his or own path with the disease, symptoms and stages will change with time. With specialized memory support and care, persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can continue to live purposeful and satisfying lives.

Here are some answers to common questions about memory care services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memory Care

How do I know if a family member needs Memory Care?

A: If you live with this person, or are a family member, you may notice that your loved one often searches for the right words, can’t seem to remember recent events, misplaces items or isn’t able to look after themselves in the same ways. They may forget to pay bills or spend unusual amounts of money, and may even forget to do things like eat regular meals and keep up with personal care. Their judgment, moods and personality may change, and you may notice they often seem confused, withdrawn or agitated. Because dementia has a number of causes, some reversible, it’s best to get a check-up from their doctor to rule out other issues in addition to telling the doctor about your loved one’s new and different behaviors.

How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?

A: Doctors and specialists can administer special memory tests that indicate whether a person has more than a mild case of dementia, but because Alzheimer’s disease can’t definitively be diagnosed without an autopsy, doctors currently determine that a person has Alzheimer’s disease based on symptoms and behaviors. For more about these symptoms and other reliable information about Alzheimer’s disease, see alz.org.

What kinds of services and supports do people with dementia need?

A: These vary and can range, based on where a person is in their disease’s progression, but because their memory and judgment are affected, a safe living environment, such as one offered by a dementia care community, is essential.

What does Memory Care involve?

A: Memory Care services can be available in a standalone building or in a secured part of an assisted living community, continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or a nursing home. Because ensuring safety is especially important, a 24/7 secure environment is essential to prevent patients from wandering outside or off the premises without supervision. In many ways, Memory Care is like Assisted Living combined with the 24-hour care and supervision that a nursing home offers, in that staff provide meals, assistance with daily activities, housekeeping and laundry services, health services and physical activities. Staff members receive specialized training for working in memory care communities. Other specialists provide physical and creative activities to keep residents active and engaged. Family members can join residents for meals, activities and even stay overnight.

What’s the difference between Memory Care and Skilled Nursing?

A: You’ll often find that Memory Care services are available within a continuum of living options and care at a senior care community. But the difference between Memory Care and Skilled Nursing is that Memory Care residents can be in better physical health than patients who require Skilled Nursing. Memory Care patients are often more ambulatory, too, which is why a secure environment is so important for their safety. In some cases, Memory Care services are provided as part of a nursing home’s (Skilled Nursing) services.

Is that why some senior living communities offer different levels of service?

A: Yes, and it’s smart to think about future needs as you decide where you or a loved one will live. Now, many senior living communities offer a full array of care and services to make it easier to transition from one type of living option to another, and most communities will offer their residents priority consideration to other levels of care when they’re needed. It’s worth considering a senior living organization that offers you or your loved one these additional levels of care and extra peace of mind when you compare your choices.

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Memory Care