memory care

Memory Care
Neighbourhood

The Memory Care Neighbourhood is a dedicated environment filled with cues and memory supports that enables residents living with dementia to live with meaning and purpose in our care.

Installing meaningful décor into a Memory Care Neighbourhood supports resident wellbeing by instilling a sense of safety, homeliness and belonging.  Décor is practical, usable and sympathetic to the environment.  Creating a sense of homeliness includes ensuring that cupboards aren’t locked and that items for interaction are visible and easily accessible without requiring assistance.

Artwork on the walls is homelike and colourful.  The kitchens reflect residential kitchen spaces with common kitchen appliances and hardware on benchtops.  Retro style items promote reminiscence and are fully functional, not simply on show.   

Resident bedrooms require particular attention.  These spaces are individualised and radiate a sense of home with beloved resident possessions on display.  

Memory boxes provide good wayfinding support, particularly when they include highly personalised trinkets and photos of the resident in the time of their life they have regressed to.  Memory boxes are updated over time and as the resident’s impairment progress.

Personalised window sized decals on doors can significantly enhance wayfinding for residents.  These are individually selected and have meaning for the individual resident.

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Commonly asked questions about dementia care

  • Dementia isn’t a single disease, but a term used to describe the symptoms of a range of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in the ability to think and perform everyday tasks. It can also lead to changes in personality and behaviour. While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important to keep in mind that it is possible to continue to maintain a good quality of life for many people. 

  • There are many types of dementia but the most common causes include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Understanding the symptoms associated with each type of dementia can help in ensuring each person’s care needs are met.

  • Dementia has a huge impact not only on the person who has been diagnosed, but also on those closest to them. Some of the feelings commonly experienced by carers include guilt, grief, loss and even anger. Even if your loved one isn’t ready to move into long-term care, feel free to arrange for a chat with our knowledgeable team who’ll be happy to offer advice or put you in touch with other carers who are going through the same thing and can offer support and understanding.

  • Think about a short stay in respite care to start with. Perhaps arrange to go and have lunch or participate in an activity that your loved one enjoys. This will give you both a chance to find out if the Care Community feels like a good fit and it will give you both confidence in your decision.

    It’s natural to feel apprehensive about making such a big decision. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Our team understands that it can feel overwhelming and they can provide direct support and suggest strategies to make things easier.

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  • Moving house is among the most stressful life events. When moving house is combined with a big life change like moving into residential care, it can have a significant impact. Often the move into care comes about as a result of a traumatic event such as a fall rather than a considered decision process, so the circumstances around the move can feel overwhelming and out of the person’s control. Sometimes the person moving into care can take out their frustrations on their family if they don’t feel in control. It’s important to ensure that your loved one feels a part of the decision making process. If this happens, try not to take it personally. Our team are here to help and support both you and your loved one through this time.

  • Everyone's different but on average you can expect most people to start feeling more comfortable and at home in around two to six weeks. It's a big adjustment so try not to get disheartened if it seems to take a while. The most important thing is to just take each day at a time and speak with our leadership team if you have any concerns.