Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that is progressive and irreversible. It slowly starts to destroy a person’s cognitive skills and their memory. Eventually, it progresses far enough that people who have it can’t carry out simple everyday tasks. Medical experts generally split this disease into two different categories including:

1. Late-Onset Alzheimer’s – With this type of Alzheimer’s, people generally start showing common symptoms in their mid-60s. This is the most common type of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s – This type of Alzheimer’s disease is very rare, and people can start showing symptoms starting in their 30s and going up to their 60s.

Common Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

No matter which type of Alzheimer’s a person has, there are several common symptoms that go with both types, and they go into three stages.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s is the first stage, and it typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 years before it progresses. The symptoms include:

• Less energy to be out and about
• Trouble putting thoughts into words
• Recent memory loss
• Mood swings that usually involve depression
• Trouble completing familiar tasks

Moderate Alzheimer’s is the second stage of the disease, and it can last between 2 and 10 years.  The symptoms start interfering more with everyday tasks, and they include:

• Rambling speech patterns
• Difficulty planning or problem-solving
• Wandering
• Delusions
• Seeming to be angrier and lashing out

Severe Alzheimer’s is the final stage of the disease, and it can last between 1 to 3 years. The symptoms can make someone completely dependent on other people for everyday care, and they include:

• Major confusion about the present day
• Extreme mood swings, including lashing out
• Problems controlling their bladder and bowels
• Hallucinations
• Inability to easily move around on their own

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Medications have advanced over the years, and there is now a class of different drugs that can help control the common symptoms that come with each stage of Alzheimer’s disease. These medications are commonly grouped together as Cholinesterase Inhibitors.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors work to prevent a chemical messenger in the brain called acetylcholine from breaking down. Acetylcholine is important for helping improve memory function, and it supports communication between nerve cells. They can also help to delay the symptom progression or severity. There are five main medications people use to treat the symptoms that occur during the various stages of this disease.

Five Alzheimer’s Medications

Aricept (donepezil)

Aricept is a medication that can treat Alzheimer’s disease symptoms during all of the stages of the disease. Its basic function is to help preserve memory by improving how well the brain’s nerve cells function. This medication prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, and this chemical is largely responsible for memory, reasoning, and coherent thinking.

It’s important to note that people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s usually have lower levels of the chemical acetylcholine in their system, so this medication can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Side effects of this medication are rare, but they typically include things like vomiting, nausea, and feeling lightheaded.

Razadyne (galantamine)

Razadyne is another common Alzheimer’s medication, and it can treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. It works by slowly restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in a person’s brain. It can help to treat mild or moderate confusion levels, as well as improve awareness, memory, and the ability to perform day to day tasks.

Typically, you start at a lower dose with this medication and slowly increase it until you meet your target dosage. You should start to notice an improvement in the person’s awareness, and they may seem more present and focused. This medication does come with some mild side effects including nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Exelon (rivastigmine)

Exelon is a Cholinesterase inhibitor that can help to control the symptoms that come with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It works similar to Razadyne, and it also helps to restore the neurotransmitter balance in the brain. In turn, this can help to treat the confusion that Alzheimer’s brings, as well as improving memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily tasks.

The doctor usually starts on a lower dose to decrease the chances of side effects, and they’ll gradually increase the dosage over a period of two to four weeks until you get to the target dosage. The common side effects that can appear when the doctor introduces this medication include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Namenda (memantine)

A doctor will typically prescribe Namenda when a person reaches the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The basic function of this medication is to block glutamate, which is a natural substance found in the brain. Glutamate is thought to be responsible for causing more severe confusion, coordination problems, mood swings, and insomnia.

You start taking it once a day, and the dosage slowly increases as your body will tolerate it. As it starts to work, you may notice that the memory capabilities start to improve, there is a greater awareness of the surrounding environment, and it’s easier to perform daily tasks. Common side effects include constipation, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Namzaric (memantine + donepezil)

Namzaric is the fifth medication that can help alleviate common Alzheimer’s symptoms. Doctors can prescribe it for moderate to severe symptoms, and it helps to regulate any irregular activity associated with the natural chemical Glutamate. It also helps to slow down the breakdown process of acetylcholine. There are two medications that work in tandem in Namzaric.

It’s important to note that this medication doesn’t stop Alzheimer’s disease from progressing. However, it can help people be more aware of their surroundings, and it can help them perform day to day tasks more easily. Common side effects of Namzaric include nausea, headache, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and loss of appetite.

Alzheimer’s disease can be a scary diagnosis, but Alzheimer’s medications can help to reduce the symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you’d like more information, contact us. Our staff are ready and willing to help and get you the answers you need.

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Doctors often use the Reisberg Scale, often called the GDS, to separate the seven stages of the disease. Although this scale includes multiple stages within the categories of “No Dementia” and “Mid-Stage Dementia”, it further separates the symptoms for a more accurate diagnosis. This is essential for developing the right treatment plan since there is no specific test for diagnosing it. Also, there are medications that help to slow the progression of the disease but symptoms cannot be reversed.

Medications are used to treat the different symptoms of dementia. Some treat memory loss while others are used to treat behavioral changes or sleep disorders. Most of these drugs are only effective during the early stages and for a short period of time. The most valuable thing you can do for your loved one is to get quality San Diego memory care that will keep their mind active as long as possible.

The Seven Stages of Dementia:

Stage 1

People who experience no memory loss and are mentally healthy are considered stage 1. According to the scale, every person without dementia is classified as Stage 1.

Stage 2

Those in Stage 2 have very mild cognitive decline. They experience occasional forgetfulness that appears to be normal for their age. You aren’t likely to notice these symptoms and neither is their physician.

Stage 3

This stage of cognitive decline includes more frequent forgetfulness and the beginning of a decline in concentration. The person in Stage 3 dementia often performs normal tasks less efficiently. They may have problems finding the right words or get lost when going places they are familiar with.

The people who live with the person may notice the symptoms during this stage. It is more difficult to realize the decline in their cognitive abilities from a distance. On average, Stage 3 lasts for seven years before progressing to actual dementia.

Stage 4

During Stage 4, the person experiences a moderate cognitive decline. They begin to forget attending recent events and have problems managing their finances. They may be unable to travel to new locations without getting lost.

It isn’t unusual for people in Stage 4 to withdraw from their loved ones because of the difficulties they have socializing. Loss of memory and problems recalling names or finding the right words makes it difficult to socialize. Physicians can detect a decline in cognitive abilities by examining the patient and interviewing them. Denial of their symptoms sometimes makes them resistant to doctor’s appointments. Stage 4 lasts an average of two years.

Stage 5

During this stage, loss of memory is more pronounced. Most people require help performing normal daily activities such as preparing meals and bathing. During Stage 5, the need for professional and compassionate San Diego memory care may be necessary. People who live alone often stop doing daily tasks like bathing. They may wear the same clothes day after day and have difficulty distinguishing day from night.

Stage 6

People in Stage 6 dementia often forget the names of those closest to them. They can’t remember recent events and often recall some details of events from the past. They are unable to complete simple tasks and their ability to speak diminishes. Loss of bladder and bowel control often occurs and personality changes begin to take place. Stage 6 dementia patients often believe things that aren’t true, begin to show compulsive behavior, and they may become anxious or agitated. Caring for the person becomes difficult to impossible for loved ones as the person becomes more resistant to performing normal activities.

Caregivers in a specialized San Diego memory care facility know the special needs of dementia patients in every stage. They have the skills and the experience to provide their residents with the physical care they need while also providing activities that bring them greater happiness and quality of life. Taking care of a loved one with dementia is more than a little challenging. Getting the advanced level of care they need from a memory care facility is the best choice for the patient and for their family members.

Stage 7

The final stage in the scale is very severe cognitive decline. During Stage 7, the person is no longer able to speak or communicate and they often can’t walk. They need help with almost everything they do including eating and using the toilet. Stage 7 lasts an average of two-and-a-half years.

The Need for Dementia Care

As you can see from these stages, dementia is more than simple memory loss. Although the time period of each stage varies among patients, the disease progresses over a period of several years. Although many people continue to care for themselves during the first two stages, obvious changes in their abilities and behaviors begin to take place during Stage 3. By the time they enter Stage 4, their abilities decline. How long they are safe in their own homes depends on the individual and their rate of decline in cognitive abilities.

In addition to memory loss, dementia also increases the risk of falls. The patient may forget to take medications or forget that they have already taken their medications. They could forget to turn off the stove and may leave food cooking unattended.

During the earlier stages, the person will be able to prepare and eat nutritious meals, take safety precautions while walking and showering, and even take care of their finances. Over time, these simple tasks become overwhelming and put them at risk of fires, falls, and other health and safety risks.

Once your loved one is no longer safe in their own home, it’s time to look into San Diego memory care. Contact Lakeside Manor to schedule a tour of our facility and get the special care you need for your loved one and for your peace of mind.

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Nine Top Risk Factors for Dementia

Age 

Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. Although it is possible to develop dementia at a younger age, the vast majority of cases occur in individuals aged 65 or over. In fact, once you pass the age of 65, your risk of dementia doubles roughly every five years. While there is nothing you can do to stop the ageing process, you can focus on ageing well to help stave off physical and cognitive decline. 

Family History and Genetics 

Scientists have discovered numerous genes that play a role in whether or not a person will ultimately develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. Some of these genes are considered risk genes, meaning they increase the likelihood of developing the condition while not directly causing it. There are also a few deterministic genes that guarantee a person will develop dementia at some point in their lives. If you have others in your family with the disease, your risk is greatly increased as well, multiplying for each additional family member with the condition. 

Frequent Head Injuries 

Researchers have found a strong link between head injuries and cognitive decline. The risk is increased even more when head injuries occur frequently and when the person loses consciousness. The best way to minimize your risk in this area is to employ basic safety practices, like always wearing a helmet when riding a bike and a seat belt when driving. If you have experienced head trauma in the past, all hope is not lost. Do your best to prevent it from happening again in the future, though. 

Cardiovascular Conditions 

There are a variety of cardiovascular conditions that can increase your risk of developing dementia later on in life. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity all boost your risk. To help combat this risk, do your part to stay healthy by reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, and practice physical fitness on a regular basis. Your doctor can advise you on the best diet and exercise choices to meet your needs and help prevent these common conditions. 

Sedentary Lifestyle 

In addition to increasing your risk of developing the cardiovascular conditions listed in the previous section, leading a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk of dementia. While the specific reasons behind this are not entirely clear, researchers believe that it is due to the changes physical exercise creates in your brain. A lack of physical activity reduces blood flow to your brain, which can lead to damage over time. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, even if it is just a leisurely stroll. 

Smoking 

Smoking has major effects on your entire body, not just your lungs. Smoking also affects your heart, brain and entire vascular system. Not only that, but it also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. The combination of all of these effects significantly increases your risk of dementia. It is never too late to quit smoking. When you quit, the positive effects on your body begin almost immediately and continue to increase over time, so get the help you need to quit right away. 

Lack of Cognitive Stimulation 

Your brain needs ongoing stimulation to stay sharp. If your lifestyle doesn’t provide much in the way of mental stimulation, you’ll need to go out of your way to get it for yourself. This is common among retirees who no longer have their jobs to keep their minds active. Activities like crossword puzzles and other word games can help stave off cognitive decline. Try to remain socially active as well; interacting with others helps to keep your mind active. Playing games, either in person or online, can help too. Basically, anything you can do to keep your brain as active as possible will help. 

Alcohol Abuse 

Consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis can have far-reaching effects, not just on your body, but on your brain as well. Frequent drinking can lead to short-term and long-term memory loss, as well as difficulty forming new memories. Excessive alcohol consumption over a period of many years can also increase a person’s risk of Korsakoff syndrome, an extreme form of dementia. In the past, some scientists believed that occasional drinking could help to prevent cognitive decline, but that notion has fallen by the wayside in recent years. 

Depression 

People who have experienced bouts of depression in the middle of their lives have increased risk of developing dementia. Scientists are unsure of what exactly causes this connection, but it may carry over into a person’s latter years as well. There is a possibility that depression is a byproduct of dementia in the later stages of life rather than a risk factor, but it is undeniable that the two often go hand in hand. More research will be needed to determine the specific reasons for the connection between depression and dementia. 

Caring for Yourself or Your Loved One 

If you or someone you love have one or more of the risk factors outlined here, it is never too late to make changes to your lifestyle to help prevent the onset of dementia. However, there may come a time when your loved one needs full time care. Here at Lakeside Manor, we offer best in class Alzheimer’s Care in a cozy residential facility.  Reach out to us today to learn more about what we have to offer and how we can help care your loved one.

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If you struggle with the decision of when to put your loved one into a dementia residential care home, you aren’t alone. More adults find themselves facing the fact that in-home care is more demanding on them than they ever imagined. Most adults have other responsibilities that prevent them from giving the round-the-clock care that dementia patients eventually need. Instead of taking on a burden that isn’t good for you or your loved one, focus on choosing the right home for their dementia care.

Dementia Residential Care Home

Do They Offer Specialized Dementia Care?

People with dementia require very specific types of care. They need to have activities available that will stimulate their brains and extend their memories for as long as possible. A facility that specializes in dementia care does more than provide shelter and a safe environment. They also provide activities and therapy to help their residents enjoy a better quality of life.

Music therapy increases the release of chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce stress and agitation. The response to music continues to provide benefits even after the music stops. Most impressive of all is that listening to music can evoke old memories. Providing activities such as crafts also helps. Look for a dementia residential care home that spends time with their residents doing the things that will prolong their memories.

Where Are They Located?

For many adults, it is better to find a care home close to them and not close to the loved one’s former home. Once your loved one leaves home, their condition will only grow worse over time. You and your family must face the reality that they will not return to their home.

What is most important to your loved one is to have family members around them. The support family members provide is vital to the patient’s physical and mental health. They also need support outside of the home, such as taking care of financial needs or managing their property. Having your loved one close to you will also reduce demands on your time if they should become ill and need to go to the hospital.

What Is Their Approach to Dementia Care?

There are different types of dementia and the symptoms vary among different people. Taking the same approach to dementia care will leave some people shortchanged of the personalized care they need. Make sure a care home offers individualized care instead of implementing the same types of treatment for everyone.

What Is Their Policy for Going Outdoors?

There’s a lot of difference between keeping residents safe and keeping them locked away. Dementia patients benefit a great deal from being outdoors. Working in a garden provides even greater benefits as long as the staff monitors gardening activities to ensure safety. Find out if the dementia residential care home you talk with encourages residents to spend time outdoors. Also, ask if they have interactions with their community and/or what types of outdoor activities they provide.

What Is Their Visitor’s Policy?

 Ask who you will need to communicate with to get updates about your loved one’s care. Do they have limited visiting hours and, if so, when are they? Keeping track of who comes and goes is an important step in keeping all residents safe and secure. You don’t want your loved one to be “off limits” but you do want a home with a reasonable policy that makes it convenient to visit your loved one.

What Do They Do to Keep Your Loved One Safe?

How is the home set up and what types of security do they have in place? Is there supervision around the clock? How far can your loved one go without getting out of the range of view? An estimated six in ten dementia patients wander. Dementia is a progressive disease and your loved one will continue to decline in their ability to find things and places that they know. You need to know they are protected in case they suddenly try to go somewhere.

Request a Tour

Calling a home on the phone is a good start to having your questions answered and getting some of the information you need to help you make a decision. For example, what kind of living quarters will the home provide to your loved one? Does it have a cozy, at-home feel or more of a clinical one? Ask the home if they provide tours. If not, it isn’t the right place for your loved one. If they are confident in the services they provide, they should agree to show you what it is they do.

If they do offer tours, take along any questions you have about the care they offer for dementia patients. Pay attention to the setting, the workers, and the patients. This is your chance to see firsthand the environment the home provides to dementia patients.

Read Reviews

You aren’t the first adult who has struggled with the decision of which dementia care facility to choose, and you won’t be the last. Reviews offer a window into the care the home provides and can enlighten you about some of the issues you hadn’t thought about before.

Choosing a dementia residential care home for your loved one is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Knowing what to ask and what to look for will give you the confidence that you made the right choice. Contact Lakeside Manor today to schedule a tour at a time that’s convenient for you. We specialize in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in San Diego.

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What is Assisted Living?

The primary definition of assisted living is a long-term senior care option that offers supportive aid, health services, and housing. Essential services often include transportation, medical management, and 24-hour emergency care. Mom or Dad will be able to ask the staff for assistance with daily tasks.

Depending upon personal preferences, budget, and layout of the specific home, residents in assisted living may enjoy a private room or share space in an apartment. Assisted living centers should be licensed by the state in which they are situated, yet they are not federally regulated.

What is Memory Care?

A memory care facility is intended specifically for patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory disorders. Sometimes these homes are referred to as SCUs – special care units. Typically, memory care units provide supervised services around the clock, and they are often located on a separate floor or area of a residential center. The staff is specially trained and qualified to assist and nurture people with cognitive problems or dementia, often through customized guided activities.

A unique and necessary feature of memory care is the high level of security, which is designed to meet the specific needs of patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Wandering is minimized, and the layout is usually easy for residents to navigate. Another benefit of memory care that is growing in popularity is outdoor gardens, which have been shown to enhance the lives of Alzheimer’s patients dramatically.

The state must license memory care facilities, and they are also regulated in 23 states by SCU disclosure rules, which require them to inform the public about their special services.

Which Basic Services Are Provided by Both Assisted Living and Memory Care?

• Emergency call buttons and systems
• Exercise/health programs
• Medical care access
• 24-hour staff and security
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Social programs
• Daily meals
• Transportation

Do Memory Care and Assisted Living Cost the Same?

A number of factors determine the cost of every senior care facility. The size of the rooms, shared versus private space, geographic location, and available services all play a role in the final expense. However, when comparing the price of memory care versus assisted living, there are additional considerations.

Assisted living is typically charged on a monthly basis, which includes room and board with two or three meals a day. Some of these homes provide laundry and housekeeping in the base rate, while others tack on cleaning services as an additional charge. In comparison, memory care also offers specialized nursing, which makes the cost considerably higher than assisted living. However, the final fee of both places depends upon the patient’s insurance plan or veterans’ benefits.

How to Make Your Final Decision? 

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. How Active Is Mom or Dad? 

Some seniors are very involved in social and physical activities. They regularly participate in golden-age exercise groups, games, and art classes, as well as attend lectures and cultural performances. However, when it comes to bathing, dressing or preparing food, they may not be entirely independent. Sometimes this is because their mobility is impaired due to age or they have mild dementia. In general, these individuals are well suited for assisted living.

2. Does Mom or Dad Have a Memory Problem?

If your mother or father has progressive memory impairment, their needs will typically be more complex and specialized. They may require assistance that goes way beyond help with hygiene and getting dressed, and it can be unsafe for them to live without enough supervision.  In this case, memory care may be the most appropriate living solution.

3. Does Your Loved One Wander?

It is usual for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia to wander off at any hour of the day or night. They are often found walking the halls or streets, lost and confused. This practice increases their risk of injuries due to slips and falls. Memory care homes are designed to address this problem with advanced security systems and staff that keeps an eye on patients at all times.

What is Your Final Step?

There is no substitute for seeing things for yourself. After you contemplate and have answers to the issues above, it is advisable to visit some local facilities that satisfy your parent’s requirements. Prepare in advance by compiling a list of what you want to know; the Alzheimer’s Association has a helpful, comprehensive checklist for choosing residential care, which you can adapt to meet your needs. 

Ideally, you should first visit alone to narrow down the options, and then bring Mom or Dad for a follow-up trip. They may have their own questions and concerns that you didn’t consider. Also, you can observe how they fit in with the crowd, as well as how the staff interacts with them. These are all clues that can help you match your mother or father to the type of senior care that’s best for them.

Last, but not least, no matter which setting you select – do not feel guilty about putting your parent in assisted living or a memory care facility. This decision is challenging and filled with emotion for all children. However, it helps to keep sight of the end goal – to optimize the quality of life for your loved one by keeping them comfortable, safe, and as independent as possible. For more information and assistance with your decision, please contact our friendly and compassionate staff at Lakeside Manor.

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It can be a challenge to find the right facility, but once you do, it can result in noticeable improvements in the physical and mental wellness of a dementia patient. They are likely to thrive and keep as healthy, functional, interactive and relaxed as possible, while also easing some of the load for those of us who love them.

The Benefits of Assisted Living for Memory Care

Assisted living memory care facilities are designed to maximize residents’ independence while prioritizing safety. There are several stages of Alzheimer’s dementia (seven, actually), progressing from mild, intermittent symptoms to constant and severe ones. An Alzheimer’s care facility is set up to accommodate all stages of Alzheimer’s dementia. The facility itself will be handicapped accessible, from common spaces to bathrooms (including showers), to seating arrangements, beds and so on. They’ll be designed specifically to allow for easy navigation, and many will also provide a safe way for residents to access the outdoors. 

Though moving into a residence can be a challenging transition for your loved one, once they’re settled in, they’re in a place where they can move about safely and quite independently in the course of their day to day activities – with assistance provided when needed. This less constrained, more self-sufficient lifestyle can help dementia patients stay cognitively engaged with their environment, and those around them. 

Activities and Therapies for All Patients 

Memory care facilities provide leveled therapies and activities to address patients’ individual needs and interests, at all levels of dementia.

At a memory care center, your loved one (whatever stage they’re at) can benefit from ongoing socialization and as much engagement as they can partake in. Most memory care facilities will have certain therapies that they specialize in – art and music, for example. They’ll employ professionals who specialize in these areas and the activities will be structured to cater to different levels of ability. Participants will be challenged, yet enabled to achieve success. 

Most of us are laymen when it comes to the science of dementia. Our best-intentioned attempts at therapy may go very well at times, but they may also create situations that are frustrating, or not challenging enough. This, of course, is hard not to take personally when we love each other, and it can lead to tension, physical and mental strain, and total exhaustion.

Speaking of Total Exhaustion . . .

When you’re the sole care giver (or one of a few) for a person with dementia, you must fulfill all provider roles as a one-woman (or a one-man) show. You’ll constantly be juggling hats from chef and nutritionist to behavioral therapist to activity planner to doctor appointment scheduler to chauffeur to housekeeper (and then some). You’re also responsible for daily hygiene and toileting needs, hiring and managing outside assistance – and, there’s a pretty good chance you’re also working full time. This is a huge load for any one (or a few) loved ones to handle well. Daily decisions and time constraints can cause friction and arguments among family members. 

On top of the stress among you, agitation and anger cues will be picked up on by your loved one. This can be confusing and upsetting, and detrimental to their dementia treatment. It also leaves very little time, if any, where you can be the thing you want to be most to them – a loving, caring friend.

Quality Time for Both of You 

At an assisted living facility, the above responsibilities become a team effort, delegated across a staff who have training and expertise in various realms of Alzheimer’s care. You’ll still be involved. Care and treatment decisions will be communicated with you and your input will be required and valued. But the hands-on tasks and constant frenzy of running around while trying to understand this debilitating illness, will be taken off your shoulders. 

When you visit and spend time with your loved one, it can be quality time – a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable for everyone. This, too, is part of dementia treatment. Studies have shown that dementia patients’ brains (and brains without dementia too) remain healthier when they’re releasing more ‘feel good’ chemicals. So it seems that all who are living with, and loving someone with, Alzheimer’s dementia, can be helped by just ‘feeling’ better.

Trusting the Professionals 

One of the hardest things about having a loved one with dementia is that we’re so close to them and so used to ‘who they were’ that we’re always adjusting to their ever-changing disabilities and personalities. Our emotional distress can make it hard to remain objective when it comes to managing their care.

At an assisted living facility, caring for dementia patients is the staff’s full-time profession. They’re interacting with dementia and its sufferers at all levels and every day. They’re used to its peaks and valleys and tend not to take behavioral and functional changes personally. A well trained, dedicated memory care facility staff has ‘seen it all’. They can remain objective and have a better ability to see the forest for the trees. They’ll be more able to recognize and address changes in a patient’s needs or status, without allowing their emotions to take the decision-making reigns. They can tailor activities and routines to meet the needs of each individual patient. It’s what they do.

At Lakeside Manor, our priority is to provide a safe, friendly, comfortable home for people with Alzheimer’s dementia. Our caring, professional staff offers years of combined experience and a genuine devotion to meeting the needs of our residents and those who love them. We hope you’ll reach out to us with any questions you may have.

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