Dementia Care Plans at TerraBella Knightdale: What to Expect
When your loved one moves into a memory care community, you can expect them to receive personalized dementia care plans that take into account their specific needs, including behavioral supports and nutritional considerations. Much of the focus of memory care at TerraBella Knightdale is providing a secure, supportive, and home-like environment for each resident.
According to PRB, there were more than 7 million people aged 65 and older with dementia in 2020. Many of these individuals would struggle to live on their own. Luckily, both Knightdale, NC, and its surrounding area have plenty of dementia support options for seniors.
Here's what residents can expect from their community's dementia care plan.
What Are Dementia Care Plans?
A dementia care plan is a form of Alzheimer's support. It provides a structured and personalized roadmap for people with dementia and other cognitive issues.
Essential elements include:
- Assessment of cognitive and physical status
- Individualized goals
- Behavioral and safety supports
- Meaningful activity
- Caregiver education
- Nutritional considerations
- Environment adaptations
- Monitoring progress
- Review and adaptation over time
This structured senior care is essential for supporting seniors who have trouble with word-finding, wandering, and overall daily confusion.
How TerraBella Knightdale Supports Cognitive Wellness
Memory care in Knightdale supports residents in many ways, including:
- Secure environment
- Trained staff
- Personalized memory programs
- Structured and meaningful activities
- Dining and nutritional support
- Comfortable, home-like lifestyle
The neighborhood offers constant supervision and a safe design to prevent wandering and reduce anxiety. Caregivers receive specialized dementia-care training to respond compassionately and effectively to changes in a resident's mood or behavior.
Each resident receives an individual plan that reflects their preferences and current abilities. Staff can determine when a person needs to transition from assisted living to memory care.
These communities emphasize a friendly, welcoming environment. Amenities include outdoor spaces, social events, and daily housekeeping services.
How Does the Care Plan Begin?
Every resident receives their own dementia care plan when they transition into a memory care community. This helps staff determine how best to approach their care and what changes to watch for.
1. Assessment and Admission
Before or at move-in, the staff evaluates the resident's cognitive status, physical health, and behavioral patterns. They also consider their medical history, preferences, and safety risks.
Expect coordination with a senior's current medical providers for more comprehensive care.
2. Development of the Plan
Based on the assessment, the care team and family collaborate to create a care plan detailing daily routines. They determine social engagement goals, nutritional needs, and safety measures.
This plan is not set in stone and will often change in the following months according to the individual's cognitive status.
3. Implementation and Staff Training
Each resident's plan is put into action with the trained staff on duty, coordinating with healthcare providers and the resident's family. Consistency of routine helps residents adapt and feel secure.
4. Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Dementia is a progressive disease, and care needs evolve over time. The team will review and refine the plan on a regular basis to account for changes.
5. Family Engagement
Staff keep family members informed, give support and education, and invite them to participate in communal events or private meetings. At no point should they feel excluded from their loved one's care plan.
How Long Does It Take for a Dementia Patient to Adjust to Assisted Living?
Adjusting to a new living environment varies from person to person. However, some general patterns and considerations apply to residents in memory care programs.
The initial transition in the first couple of weeks is the most challenging. Residents may feel disoriented or anxious at the various changes.
By month two, residents settle into their care plan and begin to form relationships with staff and fellow residents. By the six-month mark, they should feel fully integrated into the community. Routines are now familiar, and staff know how to handle any triggers of distress.
Do Dementia Patients Do Better at Home or in a Nursing Home?
This is a core question many families face. On the one hand, home care means that families can support their loved ones every step of the way as their disease progresses.
On the other hand, dementia care requires a lot of work and attention. Not every family can afford the time or has the training required to support their loved one.
It's easier to care for seniors with dementia in the early stages, but you may want to transition them into memory care when home life becomes more difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Is the Care Plan Reviewed and Updated?
At most memory care communities, staff will conduct regular reviews to see what needs adjusting. Changes in condition, behavior, and health status trigger updates to the plan. Care teams work with families to adapt goals, routines, and interventions.
Can Family Members Still Be Involved if the Resident Moves Into Memory Care?
Of course. In fact, memory care communities often encourage family involvement through scheduled visits, family events, and regular communication. Even with full-time staff support, family-resident relationships remain vital for emotional connection and reminiscence.
What Happens if a Resident's Needs Increase Further?
Many memory care communities are designed to accommodate evolving needs. If additional health or physical care is required, the care team will coordinate transitions. This may happen within the same campus or require moving to another specialized unit.
Families are informed and involved early, so the move is proactive rather than reactive.
What Meaningful Activities Can Residents Enjoy in the Later Stage of Dementia?
One-on-one activities focused on sensory stimulation and emotional connection. These can help keep residents both physically and mentally active. Communities also focus on tranquil moments, sensory programs, and supportive routines to engage residents at all stages.
Optimizing Dementia Care
Dementia care plans are an essential part of moving into a memory care community. Staff members assess each resident's needs to make sure they receive the optimal care possible for their specific needs. Family members are also a big part of developing these care plans.
TerraBella Knightdale is an assisted living community based in Knightdale that also provides memory care services. Our residents can enjoy continuing care, which means they can avoid any unnecessary transitions between different communities, and they also have access to amenities such as our craft room. Reach out with any questions and to schedule a tour.