Is Assisted Living The Right Choice For Seniors With Cognitive Issues?

The simple answer is YES it is! How many times have you heard “It must be dementia!” when an elderly family member confuses names or faces at a family gathering? Over time, we become conditioned to believe that aging means hearing, eyesight and memory loss, loss of mobility, and Alzheimer’s disease.

A lot of focus gets placed on Alzheimer’s disease as we age because signs of memory loss often appear at this stage in life. There may be other memory and cognitive issues at play, however. Mild Cognitive Impairment (or MCI) is actually one of the most common forms of memory loss, and is not necessarily a sign of early dementia.

Often, people often confuse MCI as being one of the first stages of Alzheimer’s. The truth is, many seniors with MCI will never actually develop any form of dementia. As a matter of fact, cognitive impairment and memory loss associated with MCI can remain stable for years, and may even improve over time.

Senior adults experiencing MCI may find it more difficult to manage their daily lives as cognitive skills decline and memory loss occurs. Trouble finding words and confusing familiar names and faces is common with MCI. These seniors may feel overwhelmed when tasked with complicated responsibilities or when required to make decisions. Forgetting or improperly taking prescription medicines is one of the most dangerous side effects of MCI.

Can Assisted Living Help Improve Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Again, the answer is YES! While some seniors who are affected by MCI are able to live at home with assistance, many others improve, and even thrive, over time while residing in an assisted living community. This is because an assisted living community provides support programs and services specifically designed to help seniors with cognitive impairment issues, while promoting overall brain health. The objective is to improve memory and slow down cognitive decline.

An assisted living facility offers seniors the benefit of communal living. Seniors with MCI often begin to avoid social situations because they are embarrassed by their memory loss. This self-isolation can lead to feeling lonely and depressed, which actually accelerates cognitive decline. Assisted living facilities help seniors stay connected with others and engage socially on a regular basis through communal meals, group therapy sessions, group outings and activities, clubs, and more.

Research has shown that one of the best ways to slow the progression of memory loss and cognitive decline is by actively engaging in social activities. Communal living provides seniors with memory loss the benefit of socialization and peer engagement. Families also gain the benefit of knowing that their loved one is never alone. Caregivers are always available to assist with daily needs and to offer companionship. No matter how well intended family members are, at-home caregivers simply cannot provide the same level of care and community living as that of a fully staffed assisted living facility.

Seniors with MCI will find that in addition to opportunities for social engagement, they have access to exercise classes that promote heart and brain health, healthy meal plans, and medication management to ensure prescription medications are taken properly. 

Conclusion

The social aspect of communal living is only one of the many benefits provided to seniors with MCI. This type of environment also inspires seniors to keep their minds and bodies active and engaged, and encourages seniors to learn new things and find new hobbies that will boost brain function and enhance memory and cognition.

Jurney’s Assisted Living offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, with the calm assurance that help is always available, should they require assistance with their activities of daily living. Residents may range from being very independent to being physically and/or memory challenged. Contact us today to learn more.