Mind & Memory
Care Frequently
Asked Questions
(FAQs)

Memory care is a type of senior living designed to meet the unique needs of older adults with memory impairment, including varying forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other neurological conditions that impact mobility or cognition, such as Parkinson’s disease.

These programs can be offered within a standalone community caring exclusively for those with memory impairment or as a dedicated program within an assisted living community that also provides accommodations for more independent individuals as part of a continuum of care. As those with neurological conditions can be prone to wandering, mobility issues, forgetfulness and compromised senses that impact their overall safety, memory care programs focus on providing a secure, adaptive environment.

The better memory care programs, such as Benchmark’s mind and memory care program, have specially trained staff and programs that go beyond providing care. We have used research to create therapeutic and sensory dining experiences that support residents’ current capabilities while engaging all senses and aiming to preserve short and long-term memory.

As a loved one’s disease progresses, they may begin to wander, which is a common but dangerous behavior.

Security is provided in communities in several ways. First, mind and memory care neighborhoods are a secure environment. Benchmark’s communities offer electronic security that is subtle, so residents don’t feel confined. Visual cues are also used to help direct residents’ attention to living spaces, fun programs and outdoor spaces instead of exits. Our entire mind and memory care neighborhoods and each resident apartment are arranged in a dementia-friendly way.

At Benchmark communities, we provide our residents with routine and structured days filled with meaningful experiences. We also offer enclosed, secure outdoor courtyards, so residents always have access to the outside.

It is common for dementia to compromise senses, so individuals often have difficulty smelling, tasting or seeing. Also, neurological changes may make it difficult to hold or manage utensils or cups and may pose other problems, which often leads to weight loss. Sometimes individuals have a hard time focusing on their meal or sitting still long enough to eat it. Mind and memory care communities have specialized dining programs designed to address these challenges.

At Benchmark, we focus on creating an environment at mealtime that stimulates all senses with things like freshly baked bread and soothing music, while eliminating other distractions. We also provide different colored plates, so there is a contrast with the food on the plate so our residents can see it and it appears more appetizing. Special adaptive mugs allow for easier grip and tables are supplied with easy to see and handle condiments. In addition, we offer texture modified diets where food is pureed and reformed back into its original form, as well as feeding assistance, cuing and reminders.

The best memory care programs provide structured days filled with meaningful experiences—experiences that that are based on interviews and discovery sessions with our residents, and that which nurture our residents’ passions, connections and enhance their quality of life.

Using our award-winning communication techniques, we provide residents with therapeutic one-on-one and group experiences throughout each day as well as stimulating features throughout our communities. Programs like music and art therapy, off-site trips and things like journey stations and treasure chests, encourage reminiscing.

Overall, the most important factors include gaining a deep understanding of company values, staff and resident engagement, and genuine empathy for the aging experience. These kinds of things require time, so multiple visits are recommended.

If you are visiting during mealtime, observe how interested residents seem in their meal, what support and adaptive tools are offered to make the experience easier and more enjoyable for them, and the food's nutritional quality.

Do the residents look well cared for and dressed appropriately for the season? Caregiver relationships with residents play a key factor in the quality of care. Do these interactions seem positive and supportive? Or do caregivers seem rushed and stressed?

Also, try to schedule a visit during a time when a life enrichment experience is taking place. This will help you gauge how good a job the community does in creating meaningful, productive days.

We always welcome visits from family and friends. However, those with memory loss thrive on structure and routine, so it’s always best to consult with your community to determine the absolute best time to visit your loved one.

While the signs it’s time for a change are different for everyone, a few common ones include increased wandering, unintentional weight loss or the inability to stay engaged in activities they usually enjoy. Caregiver stress is another common sign. When the caregiver’s physical health suffers or they are unable to maintain a sufficient quality of life, it may be time to consider a move. The care providers at memory care communities, such as Benchmark’s, are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with memory impairment.

Those living with memory loss generally require more care and assistance than someone who is higher functioning and therefore, the costs associated with operating a mind and memory care community are much higher. Specialized associate training, dining and uniquely designed life enrichment programs all help improve the quality of life for an adult with dementia, but each one also makes the program more expensive.

If money is a concern, there may be financial solutions available that you might not be aware of. Contact our Financial Concierge if you are interested in exploring options.

Although most of the cost is not covered by Medicare, it is possible that some of the fees associated with memory care may be covered. Consult the Benchmark Financial Concierge for additional details.