If you have an aging loved one who is suffering from dementia, you are not alone. According to the CDC, nearly six million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s disease alone. This does not include other forms of dementia such as vascular dementia or Lewy Body disease. If your loved one is affected by such a condition, you want the best for them. Oftentimes, this means supporting them as they begin to require more assistance or supervision. Caring for them in this capacity is noble, and they are lucky to have you. However, dementia can be a cruel condition that often worsens as time goes by. It often leads to a required level of care that an untrained loved one simply cannot provide. This is especially true if they are working or have other family members to support them.

Fortunately, a senior living community that offers memory care can be a wonderful solution. A memory care program provides the necessary support your loved one needs – support that is administered by aides who are trained to handle the demands of dementia both medically and emotionally. However, there are many misconceptions about memory care that may lead people to delay getting their loved one the support they need.

Misconception 1: Memory care is only for memory-related challenges.

The Truth: Dementia like Alzheimer’s disease causes many symptoms. Memory-related challenges are common, but they are not always present. There are also many other possible symptoms, such as personality changes, mood swings, impaired decision-making, cognitive challenges, and difficulty communicating. The right memory care community should be equipped to handle all of these symptoms so your loved one will receive the right care no matter how dementia affects them.

Misconception 2: Your loved one will simply be “locked away.”

The Truth: This is an ugly stereotype that is partially a result of inaccurate portrayals in film and television as well as decades- or centuries-old practices. Modern memory care programs are often housed on vibrant campuses that offer other levels of care. These campuses will ideally have safe and secured outdoor sections for the memory care area. These allow residents to enjoy the outdoors and all its seasons without risk of wandering or injury.

Misconception 3: Memory care is too expensive.

The Truth: There are many high-quality memory care programs today using models that make them more financially viable than people may think. For example, a non-profit memory care community takes its excess revenue each year and puts it back into its campus and programming instead of paying out shareholder dividends and executive bonuses. This reallocated money not only helps keep the campus and offerings up to date, but also helps reduce the cost of rent for residents

If you would like to learn more about a non-profit senior living community offering kind, compassionate, high-quality memory care, contact Inland Christian Home. We are a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located on a picturesque Ontario campus. Call us today at (909) 983-0084 or reach us online.