If you have a senior parent with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll find that caring for them will become more overwhelming as their condition worsens. Rather than trying to manage their care on your own, explore the possibility of assisted living services. In addition to the regular care this type of service provides, your parent will benefit from specialized Alzheimer’s programming in Richmond, VA in the following ways.
Access to More Nutritional Meals
There are several factors that affect the rate at which Alzheimer’s disease progresses, including the individual’s diet. Ideally, someone with Alzheimer’s should eat a plant-based meal that gives them a daily supply of vitamins and other nutrients. Their intake of sugar and carbohydrates should be limited as well. This is the type of meal plan your parent will receive in an assisted living facility with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s care.
More Opportunities for Social Interaction
A senior who lives on their own and only interacts with one or two people per day is going to suffer a faster rate of cognitive decline. When your parent is in an assisted living facility with other people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, they will have more opportunities to form social groups. This will slow the rate of cognitive decline by encouraging them to develop new memories.
Engaging in Activities to Encourage Mental Stimulation
An assisted living center that provides Alzheimer’s programming in Richmond, VA will provide opportunities to engage in games and other structured activities. These activities will challenge your parent, forcing them to use their creative thinking skills. This will help improve concentration, memory recall, and other cognitive abilities.
While medication and other types of medical treatment are essential in caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s equally effective to make lifestyle changes. A facility that provides Alzheimer’s care will combine these facets of treatment for more lasting results.
