As our loved ones get older, we often find the thought of dementia hovering at the back of our minds. However, memory issues in older Americans come in different forms, requiring various levels of memory care.
How vast is the problem of dementia in America?
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia impact millions of Americans.
As of 2024, approximately 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are experiencing Alzheimer’s disease. This number is projected to grow to 13.8 million by 2060.
Given these staggering numbers, senior living communities with memory care are playing an increasingly vital role in providing compassionate and structured environments for those affected by this condition.
The basics of memory care
Memory care is a specialized type of care designed for individuals experiencing cognitive decline due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Unlike traditional assisted living, memory care provides a structured environment with enhanced security, specialized programming, and trained team members to support residents’ cognitive and physical needs.
At The Kensington Bethesda, we also prioritize keeping couples together, even if one spouse requires more specialized care.
Memory care communities are carefully designed to:
- Promote safety
- Reduce confusion
- Enhance residents’ quality of life
Some features of senior living memory care often include:
- Secured spaces to prevent wandering
- Personalized daily routines
- Therapy programs aimed at slowing cognitive decline
Overview of the levels of memory care at The Kensington Bethesda
At The Kensington Bethesda, we offer a three-tiered memory care program, a comprehensive approach to memory care that allows residents to age in a safe place tailored to their needs.
Each of these levels of memory care is designed to provide the right support for the different stages of dementia.
Our professional experiences have taught us that families who understand the levels of memory care can make better-informed decisions about their loved one’s well-being.
The Kensington Bethesda’s approach
Beyond our excellent rehabilitation services, The Kensington Bethesda’s three-tiered structure uniquely equips it to provide memory care.
Each one ensures that residents receive the right level of support at every stage of their journey.
This model prevents the need for frequent transitions, which can be disorienting and stressful for those with memory loss.
The three levels of memory care at The Kensington Bethesda
To care for our residents and meet their needs where they’re at, we break our care down into three specific care levels.
1. The Kensington Club: Early-stage memory care
The Kensington Club is designed for seniors in the early stages of cognitive decline who can still retain some independence.
This program bridges the gap between assisted living and full memory care, providing residents with mild cognitive impairment the support they need.
Key features of The Kensington Club include:
- Engaging in social activities to keep residents connected and mentally stimulated
- Body movements such as yoga, tai chi, and dance, as well as outings to local museums, restaurants, and parks
- Cognitive exercises and brain fitness programs to help maintain mental sharpness
Residents in The Kensington Club benefit from a structured yet flexible environment that helps them manage their memory challenges while maintaining an active lifestyle.
2. Connections: Middle-stage memory care
Connections is designed for residents who require more significant support due to moderate cognitive decline.
At this stage, individuals may experience increased confusion, difficulty with daily tasks, and behavioral changes that require more structured care.
Key aspects of the Connections level of care include:
- Increased personalized assistance with the essential activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, grooming, and mobility
- Structured routines to minimize anxiety and confusion
- Therapeutic programs focused on maintaining cognitive function and reducing agitation
- Caregiver support and training, ensuring team members can handle the evolving needs of residents
Connections give residents a safe and supportive environment to receive specialized care while remaining engaged with the community.
3. Haven: Late-stage memory care
Haven offers the highest level of memory care at The Kensington Bethesda, specifically designed for residents with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s.
These individuals require 24/7 supervision and hands-on support to ensure their safety and comfort.
Key components of the Haven neighborhood include:
- Comprehensive hands-on care from highly trained team members
- A secure and calming environment that minimizes agitation and confusion
- Individualized care plans, each tailored to meet the unique medical and emotional needs of each resident
- Specialized sensory therapy and comfort-focused activities to enhance well-being
Haven residents benefit from a compassionate and structured approach that prioritizes their safety, dignity, and emotional well-being.
Why The Kensington Bethesda is the best choice for memory care senior living
One of the standout advantages of The Kensington Bethesda is its “aging-in-place” philosophy. Aging in place allows for those with memory conditions to avoid disruptive transitions.
Unlike other memory care communities where residents may need to move to a different community as their care needs increase, The Kensington Bethesda allows residents to remain in the same community throughout their journey.
Key benefits of this approach include:
- Familiarity with surroundings and caregivers, reducing anxiety and confusion
- A continuous and adaptable care plan, ensuring evolving needs are met without disruption
- Stronger relationships with caregivers and fellow residents, creating a sense of community and belonging
This approach eliminates the stress of relocation—an experience that is often overwhelming for those with memory loss.
Specialized team and personalized care
The Kensington Bethesda’s highly trained memory care team ensures that each resident receives the right level of care.
Team members are equipped with extensive dementia care training and have ongoing education sessions to stay updated on the latest memory care strategies.
Key highlights include:
- A high caregiver-to-resident ratio ensures personalized attention
- Family involvement and support programs, providing education and guidance to loved ones
- Medical oversight, ensuring residents receive appropriate health care and medication management
The Kensington Bethesda supports your loved ones
If your loved one is experiencing the challenges of cognitive decline, The Kensington Bethesda offers three exceptional levels of memory care to ensure residents receive the right support at every stage of their journey.
By choosing The Kensington Bethesda, you can feel confident that your loved ones receive compassionate, expert-led memory care in a secure and engaging environment.
As The Kensington Bethesda, Our Promise is to care for your loved ones as we would our own families; we strive to provide the gold standard in specialized support for memory care, guided by that Promise.
Schedule a call to learn more about how The Kensington Bethesda can provide the best care for your loved one.