How to Cope With Memory Loss
Are you or a family member suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Are you worried about finding the right memory care in Ann Arbor?
Do you want to ensure that your loved one receives proper care?
We understand that it can be a difficult time for you and your loved one as their mind changes and forgets their sacred memories. It’s important to learn how to cope with your emotions when it comes to memory loss, as it can confuse your loved one. For them it’s just another day, they don’t realize that things are different.
“Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
At Hillside Terrace we offer memory care in Ann Arbor that helps enrich the lives of people who suffer from the disease. Alzheimer’s can take a devastating toll on a person’s ability to have a conversation or even respond to a family member or caregiver.
Get Started Today: Schedule a Tour!
Our memory care facility is available for those who suffer from the following memory illnesses: long-term memory loss, short-term memory loss, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and even those who suffer from a traumatic brain injury.
We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!” We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today– a facility for memory care in Ann Arbor.
Contact us for more information about memory care offered at Hillside Terrace.
Best Memory Care in Ann Arbor & the Surrounding Areas!
Our residents and their families say it best:
“How do you thank people who have walked with you to the end of the road? Sharing sometimes the most painful and difficult of journeys…thanking people who have touched us…who all cared in their own way through our nearly 4 year stay with you…A simple “Thank You” – falls short of the emotions that we all feel. Every kind word, gentle touch, every laugh, every gesture was noticed. Your support thru this struggle with Alzheimer’s and loss has been deeply appreciated. Your graceful presence at our side when we needed you most, will be remembered. Please know that what every ONE of you did for us, and a man we LOVED so dearly, matters so MUCH. You made such a difference in the LAST part of our Papa’s life. The beauty of who you are is clearly evident in the care that you give.
God Bless You All!”
Family of John Siller, “Papa.”
How to Find the Best Memory Care in Ann Arbor
Making these kinds of decisions for your loved one shouldn’t be taken lightly. When it comes to choosing an attractive, affordable senior living option for yourself or someone you care about, you want something special.
According to Medicare.gov, you should do the following if you’re looking for memory care:
- Ask people you trust for a recommendation.
- Ask your mother or father’s doctor if he or she provides care at any local nursing homes.
- Contact your local senior and community activity center.
- If you’re in the hospital, ask your social worker about discharge planning. They should be able to help you find a nursing home that meets your needs.
- Compare the quality of the nursing homes you’re considering.
- Call your state health department and ask if they have written information on the quality of care given in local nursing homes.
- Visit the nursing homes you’re interested in or have someone visit for you.
- Check to see if a safe environment is provided.
- Check to ensure Certified Nursing Assistants are on staff.
- Read Google reviews!
Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere that you’re seeking!
We offer 8 First Floor enhanced homes for memory care at Hillside Terrace Senior Living.
Room & Board includes:
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry services based on lifestyle option
- All utilities (except telephone); includes Satellite TV with 30 channels; Wi-Fi Internet
- Dining choices with three chef prepared meals per day, snacks and refreshments
- 1:1 life enrichment and enhanced memory programming available
- Escorts to meals and activities
- Caregiver removes trash daily, makes bed & provides clean towels daily
- Resident receives Wellness Checks every hour
- Medication Administration by a Licensed Professional Nurse 1-3 times daily
- Nurses on Site 24/7 for Wellness Visits & Urgent Medical Concerns
Activities of Daily Living Services:
Levels are determined by a Registered Nurse and are based upon activities of daily living care needs.
Some of Hillside’s daily activities include:
- Arts and crafts
- Book Club
- Walking Group
- Baking Group
- Bingo
- Volleyball
- Bocce Ball
- NuStepping
- Scrabble
- Music
- And more!
People who are diagnosed with the disease who perform daily tasks ultimately helps stimulate their mind. Daily activities can improve memory, foster emotional connections, self-expression, lessen anxiety and irritability, and make them feel happier about the life their living!
View a virtual tour of our floorplans:
How to Respond
You should always be positive and never take things personally as memory loss can be a confusing time for your loved one. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, you should:
1. Stay Calm.
Although being called by a different name or not being recognized can be painful, try not to make your hurt apparent.
2. Respond with a brief explanation.
Don't overwhelm the person with lengthy statements or reasons. Instead, clarify with a simple explanation.
3. Show photos and other reminders.
Use photographs and other thought-provoking items to remind the person of important relationships and places.
4. Travel with the person to where he or she is in time.
If the person's memory is focused on a particular time in his or her life, engage in conversation about recollections with an understanding that this is his or her current reality.
5. Offer corrections as suggestions.
Avoid explanations that sound like scolding. Try: "I thought it was a fork" or "I think she is your granddaughter Julie."
6. Try not to take it personally.
Alzheimer's disease causes your loved one to forget, but your support and understanding will continue to be appreciated.
7. Share your experience with others.
Join the Alzheimer’s Association online support community and message boards, and share what response strategies have worked for you and get more ideas from other caregivers.
What to Expect
Are you aware of the behavior you should be looking out for at each stage of Alzheimer’s? Do you know how fast it is progressing? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these are what you can expect at each stage of development:
Early-Stage
- Common difficulties include:
- Problems coming up with the right word or name
- Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people
- Having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings
- Forgetting material that one has just read
- Losing or misplacing a valuable object
- Increasing trouble with planning or organizing
Middle-Stage
At this point, symptoms will be noticeable to others and may include:
- Forgetfulness of events or about one's own personal history
- Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations
- Being unable to recall their own address or telephone number or the high school or college from which they graduated
- Confusion about where they are or what day it is
- The need for help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion
- Trouble controlling bladder and bowels in some individuals
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night
- An increased risk of wandering and becoming lost
- Personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding
Late-Stage
At this stage, individuals may:
- Require full-time, around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care
- Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings
- Require high levels of assistance with daily activities and personal care
- Experience changes in physical abilities, including the ability to walk, sit and, eventually, swallow
- Have increasing difficulty communicating
- Become vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia
- At the late-stage of Alzheimer’s it is a good idea to consider memory care, as it can be difficult to you and your family to provide your loved one the necessary care. It can be a difficult choice to make the decision to put a loved one in a long-term care facility, with the guilt you may feel – it helps to know that you’re putting your family member in good hands. At Hillside Terrace, we focus on life enrichment in a nurturing and independent setting that stimulates the mind, body, and spirit.