How Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia Recover from Illnesses or Injuries
As a family caregiver, you might wonder if your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is at a higher risk of falls or accidents than seniors who don’t have those conditions.
The answer is yes. Nearly half of individuals with dementia experience at least one fall a year, while only 30 percent of people without do.
This is one of the many reasons Central California memory care communities like Creston Village are essential.
Memory care communities provide an environment that reduces risks that may be found at home. This form of senior housing is also excellent for keeping loved ones out of costly facilities like nursing homes.
Why are people with dementia at a higher risk for injury and illness?
There are many reasons why people with dementia are at a higher risk for accidents and contracting illnesses.
Alzheimer’s and dementia have many effects that contribute to falls, including:
- Impaired judgment
- Weak balance
- Loss of coordination and muscle control
Individuals living with dementia may also forget to take their medications or engage in healthy behaviors like washing their hands regularly.
Dementia is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes a decline in cognitive function. It is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia can be caused by many different factors, including:
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
- Stroke
People living with dementia may experience difficulty with communication, confusion, changes in personality, and challenges in completing routine tasks. These effects can lead to illness that is not reported quickly. Family caregivers must recognize the warning signs of potential health hazards, such as:
- Flu and Pneumonia
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Incontinence
Can people with dementia participate in physical therapy to regain strength?
The answer is yes. Physical activity is critical for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It contributes to brain plasticity and can slow memory loss. Physical therapy is beneficial for individuals with dementia, primarily when provided in a memory care community.
Many people recovering from injury or illness wind up in nursing homes. However, if a person with dementia does not need 24-medical level care, they can find meaning and purpose in a memory care community like ours. In addition to comprehensive memory care, Creston Village in Paso Robles, CA, provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
How does memory care physical therapy work?
Memory care physical therapy works like any other physical therapy. It involves exercises and activities to improve strength, balance, mobility, and overall fitness.
However, in memory care communities like Creston Village, physical therapy is personalized to meet each resident’s unique needs.
Our physical therapists assess each resident’s current level of function and develop a customized treatment plan. They work with residents to help them improve their strength and mobility and reduce their risk of falls. Our physical therapy services include:
- Balance training
- Strengthening exercises
- Mobility exercises
- Fall prevention education
At Creston Village, we offer personalized services for our residents. We focus on building solid relationships, understanding residents’ unique needs, and developing treatment plans that support their goals. We also love when family members wish to be involved with care planning. Additional therapies include:
- Occupational therapy: This therapy helps individuals perform daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking.
- Speech therapy: This type of therapy helps improve communication, including speaking, listening, and understanding.
Signature Memory Care Therapies
In our signature Connections memory care program, we offer neuroplasticity therapies that aim to slow memory loss. Through this program created by Dr. Sandra Petersen, residents:
- Connect with others socially
- Physically move and exercise
- Learn new skills and challenge their brain
These memory care therapies can help maintain cognitive function, preserve memory, and improve overall quality of life.
At Creston Village, we understand the unique needs of our residents. We provide a supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia to thrive.
Our memory care community is committed to helping individuals have a high level of well-being. We are also here to help California seniors recover from illnesses or injuries and retain their independence for as long as possible.
Visit Comprehensive Memory Care Services in Central California
If you’re interested in learning more about our memory care therapy or would like to schedule a tour, please contact us at Creston Village in Paso Robles, California.