Understanding Memory Care and Dementia
At Heather Heights, we offer personalized memory care for those living with memory loss or cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
At Heather Heights, our experienced staff use the latest research and proven therapies to care for seniors impacted by dementia, while also creating a strong sense of purpose and enjoyment.
While forgetfulness is a common age-related symptom, it is important to be aware of the stages and signs of dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe various conditions impacting an individual’s memory, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.
To be diagnosed with dementia, an individual must struggle with at least two cognitive abilities, such as memory, communication and speech, concentration, reasoning, judgment, and visual perception. Difficulty with any of these abilities will impact their participation levels in their favorite activities throughout their dementia journey.
Listed below are the 7 stages of dementia and how participation in activities will be impacted along the way.
7 Stages of Dementia & Levels of Participation
No Dementia
Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline
There are no initial signs of memory impairment during the first stage. You will not notice any changes to your loved ones’ behavior, memory, or any symptoms related to dementia.
If you and your loved one are concerned about the onset of dementia, this stage would be the time to start planning. Begin documenting their values and priorities, and the type of care they would be interested in for the future.
Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
The second stage of dementia consists of very mild cognitive decline. In this stage, you may still not see any changes in your loved one. Symptoms during this stage may seem like age-related forgetfulness, such as forgetting names or misplacing familiar objects.
Just like stage 1, if you are concerned about your loved one’s memory, it may be time to start planning. Have those important conversations with your loved one while you still can. Heather Heights would be happy to help facilitate some of these difficult conversations. Contact us here to get our free conversation guide!
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
During the third stage, loved ones can notice slight signs of cognitive decline. Symptoms include heightened forgetfulness, trouble finding words and concentrating, decreased work performance, and getting lost more frequently. The average duration of this stage is between 2 to 7 years.
Level of Participation: During the No-Dementia stages, your loved one will still be able to participate in any of their favorite activities, such as reading, listening to music, or exercising.
Early Stage of Dementia
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
You will start to see clear signs of memory impairment in your loved one during the fourth stage. Symptoms include trouble concentrating and recalling recent events, difficulty socializing, inability to manage finances, and denial of these symptoms. Physicians can detect cognitive decline and diagnose a person with dementia during this stage. The average duration is 2 years.
Level of Participation: During the Early Stage, participation levels may vary based on the individual’s physical abilities at the time of diagnosis. Activities should be adapted from hobbies or interests that they enjoyed before their diagnosis. If they once loved reading, try an audiobook to support mental stimulation and engagement.
Mid-Stage
Stage 5: Moderate to Severe Cognitive Decline
The fifth stage marks what is known as “mid-stage” dementia. Throughout this stage, individuals with memory impairment will begin to require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, bathing, or toileting. Additionally, they will need more support and supervision.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
In stage 6, individuals cannot carry out activities of daily living (ADLs). Other symptoms include forgetting the names of family members, forgetting recent and major events, loss of bladder control, sleep difficulties, delusions, aggression, and anxiety. Stage 6 usually lasts about 2.5 to 4 years.
During stage 6 of dementia, you may find it increasingly difficult to care for your loved one on your own.
Level of Participation: Throughout the Mid-Stages, physical and complex activity often becomes more challenging; however, listening to their favorite songs can allow individuals to feel connected to music and movement. They may tap their foot to the rhythm or sway.
Late Stage
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
The final stage of dementia is characterized by the inability to speak or communicate, recognize loved ones, or walk. Individuals may also sleep excessively, experience urinary and fecal incontinence, lose motor skills, and even suffer organ failure. The average duration of this stage is 1.5 to 2.5 years.
Level of Participation: In the late stage of dementia, an individual may not fully be able to participate in a favorite activity like they used to; however, they may still enjoy the feelings or sensations of an activity. For example, if they used to knit, simply feeling the wool or yarn can spark enjoyment.
Memory Care Facility
If you and your loved one are facing the challenges of a dementia diagnosis, it may be time to turn to memory care. Memory care at Heather Heights provides a comfortable, warm, and secure environment for all of our residents. If health concerns arise with your loved one, the on-site nursing staff are there to address them, allowing your family some peace of mind.
We also provide engaging and relevant activities for residents at any stage of dementia to participate in. At Heather Heights, our round the clock memory care activities schedule is designed specifically for residents facing challenges associated with dementia to feel stimulated and entirely fulfilled. Some activities include daily exercise programs, music and pet therapy, classes and clubs, and live entertainment.
Each activity is holistically designed to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit of every resident. All activities and amenities that we offer allow our residents to continue to grow their passions and hobbies that they have enjoyed throughout their lifetime.
At Heather Heights, our memory care in Rochester NY is here to support you and your loved one along their dementia journey and provide personalized senior care in a secure and comfortable environment. Schedule a private tour today!
