Memory Support

People who are cognitively impaired from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia require more attention and a higher level of security than residents in assisted living. Memory care households at The Piper are carefully designed to ensure that residents are safe and secure. Our personalized care plans ensure all of the resident’s needs are met. Specially selected staff, with a talent for engaging residents living with dementia, create an environment where residents can have the best day possible.

Dementia refers to the loss of cognitive functions (thinking, reasoning, the ability to remember) that are severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning. This group of symptoms is not a disease per se, but may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or certain injuries. It may be partially or fully reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, depression or imbalances in certain substances, such as hormones or vitamins.

 
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several brain areas. This initially leads to loss of recent memories and new learning, with old memories eventually fading as well.

 
Other common types of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia from Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

There are seven different stages of dementia, according to the widely used Global Deterioration Scale for Assessment of Primary Degenerative Dementia (GDS). Also known more simply as the Reisberg Scale, the seven stages are based on the amount of cognitive decline.

 
Stages 1 through 3 would be categorized as no dementia with very mild to no cognitive decline. Stage 4 is considered early dementia, and is usually when a diagnosis has been made. Stages 5 and 6 are middle stage or moderate dementia. And lastly, stage 7 is considered late stage dementia with very severe cognitive decline.

 
At The Piper, we can be with you through the entire journey of your loved one’s dementia. Some of our residents in stages 1 through 4 may still be suitable for assisted living. Other residents in the middle and late stages may require a higher level of support found in memory care.

Individual, specialized services are determined by The Piper care team in conjunction with family members, the resident, and any health professionals involved in the resident’s care. This process lets our team tailor a service plan to meet the specific needs and preferences of each memory care resident.