5 Reasons to Consider a Care Community for Dementia Support
Caring for a loved one with dementia can quickly become overwhelming for most families. When a loved one begins showing signs of cognitive decline, family members often try to provide care themselves, not only out of love but also a sense of duty. However, as dementia progresses, the emotional and physical toll can be significant. Many families eventually reach a pivotal point where they begin to explore other caregivers and housing options that can meet the increasing needs of their loved one.
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, we understand how difficult this decision can be, and we’re here to offer insight, compassion, and guidance. Here are five reasons why choosing a care community for dementia support can offer peace of mind and a better quality of life for both older adults living with dementia and the families who love them.
1. Specialized Dementia Care with Trained Long Term Care Partners
Dementia is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It presents in many forms and unfolds in different stages, from mild forgetfulness to complete dependence. In a dedicated care community for dementia, staff members receive specific education and training to understand the complex behaviors and needs of seniors living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
At Lakewood, our memory care unit is guided by Montessori-inspired programming and a person-centered philosophy that respects each resident’s history, preferences, and abilities. From emotional support to sensory stimulation and intellectual engagement, our care partners thoughtfully tailor each person's care plan to help maintain their dignity and comfort.
2. A Safe and Nurturing Environment Built for Cognitive Wellness
Safety becomes a major concern when a loved one begins wandering, forgetting how to use household items, or needing reminders for daily hygiene. Many families worry about accidents, medication errors, or missed medical appointments. Most communities are intentionally designed to minimize risks while promoting a sense of freedom.
At Lakewood, our secure community features easy-to-navigate walkways, peaceful garden plots, and beautifully maintained resident rooms that promote familiarity and routine. Private room options give residents the privacy they deserve, while communal spaces provide opportunities for meaningful social interaction. The entire environment is rooted in comfort and structured support, helping to ease anxiety for older adults and their loved ones.
3. Whole-Person Health and Personal Care Services
Seniors living with dementia often need help with personal care activities such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating. Over time, the physical abilities of older adults may decline, and needs become more complex. In a care community, these tasks are not burdens; they’re opportunities to preserve a sense of self and enhance well-being.
At Lakewood, we provide comprehensive personal care and special care services based on each resident’s lifetime routines and habits. Our team supports medication management, monitors health changes, and ensures residents are well-nourished with brain-healthy meals inspired by the MIND Diet.
This level of individualized care simply isn’t feasible for most families to maintain at home without significant emotional, physical, and financial stress.
4. Social Connection and Quality of Life for People Living with Dementia
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of dementia is the loneliness that can come with it. As memory fades, so too can a person's connection to others. In many facilities that are not dementia-focused, these residents may become isolated. That is not the case in a memory-focused senior living community like Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living.
Here, social interaction is thoughtfully incorporated into daily life. From mild fitness classes and devotional readings to craft groups, musical hymns, and even virtual reality experiences, residents are supported in discovering joy and meaning.
Therapy dog visits, gardening sessions, and volunteer opportunities also help individuals continue to feel a sense of purpose. These moments are deeply therapeutic, reducing agitation, anxiety, and depression—all common challenges in dementia care.
5. Support and Peace of Mind for Family Members
Choosing a long term care community is never an easy decision. Many families feel guilty or uncertain about making the transition. But it’s important to understand that seeking more care is not giving up. It’s choosing support, stability, and quality of life for your loved one—and for yourself.
At Lakewood, we believe families are care partners, not bystanders. We offer special areas for family events, educational resources, and respite care options for those who may just need a short break. Our community is a place where family members can return to simply being a daughter, a spouse, or a friend, rather than an exhausted caregiver. That emotional relief is immeasurable.
Taking the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
If you are beginning to explore dementia care options, know that you are not alone. Choosing a care community like Lakewood is a heartfelt decision that offers your loved one a sense of belonging, consistent care, and everyday comfort. Every moment matters, and with the right support, each one can still be filled with meaning and love.
We invite you to visit our Brookfield community, talk with our care team, and see for yourself what life at Lakewood feels like. Schedule a tour today to learn how we can support your family through every stage of dementia care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it’s the right time to move my loved one into a care community for Alzheimer's Disease?
If your loved one is experiencing rapid changes in memory, physical health, or safety concerns are becoming more frequent, it may be time to consider a care community for Alzheimer’s disease. Most families find that when daily care becomes overwhelming or inconsistent at home, a dedicated memory care setting can provide the structured support and peace of mind everyone needs.
What is the difference between a nursing home, hospice care, and a memory care community?
A nursing home typically provides ongoing medical care for older adults with serious health conditions or recovery needs. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life during the final stages of a terminal illness, with a registered nurse managing pain and quality of life. A memory care community, like Lakewood, is specifically designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by offering a secure environment, personalized care, and programming tailored to cognitive wellness.
Is memory care only for those in the late stages of dementia?
No, not at all. Memory care supports individuals through many stages of Alzheimer's and other dementias. Early support can help ease the progression of symptoms, improve daily structure, and enhance quality of life. Our team supports residents through the early, middle, and later stages of dementia, always adapting care to meet each person's changing needs with patience and understanding.