Companion suites are a unique living option in our memory care communities. An alternative to private suites, companion suites can help seniors not only save money but also feel less isolated and lonely – and more connected to the community. For family caregivers who might feel nervous or guilty about moving a loved one to memory care, companion suites offer reassurance that a loved one won’t be making the transition alone.
Here’s a closer look at five benefits of companion-style living in memory care.
1. It Eases the Transition in an Unfamiliar Setting
Like any major life event or change, moving to a senior care community takes some adjustment. Especially, if you are an individual living with Alzheimer’s or another related dementia where you may be feeling confused or anxious. When we bring together two compatible older adults to share an apartment, it makes transitioning into the new environment easier.
2. It Reduces Loneliness
Dementia can be an isolating experience, and many people struggle to remain connected to loved ones. Over time, this loneliness contributes to other risk factors for dementia, such as depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Sharing a living space with another person can go a long way toward drastically reducing the feeling of isolation and loneliness and promoting physical and mental health in memory care residents. Research shows that seniors with dementia who have a strong social support network experience delayed cognitive impairment.
3. Increased Community
Residents who live in companion suites often encourage each other to participate in community activities, too, which further helps people with dementia to continue to engage and feel fulfilled, improving their quality of life.
Companion living not only provides a sense of friendship for the residents, but it also allows their family and friends to build relationships and support one another in the caregiving journey.
3. Heightens Purpose
Every human has a desired connection to purpose and feeling valued. As part of our Aspire Lifestyle™, Vista Prairie helps residents discover their passions, finding new and fulfilling opportunities to live a joy-filled life.
Companion-style living offers residents with dementia opportunities to create a sense of well-being and continued self-esteem by making a difference and having purpose assisting in programs, and activities of daily life that mean something.
5. It Makes Memory Care Affordable
Living with someone else in a companion suite is an easy way to reduce the cost of memory care. By saving money each month on the room, your loved one might be able to afford to live in a more desirable community than they would be able to afford if they’re paying for a private room.
Because companion suites are easier on the budget, they also offer family caregivers some peace of mind who are worried they might run out of money.
Companion Suites at Vista Prairie Communities
When matching roommates, Vista Prairie team members consider compatibility factors such as similar cleanliness values, tastes in music, common beliefs, gender, and sleeping habits.
The primary concern is to create an environment that fosters the well-being of each resident. If sharing a living space isn’t a good fit, the team works to find an affordable yet workable solution.
Although families are reluctant to put their loved one in a companion suite, once the move to memory care is made, they often report dramatic changes — both in their loved one with dementia and in their own peace of mind.