Dementia and Memory Care for Veterans

We’re Here to Help

We know how difficult it can be when a loved one’s dementia progresses to where they need continuous supervision. Maine Veterans’ Homes is here to help. Our dementia and memory care unit is staffed with professionals who possess the knowledge and resources to provide your loved one with caring, compassionate support. At Maine Veterans’ Homes, you can be confident your loved one will receive the specialized care he or she needs.

What is long term dementia and memory care?

Our long term dementia and memory care is for loved ones who require hands-on assistance with everyday tasks and are typically in the later stages of dementia. This service provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, personal care and specialized activities to stimulate the mind and senses. Sensory activities, such as using music or something else your loved one once enjoyed, are incorporated into individualized care programs to provide a happier and more fulfilled life. Memory care units are all secure to provide optimal safety for our residents and peace of mind to family.

What if a Veteran is not ready for long term care?

For a Veteran showing the early signs of dementia, we offer assisted living residential care. Residents maintain the freedom to care for themselves and their own needs in a secure environment with skilled staff on site to help when needed. Staff provide therapeutic and stimulating activities, housekeeping and personal care assistance and any necessary daily reminders and cues. These residents may use a cane, walker or wheelchair and enjoy activities like cards, traveling and incorporating current events.

Learn More About Dementia and Memory Care

Is it Dementia? Or Military-Related Post-Traumatic Stress?

Rita noticed changes in her husband several months ago. He wasn’t sleeping well, was forgetful and seemed somewhat disoriented during the day. This was likely causing his increased moodiness. But when he withdrew from the family and social activities he usually looked forward to, she became concerned.

How to Help My Children Understand Dad’s Dementia

Signs of memory loss, such as forgetting how to do a familiar daily task, confusion and even mood changes, can be alarming to children. If your spouse is a veteran, they may even question whether this is related to dad’s military history… Read More >>

How to Keep My Loved One with Dementia Safe

Safety concerns for a spouse in need of memory care can overshadow nearly all aspects of your daily life. Oftentimes, caregivers suffer a great deal of physical and emotional stress. The care and worrying about your spouse can take a toll on you and your family… Read More >>

Memory Care Activities at Maine Veterans’ Homes

We don’t just treat the symptoms of dementia, we manage the disease with all methods available. We offer a multitude of activities that are proven to slow the advance of dementia. Each day, staff members lead residents through a variety of one-on-one and group therapies to keep their minds and bodies active, including:

  • Table bowling
  • Ball and beanbag tossing
  • Stretching
  • Squeezing exercises
  • Baking
  • Playing cards
  • Music, memory and sensory activities
  • Activities incorporating former career skills or hobbies
  • Outings to patriotic, community and other events
  • And more!

Why Choose Maine Veterans’ Homes for Dementia Care?

Here at Maine Veterans’ Homes, our honored Veterans are surrounded by Veterans just like them. At least 75 percent of our residents at each of our six locations are veterans. Our veterans and their families are like family to us. With no defined visitors’ hours, we welcome families with 24-hour access to our homes.

All our homes feature a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals, secure memory care areas, activities for every stage of dementia, secure courtyards with manicured gardens and individualized care plans for each of our residents. Our locations have 24-hour nursing coverage, with five of them having a nurse on site 24 hours a day, and Machias has a nurse on-call around the clock.

How to Know When it’s Time to Look for Dementia and Memory Care

This is often a difficult decision for a family, and our staff at Maine Veterans’ Homes can help you assess the situation and explore your options. Start by recognizing what the typical signs are when a loved one needs specialized dementia and memory care.

Sign it’s Time for Memory Care

Here are some of the top signs of dementia most commonly found:

  • Forgetting important dates and needing to rely on memory aides
  • Challenges with planning or difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty completing daily tasks
  • Forgetting what day it is
  • Vision problems unrelated to age
  • Trouble speaking or writing
  • Losing things and unable to retrace steps
  • Changes in judgment
  • Removing themselves from social activities
  • Mood changes

We’re Here for You 

While we encourage families and Veterans to get to know us and to come see us at any or all of our locations, tours of our Homes are on hold right now because of COVID-19. Please visit our location pages to take virtual tours of our Homes and contact an Admissions Representative to learn more.Â