When a Loved One Needs Memory Care
Over 50 million people are diagnosed with dementia each year worldwide.10 million people will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. With these statistics, there is a high demand for memory care services.
Memory care is an effective way to properly care for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss diagnoses. These safe environments are provided to keep patients comfortable and their cognitive abilities functioning to the best of their ability. Daily routines are designed at the hands of professionals for each unique patient, providing both patients and loved ones’ peace of mind.
How Do I Know It’s Time for Memory Care?
There are several things to look out for to know whether it is time for memory care. These are the signs to look for:
Exhaustion of Loved Ones
Providing caregiving services can be taxing on both the body and the mind. It can quickly wear the caregiving down due to the physical demands including feeding, bathing, transportation, and other needs.
Increase in Healthcare Needs
Memory loss can be a gateway to further health issues. Alzheimer’s and dementia patients may begin to forget to take their essential medicine nor be able to adequately feed and bathe themselves. This lack of care can lead to getting sick, easily confused, lost and also wreak havoc on mental health.
Safety Concerns
Memory loss seniors may find themselves in danger due to their condition. The increase of car accidents and becoming discombobulated when on foot can pose as a serious threat. Forgetting where staircases begin and how to properly seek help can also be a growing concern for loved ones.
Memory Care Benefits
There is a multitude of benefits for memory care services. First and foremost, your loved ones will be taken care of. No longer will you have to worry or feel worn out from caregiving for your loved one.
Trained staff properly assist patients with cognitive exercises, daily routines, proper diet and hygiene and mental health care. Socialization is another wonderful benefit for seniors to interact with others. You will never have to worry about ensuring schedules match up to have your loved one interact with others.
The quality of life for a memory loss resident is of the utmost importance. At a reputable memory care center, your loved ones will receive the special attention they need. A customized program and routine are developed to ensure the best quality of life and to improve cognitive function.
Memory Care Services & Amenities
The amenities at a memory care community are expansive and inviting. They can include:
- Beauty salons
- Gyms
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Outdoor spaces i.e. community courtyard and garden
- Library
- Game and recreation room
- Music therapy
- Arts and crafts studio
Memory care amenities aim to provide relaxation and cognitive exercises while promoting socialization for the residents. These unique communities are structured to reduce confusion by offering clear shared spaces, outdoor areas to prevent the feeling of being confined and color-coded walls which assist in the residents finding their way.
A multitude of amenities are offered as a form of therapy and to promote an independent-feeling lifestyle.
Is Memory Care the Right Choice?
Memory Care VS Assisted Living
Memory care is quite similar to assisted living. The major difference is memory care facilities specialize in caring for seniors who endure memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease. All services provided at assisted living centers are provided at memory care centers.
Memory Care VS Nursing Homes
Whereas nursing homes can offer services for seniors with memory care requirements, they can become confusing for the resident. The average nursing home does not come equipped with color-coded walls and open areas to ensure residents can find their way. Nursing homes are not designed with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients in mind so they may be unsafe.
Memory Care VS Home Care
Home care can be extraordinarily expensive. On average, it can cost up to $2000 more per month for a live-in caregiver. Home care provides the patient the comfort of home whereas a memory care center is a stand-alone community. Memory care communities offer socialization, a variety of helpful cognitive and exciting programs and can be better for mental health.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
The average cost for memory care is around $5,000 per month. Some facilities may prove more costly due to a larger variety of amenities. 24-hour supervised care for patients with advanced stages of memory loss diseases may cost more per month.
How Do I Pay for Memory Care?
There are several ways to pay for memory care. They include:
- Private Pay
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Reverse Mortgages
- Life Insurance Settlements
- A&A Benefit (Aid and Attendance)
What Do I Look for in a Memory Care Facility?
When you are looking for a memory care facility, there are a few main things to look for. First and foremost, does your loved one like the premises? Ensure they feel safe and enjoy the community. Next, ask a representative what their use of cutting-edge therapies and technologies are offered to ensure your loved ones are in the right hands.
After, ensure the safety of the premises. Is there proper security on the property? Next, check out the level of supervision of the center. Are there enough workers per resident? Lastly, observe the quality of the memory care center. Is there a 24-hour registered nurse and regular doctor visits?
How Do I Choose the Right Memory Care Facility?
To choose the right memory care facility, touring several may be your best option. Find the one that feels the most comfortable, provides life enrichment and friendly staff. Ask residents in the community how they feel about the facility.
You and your loved one will know which is the right one for you.
Finding Memory Care Near You
If you or a loved one are ready to research memory care communities in your area, please peruse our directory of available communities. Search our directory of memory care facilities and filter by your city and zip code.
There is a memory care center waiting to help you and you’re loved one get the care they need and feel at home.