Memory Care

Is It Right For You?

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU OR A LOVED ONE?

If you’re a caregiver, watching a loved one struggle with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can be heartbreaking.

When you notice that a loved one is experiencing difficulty performing day-to-day activities for memory loss, it might be time to look into alternative care options.

[Five million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, According to the Alzheimer’s Association. As there isn’t a cure at this time, it’s not going away within the near future. The many different forms of dementia can be challenging to handle.]

Caring for a loved one with dementia is stressful enough, but trusting someone else to handle the care needs of a dear family member can sometimes feel harder.

There are several different types of senior care facilities with a sole focus on memory care, in which the staff members are specially trained to look after patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s in addition to offering professional personal care and nursing care.

With home care, you know that your loved one is being treated with respect and compassion; however, the professionally trained staff in every memory care unit are fully dedicated to creating a homey, comfortable environment for their patients that supports and respects their dignity. Rest assured that these senior living communities can be a loving and safe setting for your loved one.

Find out below if your loved one needs memory care, what the facilities are like, the services they offer, and how to search for the right short-term or long-term care facility at Premier Senior Communities. 

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What is Memory Care?

Memory care communities, also known as dementia facilities or Alzheimer’s facilities, are considered residential care homes for people who require specialized care.

These units are specially designed to keep dementia patients safe from injury and wandering. Some facilities are designed to mimic a real neighborhood in order to give the patients a sense of familiarity and community.

Memory care communities provide secure, safe, 24-hour supervision for individuals with memory impairments. They also provide daily social events, high-quality medical care services, and amenities to meet a person’s needs.

Other Kinds of Memory Care

Memory care programs don’t just take place in stand-alone facilities. There are various types of treatment for individuals who need dementia care or Alzheimer’s care:

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Retirement communities are considered a lower level of care for those recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and are still capable of performing many activities of daily living (ADLS) on their own.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Assisted living facilities are a step between a nursing home and independent living. These assisted living communities centers offer a combination of personal care support, housing, meals, and health care.

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

Skilled nursing homes offer health care services, care planning, and round-the-clock senior care. It is common for there to be special care units (SCU) inside larger residential care communities. These units are typically in cluster settings, where patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia live near each other.

Does Your Loved One Require Memory Care Services?

As you interact with your loved one, take note of any new behaviors. Keeping these questions in mind can help a care team address issues in a timely and safe manner.

  • Does your loved one use a wheelchair or walker? Do they require help with mobility? 
  • Does your loved one require help with hygiene, including bathing and toileting?
  • Has their personality changed recently or does it change quickly?
  • Are they displaying anxiety, aggression, depression, or sadness?
  • Does their memory continue to get worse?
  • Does home care no longer seem like enough?
  • Are they trying to escape the home or wandering?
memory care hero

Paying for Alzheimer’s Facilities

Long-term memory care can seem cost-prohibitive for many families. The cost of living can seem higher due to the pricing of eldercare services required, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. 

Most caregiving providers can work with families with a variety of payment options.

Many families choose private pay, which can save time on waiting lists, paperwork, and headaches. Besides Social Security income, you can also tap into profits from selling a home, savings, life insurance, and investments.

Long-term care insurance can also be used, but keep in mind that this must be purchased years in advance before the need for services.

Medicare has different restrictions, but can offer limited assistance. Medicaid and other programs have benefits that can assist low-income seniors who need memory care or other benefits.

Veteran’s grants and benefits are other options for paying for Alzheimer’s communities.

Things to look for in Memory Care Retirement Communities

Selecting a community for your loved one can be difficult; however, by doing your due diligence, you can find a place that meets their cares and needs in a supportive, loving way.

  • Do you do background checks on the staff?
  • What sort of training does the care team have? 
  • How do you keep patients safe from staff, each other, and themselves?
  • What’s the ratio of residents to staff?
  • What staff members are on duty and when? 
  • At what times is a registered nurse on call?
  • Which types of medical services are available on-site?
  • How do you handle emergency situations?
  • What kind of oversight and care is implemented?
  • How are the grounds and building secured?
  • What are the housing units like? How are they kept safe and secure?
  • How do you care for aggressive, incontinent, or bedridden patients?
  • Do you have mental health counseling? What other kinds of therapies do you provide? 
  • How often do you offer activities for residents?
  • How often do residents get exercise outdoors and indoors?
  • How do you meet the needs of a resident with one or more conditions?

We know that choosing the right Alzheimer’s unit for your loved one can be a challenging process.

At Premier Senior Communities, we can help you not only determine your family member’s needs, but which facilities or care options can best meet them.

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