Is your senior dad experiencing trouble recalling his name? Does your mom always forget how they’ve gotten home after driving aimlessly? These moments of memory loss can be unsafe, leaving you wondering how you can best take care of loved ones diagnosed with memory loss problems.
The cases of dementia are increasing and experts project the number to skyrocket in the coming years. You or older family members could be affected next. What can you do?
This guide explores memory care assisted living. It’s a specialized form of care designed to support and enhance the quality of life of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Explore the advantages of this type of senior living option, including what to consider when choosing a facility, and how to manage the emotional impact of relocating your loved one to their next home.
Understanding Memory Care in Assisted Living
Over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia right now. This number is expected to increase in the future. Find out how memory care units can support people with cognitive disorders.
Memory Care vs. Assisted Living: Key Differences
Imagine a world where familiar faces blur and daily routines become a confusing maze. This scenario is a reality for many individuals living with memory loss. They’re often offered two care options depending on the severity of their memory lapses — assisted living and memory care.
Assisted living facilities hire caregivers who offer a helping hand with everyday tasks like dressing and medication management. They cater to a broader range of seniors who require minor assistance with daily chores but still retain most of their cognitive abilities.
On the other hand, memory care is a specialized form of assisted living specific for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other forms of cognitive decline. These facilities provide a safe, secure environment with a higher staff-to-resident ratio. Caregivers are specially trained to understand the unique challenges of memory loss. They employ compassionate strategies to de-escalate anxieties, manage behavioral changes, and promote a sense of well-being.
Benefits of Memory Care Facilities for People with Memory Loss
Memory care goes beyond just the essentials of daily living. The staff creates a nurturing environment that fosters a sense of purpose and dignity for residents. Here are some of its key benefits:
1. Structured routines and predictable schedules
Consistent routines and predictable schedules can provide a sense of order and stability, which can help reduce your loved one’s confusion and anxiety.
2. Specialized activities and programs
Memory care facilities offer a variety of activities to stimulate the mind, encourage social interaction, and maintain cognitive function. For example, music therapy can evoke positive memories and emotions. Meanwhile, art therapy provides a safe space for self-expression.
3. Secured environment
According to a study, 91% of dementia special care units in residential facilities provide dementia-specific activities. This merit emphasizes both resident engagement and security. Additionally, 90% of these units are equipped with alarmed doors to alert staff if residents leave the unit. Both of these features aim for residents to live more actively while also staying safe.
4. 24-hour care and support
Caregivers are available around the clock to assist with daily needs, medication management, and any medical concerns that may arise. If in any case an emergency happens, they can respond immediately.
Importance of Specialized Memory Care Programs
Specialized memory care programs address each resident’s unique needs. The staff in these facilities understand the stages of cognitive decline. Therefore, they can tailor activities, communication styles, and care plans for each resident to boost their quality of life.
Memory care units organize social events that improve physical, mental, and emotional health. These activities are often in the form of exercise programs, therapy, and entertainment, like offsite tours. While residents are encouraged to participate, it’s still up to your loved one to join.
Sometimes, a therapist visits to perform group or individual sessions. If your loved one shows concerns about regulating their emotions, a therapist may do validation therapy. It acknowledges the resident’s feelings and experiences and helps seniors reduce their agitation. This personalized approach creates a supportive environment where individuals with memory loss can continue to thrive.
Choosing the Right Memory Care Facility
Relocating your senior mom or dad from their home to another is a huge lifestyle leap. However, it becomes the only option, especially if the home they’ve known for years is no longer safe for them. Memory care units are most helpful to seniors with mild to severe dementia or Alzheimer’s where symptoms are prominent.
At the facility, they’ll receive specialized care from dementia caregivers, feel safe, and experience moments of joy and connection. With so many options available, the decision-making process won’t come easy. In fact, it can feel overwhelming and stressful.
Take a look at some key factors to consider when choosing a memory care unit that offers compassionate care.
1. Level of care
Memory loss progresses differently for everyone. Make sure to assess your loved one’s current needs and anticipate how they may evolve in the future. Does the facility offer a range of care levels to accommodate their ever-changing care needs?
2. Staff qualifications and training
The staff are the heart and soul of these facilities. Look for a care team with certifications in dementia care and experience in managing cognitive decline. A high staff-to-resident ratio allows for more personalized and adequate attention.
3. Safety and security
The facility must have safety measures in place, like secured exits, monitored hallways, and wander prevention strategies. Ask about emergency response protocols and fire safety procedures.
4. Location and accessibility
Consider how close the facility is to you and other family members. Regular visits can be a source of comfort for your loved one. Proximity can make traveling to and fro the facility more manageable.
5. Activities and amenities
Does the facility offer varied activities that cater to different interests and cognitive abilities? Are there outdoor spaces, common areas for socialization, and comfortable gathering areas for families?
6. Cost and payment options
The cost of long-term care can vary depending on location, level of care, and amenities offered. Long-term care insurance can help cover the cost of care in settings like memory care and nursing homes. If this isn’t enough, explore other means like personal assets, Medicaid, and nonprofit organizations.
Once you’ve got a list of potential facilities, schedule tours and ask your most pressing questions from the staff. Observe caregiver interaction with residents and the overall atmosphere. Does the facility feel warm and welcoming?
Memory care options range from cozy, home-like settings to larger facilities with extensive services. Some units offer a continuum of care, integrating assisted living and memory care. They’re ideal and preferred since your loved one gets to stay in one place as their needs change. It will reduce confusion and save your parent from the stress of adjusting to a new environment.
Ultimately, the goal of memory care is to create a haven where people living with dementia can thrive and live a meaningful, joyful life.
The Daily Living Experience in Memory Care
Unsure what a typical day in memory assisted living looks like? Here’s a glimpse into the residents’ daily life in this supportive environment:
Mornings typically start with gentle assistance with dressing and personal care, followed by a delicious breakfast at the dining area. In-room meal services are also available for those who can’t leave their private dwellings. After breakfast, residents have the option to join social events that may include games, arts and crafts, meditation or technology lessons. In most cases, the daily routines are fixed to avoid confusion and reduce some symptoms of dementia.
Care plans are personalized according to each resident’s needs and preferences. If one resident has a doctor’s schedule, they’ll either get an onsite medical checkup or be accompanied by a caregiver to the hospital.
Memory care units have cozy outdoor seating to promote socialization among neighbors. Residents may choose to enjoy afternoon fares with other residents in the courtyard surrounded by greens. Secure comfortable living spaces create a sense of safety and belonging.
The specifics of a day in memory care depend on the facility’s size and the individual needs of the residents. Some may offer additional amenities or specialized programs or prioritize a slow healthy way of living. That’s why it’s essential to find a memory care unit that aligns with your loved one’s preferences.
Costs and Funding for Memory Care Services
Memory care costs vary based on location, level of care, and amenities offered. Some offer an all-inclusive package that includes home care, while others have a la carte services. To avoid unexpected charges, clarify all types of deductions with the company. Here are your options to ease the financial strain of this long-term care option.
- Long-term care insurance: Explore if your loved one’s policy covers memory care expenses.
- Medicaid: This government program may assist with memory care costs for qualified low-income individuals. You’ll have to meet the eligibility requirements.
- Medicare: While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in memory care facilities, it may cover some associated healthcare services like doctor visits, physical therapy, and certain medications.
- Veteran’s Benefits: Veterans and their spouses may qualify for financial assistance through the Veterans Administration.
- Personal savings and assets: Discuss your loved one’s financial situation to determine how much they can contribute to their care.
Talk to financial advisors and social workers to understand these options. They may help uncover another source for paying for care.
Choose the Right Memory Care Assisted Living
Unfortunately, dementia doesn’t have any cure. Symptoms also progress from mild to severe. Once a loved one is diagnosed, your only focus is on providing the best care for them.
Watching someone you love forget important things in their lives can be heartbreaking. However, memory care can make their final moments more meaningful and joyful. Here, they can continue to enjoy their routines, participate in fun activities, and receive all-inclusive support from trained caregivers.
Amy’s Eden Senior Care has stunning homes around Reno and Carson City with 24-hour caregivers to oversee your loved one’s health. Give us a tour, ask us questions, and get a feel of what it’s like to live in one of our cozy homes. Allow your loved one to experience moments of connection and joy without moving far from your home.
