You may be just starting your research into memory care costs. There are many factors to consider, including location, amenities, services offered, size of the apartment or floor plan, and medical services needed. If costs are too high, there may be financial assistance available. The move into memory care takes a bit of planning and the earlier you can start, the better.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is specialized care for those with memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Memory care can take place in a community setting such as a senior living community, in a nursing home and or in your home.
Navigating the memory care landscape can be overwhelming. We're here to make it a bit easier. For a deeper dive into memory care, we recommend:
Memory Care Benefits
1. Security & Independence
Caring for a loved one with memory loss issues is incredibly difficult, especially if you're doing it with little help or training. One of the biggest concerns is security. Walking out the front door can turn into a dangerous situation. With memory care, your loved one will live in a safe environment with secured exits and emergency call systems, all within easy reach.
A community with built-in security allows those with memory loss to move around the area safely and build a greater sense of confidence, independence and dignity.
2. Memory Care Offers Easier Ways to Socialize
Visiting friends and family may be limited due to the challenges of traveling with someone who has dementia. Social isolation for a loved one and the caregiver can lead to higher stress, anxiety and depression levels for both.
A memory care community will offer residents all sorts of opportunities to socialize through fun activities, events and games. Socializing could be as easy as walking out of their apartment and visiting with others in comfortable common areas. Having a loved one in memory care will give family caregivers a great sense of relief knowing they are in a safe environment and it will open up new, healthier ways of living for everyone.
3. Help with ADLs
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are tasks that an adult should be able to do independently, such as:
- Being able to use the bathroom
- Dress and undress oneself
- Feed oneself
- Move freely and safely
- Groom and clean oneself, and brush their teeth
If those with dementia or other memory loss conditions cannot do the basic ADLs, it can quickly lead to a risk of injury and serious health issues.
A memory care setting will have trained staff to assist with those ADLs. In addition, memory care communities will have special services and amenities, including housekeeping, meal preparation and laundry services. Many communities offer salon services such as hair cutting, shaving, manicures, pedicures and more.
4. Innovative Programs and Activities
A hallmark of a memory care community is the programming it offers to residents. To live a happy and active life in memory care, healthy socialization is usually required. Today's memory care communities provide events and activities that support those living with memory loss.
Every class, event or activity will be designed or adapted for those experiencing memory challenges. New programming is often developed based on the latest research on cognitive impairment. Activities in a memory care community address the whole person, including physical, therapeutic, educational and spiritual.
Technology is also factoring in with more families using smartphone apps to help loved ones stay connected and engaged. The use of virtual reality is also an emerging trend that is likely to benefit those with memory loss.
5. Physical Safety
It can't be stressed enough that a memory care community will offer more security and physical safety for those living with memory loss conditions with features such as:
- Home-like apartments and common areas
- Supervision from medical staff and caregivers
- Elevators
- Wide hallways and secured windows
- Wayfinding design features
- ADA-compliant bathrooms with grab bars and non-slip floors
- Enclosed outdoor spaces
- Motion sensor lighting
- Video surveillance and alert systems
A memory care community will provide your loved one with safety and security, and give you peace of mind.
6. 24-hour Round the Clock Care
Family caregiver burnout is real. If you are tending to someone with memory loss issues, caring for them can leave you with feelings of guilt, sadness and fatigue. You'll rest easy knowing that at a memory care community your loved one will be surrounded by compassionate caregivers 24-hours a day.
They'll provide aid, assist with medication management and possibly provide transportation for appointments. Emergency call buttons are conveniently located in the community areas and in living quarters for added peace of mind.
7. Personalized Care Plan
When entering a memory care community, part of the onboarding process includes getting to know the new resident. The interviewing and onboarding process will vary by community, but the end result is the same: to learn about the new resident and what matters to them. This may include medical questions, hobbies, favorite colors, family history and even favorite desserts. The more the staff know about your loved one, the more personalized the care can be. When a health condition or change in situation arises, care plans are updated.
Contact Us
Memory care is a lot different than even a few years ago. Today, purpose-built communities offer deeply personalized care that caters exclusively to those with cognitive impairment.
Moving a loved one into a memory care community will benefit you as much as it does them. With more time to engage in self-care and tend to the rest of the family, you'll feel less overwhelmed and ultimately be able to give your loved one more love and attention.
If you have questions about memory care or are unsure which options are best, contact us today. We can help determine which care approach fits your family’s needs, budget and location.