As of 2023, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that there are approximately 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s dementia. More than this, a new report by the CDC estimates that by 2060, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia will double. As this number grows, so will the demand for memory care services. While these services are crucial in supporting family members’ care for their loved ones diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can be overwhelming to navigate your options and understand what to expect.
To help you understand your options, this article will provide an overview of how memory care is defined and what to expect in memory care for your loved one.
What Is Memory Care?
The signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia can be easy to dismiss at first. Repeating things. Mishandling of bills and money. Mild memory loss. However, when behaviors such as confusion and disorientation become more pointed and unsafe, or there is a decline in physical health or changes in behavior develop, such as poor hygiene or incontinence, these may be indications that a loved one needs memory care.
Memory care is a type of supportive senior living where people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are cared for in a specialized, structured manner with a high level of attention and support.
When Does Someone Need Memory Care and Assisted Living Support?
People in the early stages of various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, may be quite capable of remaining independent for a period of time. They may still live at home with some assistance from family, or they may move to assisted living to get extra help with personal care while enjoying helpful services like dining and housekeeping, along with access to activities and other social events.
Memory care, on the other hand, is geared toward people with mid- to late-stage dementia. At this point in the disease, it becomes imperative to provide safe, structured surroundings. In memory care, team members are specially trained to support residents’ need for set routines and provide higher-level assistance to help residents safely navigate their day.
Team members are also responsible for planning and executing structured daily activities that help keep residents’ minds and bodies engaged as much as possible. Meals are provided, and team members are there to help residents eat and stay tidy when needed.
Where Can a Loved One Receive Memory Care Services?
The needs of someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are significant. In addition to the risk of caregiver burnout, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia without the proper training or setting can create an unsafe situation. It’s best to let trained healthcare providers take charge when your loved one requires highly specialized care.
Memory Care in Senior Living Communities
Memory care for seniors can be provided in a variety of surroundings, each catering to the unique needs of individuals living with dementia. Many senior living communities have dedicated memory care wings, which provide a secure and supportive setting designed for those in later stages of the disease. Memory care typically has a separate team of caregivers with the specialized training and expertise required to address the complex challenges associated with dementia.
The team members in memory care understand the importance of creating a structured routine, offering engaging activities, and providing personalized care to enhance the quality of life for residents.
Memory Care & CCRCs
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer the best of both worlds for those aiming to blend the comforts of home with the security of a dedicated care community Choosing a CCRC with Life Care gives seniors and their loved ones the assurance that, if their health needs ever change, they’ll be able to receive the level of care they need without having to move to another community, and the cost for this care will be predictable and well below market rates.
If you move directly into memory care when that level of care becomes necessary, you won’t be able to benefit from the Life Care model. In this case, monthly costs will be consistent with market rates for any care you need.
Stand-Alone Memory Care Communities and Skilled Nursing Options
There are also free-standing or dedicated memory care communities where similar comprehensive care is provided in secure surroundings. For people with dementia who also require care for medical conditions such as chronic or complex illnesses, a stand-alone skilled nursing community or long-term skilled nursing offered in a senior living community such as Friendship Village of South Hills can be the best option.
What Kind of Care Will My Loved One Receive as a Memory Care Resident?
Here is the type of care your loved one can expect at a memory care community:
- Dedicated memory care nurse and certified nursing assistant 24 hours a day
- Personalized care plan, developed with the resident, their loved ones, and your community support team
- Specialized memory care programming
- Assistance with medication management
- Professional, friendly assistance with activities of daily living
- Dietitian
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Memory care coordinator to assist residents and families through challenges
Don’t be shy about sharing your concerns and questions with the team members you speak to as you search for the right fit.
What Will the Cost of Memory Care Be?
Typically, as the level of care, supervision, and assistance increases, so do the costs and expenses. However, if you have a Life Care contract, your monthly costs can remain predictable even if health needs change, so there are no financial surprises.
Life Care residents enjoy other benefits as well. For example, a part of the entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees for your loved one may be tax-deductible, and a portion of the entrance fee may also be refundable to your loved one or their estate. Most importantly, your loved one will always have guaranteed priority access to higher levels of care like assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehab services.
In contrast, if you move a loved one directly into memory care when that level of care becomes necessary, monthly costs will be consistent with market rates for any care required.
Learn More About Memory Care at Friendship Village of South Hills
Friendship Village of South Hills is an example of a senior living community that offers memory care as part of its philosophy of continuing care.
Here, your loved one will receive compassionate care in a neighborhood-like atmosphere that encourages stimulation and engagement. Every resident enjoys a private suite, which respects personal dignity even as the need for assistance increases.
If you’d like to learn more about quality, compassionate memory care at Friendship Village of South Hills, simply complete the form below, and one of our team members will get in touch shortly.
