Your Comprehensive Guide to Memory Care
Table of Content
Introduction
Memory-related issues like Alzheimer's disease and dementia are becoming more common as the world population is aging. According to the Alzheimer's Association, around 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and more have lived with Alzheimer's disease in 2021, with the number anticipated to climb to 14 million by 2050. In addition, over 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. Still, the task becomes more challenging and sometimes dangerous as the condition worsens.
Dementia requires informed caregiving. Seniors with dementia may also experience dependency and disability as they grow old. Alzheimer's contributes to 60-70% of dementia worldwide. According to the CDC, half of all people in long-term care homes have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.
Many families prefer a memory care residence for senior loved ones because of the increased safety and specialized care skilled caregivers provide. In addition to ensuring residents' safety, the Alzheimer's care communities try to create a welcoming and pleasant environment where seniors can enjoy a good quality of life. If any of your senior loved ones are considering memory care, this guide will help them better understand what it is, how much it costs, and how to choose the best option for them.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care centers are residential communities for seniors with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Only residents with memory impairment are accepted into dedicated memory care homes. Every community component, from activities to facility structure, is deliberately designed to support those with cognitive problems.
Memory Care is a residence with shared and private living spaces. Individuals with dementia receive skilled care, security, and supervision. These facilities provide 24/7 long-term care by trained staff to cater to the specific needs. In addition, memory care facilities offer activities to slow down diseases and stimulate memory.
Memory care communities also may offer specialist care to assist the elderly loved ones with medication and healthcare management. However, these facilities aren't solely concerned with people's medical requirements. They commonly provide opportunities for people with impaired memories to socialize or engage in hobbies most suitable for their mental health. In addition, some communities may provide entertaining activities for those living with cognitive changes, such as musical events or visits from therapy pets.
What Are the Benefits of Memory Care?
Memory care entails much more than simply reminding people to take their medications and keep their appointments. Memory care necessitates a specially trained team to establish a treatment and care plan due to the sensitivity of memory difficulties. Memory care services might be the perfect option for our seniors for these 6 benefits:
Full-time caregiver support
Because dementia is a chronic disease that worsens over time, most loved ones who suffer from memory loss eventually require full-time care as it progresses. Throughout the day and night, nursing homes with dementia units provide aid and protection to seniors, with experienced nurses on call to assist with daily needs. Families do not need to wait until their scheduled visit to fulfill the more advanced demands of their loved one's care, unlike when they receive care from a home-health practitioner. They take comfort in knowing that expert help is accessible whenever their loved one needs it.
Personalized care for dementia patients
Individuals who work in Alzheimer's care communities are familiar with the problems of dementia and the different ways in which the disease can be risky for each individual. Residents who live in a specialized dementia care facility have access to care plans and resources tailored to their specific needs. Caregivers take their time to know and understand the dementia patients to cater personalized care strategies for them.
Programs designed for dementia care
Long-term memory care units often tailor their programs to promote mental stimulation and wellness. According to research, keeping the mind active can help prevent the spread of dementia. In addition, staff can tailor activities to the talents and abilities of each individual.
Recreational activities and socialization
When our senior loved ones suffer from dementia and live alone, they may not have many social interactions. However, residents can benefit from everyday interactions with each other and their caregivers and workers, thanks to community life. A healthy social life is essential for cognitive wellness. When they want it, companionship is always accessible; when they don't, it is optional.
Professional and skilled caregivers, nurses, and doctors
Memory care homes feature on-site trained professionals and nurses and professional connections to other healthcare providers and experts. Communities also arrange transportation to medical visits, connect with residents' doctors, and guarantee that advanced medical treatment is readily available if needed.
Focus on nutrition and dietary meals
Getting enough nutrients to stay healthy might be difficult for those with dementia. Residents in memory care facilities have access to healthy diet options and receive the right amount of support at mealtimes. Menus are created by dining teams that include a variety of healthful selections that can be customized to accommodate individual needs, such as dairy-free options or consistency modifications.
What Are the services Provided in Memory Care Facilities?
Memory Care is a senior care facility designed for patients with memory loss. This involves providing residential medical care to elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Memory care facilities offer the following services:
- Medical care for dementia or amnesia patients
- Specialized care to manage medication
- Safety assurance so that senior residences do not get lost
- Housekeeping
- Social connection activities
- Entertainment activities
- Wellness programs
- Housekeeping to keep rooms clean
- Mobility assistance with transportation facilities to doctor’s appointments
- Access to full-time nurses and skilled caregivers
- Physical and cognitive therapy
Aging affects our seniors in different ways. Memory Care facilities will account for the diagnosis and symptoms and cater to the cognitive needs. In addition, person-centered care, social activities, and various cognitive skills activities can improve their living standards.
Each Memory Care community may also offer services related to daily living activities. Such as:
- Laundry services
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Toileting
An Assisted Living community can offer Memory Care as a distinct Memory Care Unit (MSU) on a different section of the premises. It's also available in a separate Memory Care community altogether. In any case, Memory Care costs are higher than general Assisted Living expenditures.
Caregivers will spot the need for specialized care when seniors start showing symptoms of memory disorders. Memory Care facilities will inform the family caregivers about the transfer policy
What Are the Signs that You Need Memory Care?
It can be a difficult experience when your loved one has dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or any other form of memory loss. Many families try to care for their loved ones on their own out of love and compassion. However, many seniors who suffer from memory loss eventually reach a stage that would benefit immensely from expert memory care.
While the decision to seek memory care is personal for each family, the 5 cases listed below may suggest that your loved one needs professional help.
Do you need round-the-clock supervision?
Because memory care homes have personnel on-site 24/7, a patient who requires more monitoring may do better in a memory care unit than at home.
Do you need assistance with daily living activities?
If the answer is yes, it's probably time to consider memory care. Keep in mind that most dementias worsen over time, so most persons who require assistance now will require more as time goes on.
Can you communicate properly with your family and friends?
If the answer is no here, a memory care community might be the best option. If a senior is unable to communicate, his or her safety in a private residence may be threatened. In addition, memory care staff are educated to connect with patients who cannot express themselves adequately and are better at addressing their needs.
Are you easily forgetting things and wandering?
Forgetting and wandering aimlessly are very risky situations. If not addressed, this might become a very serious issue. Memory care facilities are secure and fenced, preventing our loved ones from wandering away.
Do you often get confused and upset?
If our senior loved ones become easily confused or irritated, this could put them and those around them in danger. Keep an eye on the occurrence of these symptoms since they could indicate that it's time to move into memory care. Memory care communities are trained and experienced in dealing with these symptoms. The caregivers and staff will be able to assist our loved ones in processing their emotions.
How to Convince Senior to Move to Memory Care?
It can be challenging to move seniors with dementia to memory care units. You may be concerned about your decision to place your loved one in memory care. And you might wonder if the transition will be traumatic or if your loved one will adjust.
You might also be unsure how to approach your loved one about relocating to a memory care center. In addition, other responsibilities like selling your loved one's house, packing, and downsizing can add to your concern.
Taking a step-by-step strategy and enlisting expert relocation and coordinating assistance will help you and your loved one cope with the transition to memory care.
Here are some key steps you can follow:
- Seek support from your siblings and family members
- Keep other family members in the conversation
- Listen to your parents and practice listening in a respectful way
- Make the doctor or any credible source tell them it is needed
- Find a suitable time and place to talk (talk in person)
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
Memory care is a more expensive senior care facility than most other senior care options. Enhanced safety, security protocols, and on-site caregivers with specific skills and training contribute to this. Memory care is typically 20-30% more expensive than assisted living in any given area. Memory care could cost roughly $5,375 per month, based on the average monthly cost of assisted living in the United States of $4,300.
The memory care expenses can vary due to round-the-clock care, professional staff, memory-enhancing activities and therapies, and safe environments. Meals, housekeeping, and support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and toileting are all included in memory care. The expense of memory care rises as a result of all of these.
The sort of accommodation you select has an impact on the cost. For example, is a one-bedroom apartment safe for your loved one, or the senior needs a room in the facility? Would they like to share a room?
The costs of Memory Care vary by state. Yet, it's estimated that Memory Care costs are higher by $13,000 on average per annum compared to standard residential care.
How Do You Pay for Memory Care?
Navigating the costs of Memory Care can be overwhelming. Luckily, programs and third-party vendors can reduce some of the stress of paying for Memory Care. Private funds usually cover Memory Care costs. Long-term care insurance can also supplement private funding for Memory Care.
Government assistance might be an option for low-income residents with intensive medical needs. How much assistance is available for Memory Care varies in different states. It may differ for senior residents falling into different disposable income brackets.
Medicare does not cover Memory Care, and Medicaid varies from state to state in most cases. Some veterans may qualify for Medicare under the Community Residential Care program. Medicare guidelines require you to stay for a minimum of 3 nights in a hospital for a benefit period to begin.
For the Medicare coverage to continue, you must need intensive nursing care or rehabilitation. When admitted into a hospital or Nursing Home, many dementia patients meet these requirements.
But, soon after admission, you fall into the "custodial care" category. This category refers to long-term, non-medical care. You usually need private funds to pay for the Memory Care facilities. Information on when Medicare and Medicaid partially fund the costs is available on their websites.
Payment options for memory care facilities
Seniors can pay for memory care services through the several following channels:
Retirement savings
Retirement savings means using own money to pay for memory care. Paying by yourself is the most common form of payment. But it's not an easy decision to make. To pay privately, you might need to spend your savings or sell a property. Yet, doing so is not rare for such expenses.
Home equity
Home equity is a significant tool to pay for Memory Care facilities. Almost every homeowner can make use of this equity. You can use this equity when you are selling your current home. The extra money can be utilized to pay for post-retirement care facilities like memory care health services.
Bridge loans
You don't always have ample time to get ready for Memory Care; there might be a medical emergency. You have to move a dementia patient to the facilities. That is when you can consider a third-party bridge loan. Bridge loans help to cover your expenses during the unexpected transition period. Many senior financial services offer bridge loans. You can repay the loan when you've got the cash available; e.g., you might sell a property after an emergency. However, a bridge loan is a risky option. You should approach it with caution.
Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) often is a phenomenal resource to pony up for Senior Living care. Be careful that not all LTCI policies are equal. And LTCI will not cover all your expenses; so, consult your insurance provider and get details beforehand.
Veteran benefits (A&A)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans privileges like aid and attendance pension. Check if you are eligible for them. If you are, this pension can fund a big part of your Memory Care payments. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website to get detailed information.
Medicaid policies (partial payment assistance)
ShapeThese policies might be helpful for a short-term emergency period but never in the long run. Tier terms and offerings vary broadly among states. Be sure to check the terms that apply to you before depending on any of these.
How to Select the Right Memory Care Facility
As you search for the greatest treatment for your senior loved ones, you should feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. There are many factors to consider when selecting a facility, and neither you nor the institution should be afraid to ask and answer questions. Before deciding on a facility, make a list of questions that addresses your worries regarding your loved one's care. Here are a few to help you out:
- What are the Memory Care's philosophy and approach to caregiving?
- What are the Memory Care community's methods to get to know you?
- How does the Memory Care staff honor the life story and struggles?
- Do the staff encourage independence among residents?
- Are there exciting and creative life-enriching activities in the facility?
- On a daily basis, how many meals are provided? What would the caregivers do if a resident refuses to eat?What level of, customization can seniors get with meal plans? Can seniors cater to certain dietary requirements?
- What kind of particular attention do the staff give to wandering residents? What are the options for residents who become, physically aggressive and for residents who have difficulty moving around?
- How are the rooms like? Are they private or shared? What is the price structure for each?
- Do the facilities offer laundry, maintenance, and housekeeping services? How frequently do they give them out?
- Are there any emergency warning systems in place in case residents fall or require assistance in their room?
- What is the policy for dealing with medical emergencies?
- Is there a specific care plan for each resident?
- What dementia-related procedures does the staff employ?
- Are the hallways color-coded to make it easier for residents to find their way around?
- What is the policy to discharge senior receiving memory care?
Differences among Memory Care and Other Senior Living Options
Memory care is distinct from assisted living as it is dedicated to caring for people who have memory loss. This implies that memory care facilities and staff are well-equipped to meet the care demands of Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
Memory Care vs Assisted Living
Memory care is distinct from assisted living as it is dedicated to caring for people who have memory loss. This implies that memory care facilities and staff are well-equipped to meet the care demands of Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
More on the differences between memory care and assisted living are shown in the table:
Memory Care | Assisted Living |
Focused on ADL, IADL, and full-time medical assistance for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or amnesia patients. | Focused on ADL and IADL assistance |
Skilled nursing availability is 24/7 | Skilled nursing availability is limited |
Professional medical supervision is always available | Professional medical supervision is limited |
Minimal home-like environment, with more security to prevent wandering or getting lost | Home-like environment, comparable to residential apartments or hotels |
Memory Care vs Independent Living
Differences between memory care and independent living vary largely as memory care focuses on providing permanent care for Alzheimer's or Dementia patients. In comparison, independent living is a downsizing option for seniors who need very little care and live on their own.
More on the differences between memory care and independent living are shown in the table:
Memory Care | Independent Living |
Focused on ADL, IADL, and full-time medical assistance for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or amnesia patients. | Very minimal personal care on ADLs |
Skilled nursing availability is 24/7 | Skilled nursing facilities are not available on-site |
Professional medical supervision is always available | Professional medical supervision is not available on-site |
Minimal home-like environment, with more security to prevent wandering or getting lost | Complete home-like atmosphere, similar to luxury apartments or condos |
Memory Care vs Nursing Home
Both memory care centers and nursing homes provide full-time care for seniors with memory loss. The goal of memory care is to provide dementia care to seniors. Aside from mental health difficulties, nursing homes focus more on other medical care for elders.
More on the differences between memory care and nursing home are shown in the table:
Memory Care | Nursing Home |
Focused on ADL, IADL, and full-time medical assistance for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or amnesia patients. | Focused on ADL, IADL, and full-time medical assistance for any elderly patient |
Skilled nursing availability is 24/7 | Skilled nursing availability is 24/7 |
Professional medical supervision is always available | Professional medical supervision is always available |
Minimal home-like environment, with more security to prevent wandering or getting lost | Minimal home-like environment, with more similarities to hospital settings |
Memory Care vs Home Care
Seniors with dementia who choose to grow old in one place can receive care at home. It may also offer dementia caregiver assistance and respite. However, home care differs from memory care in terms of social involvement and the specific treatments found in memory care facilities. Adapting your home to make it safe for someone with advanced dementia may also be complicated or expensive when you choose home care.
More on the differences between memory care and home care are shown in the table:
Memory Care | Home Care |
Focused on ADL, IADL, and full-time medical assistance for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or amnesia patients. | Focused on on-call ADL, IADL, and medical assistance |
Skilled nursing availability is 24/7 | Skilled nursing availability is only on-call |
Professional medical supervision is always available | Professional medical supervision is only for special cases |
Minimal home-like environment, with more security to prevent wandering or getting lost | Receive care from the comfort of their own homes |
Why Should You Choose BoomersHub for Memory Care?
Memory Care is an excellent solution to improve a life with severe memory disorders. It provides informed care and slows down the disease. In addition, your loved ones will be satisfied knowing that they're getting the appropriate services not available at home.
BoomersHub is the one-stop reference point where you can get all the essential information to find a home your loved one will love. BoomersHub gives you free access to informative blog posts, pricing, and Partner Memory Care facilities all over the country. In addition, our experienced Local Advisors will give you guidance and facility tours for free!
We aim to walk alongside you from the beginning to the end of your journey to find the ideal home. BoomersHub advisors will also support after the move-in by taking feedback.