Memory May Slip Away, But Love, Patience And Compassion Stay
When memory and thinking problems worsen, living at home may no longer be an option. Memory care communities ensure that seniors are in the good hands of highly trained memory-care professionals who deliver hands-on support and the highest level of care.
Memory care is a type of long-term, specialized residential care that provides housing and around-the-clock care for seniors who have problems with memory and thinking based on their specific needs.
In a memory care community, seniors can live in a safe and secure environment while receiving a high level of care from specially-trained staff. These communities also feature programs and activities that encourage interaction, decrease agitation, and improve cognitive functions, allowing seniors to feel valued, navigate their day-to-day lives, and maintain their sense of belonging in the world around them.
Seniors suffering from severe memory loss can exhibit certain psychological changes that adversely affect the way they behave and react. Over time, these symptoms may end up sabotaging their relationship with caregivers and other family members. It may be time for memory care if someone you love experiences the following issues:
Finally, caregivers becoming stressed and exhausted is another indicator that it is time to consider memory care, especially if they are not equipped to care for someone with advancing cognitive impairments. Over time, a burn-out caregiver may indirectly cause the individual with dementia to “feel” the stress and begin acting out if there is no in-time intervention. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other condition of cognitive decline is not an easy task, but the mental state of caregivers is equally important.
Keep in mind that only skilled doctors can assess and determine whether your seniors are developing symptoms of dementia. Below is the assessment table of 7 stages of dementia – according to the Reisberg Scale. Speak with your doctor if you have questions about your elder’s memory function.
If your seniors have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other related memory-loss conditions, moving into memory care living ensures their safety while easing your burden of care, planning, and security.
In a memory care community, seniors participate in activities designed to retain function and have their health indicators closely monitored by a specialized care team. Here are some of the advantages of memory care living:
Memory care communities focus on offering a safe haven for seniors with memory loss, where they can attain peace of mind with emotional and physical safety. The level of care may vary widely. Here is what you can expect at most memory care communities:
Because of the importance of 24/7 medical care, memory care comes with a price, with the average monthly rent costing roughly $7,000 in the U.S., according to 2021 NIC statistics. Regardless, the cost of memory care varies from state to state and depends on amenities and the level of care and services provided.
Another factor contributing to the price is the size of accommodation. Generally, a private one -bedroom apartment may be more expensive than a shared room with another roommate.
Therefore, it is always best to do your research and understand what is included and what is not. Moreover, some memory care communities may also charge extra for deposit or entry fees.
Once you have done your research and identified your preferred memory care community for yourself or your parents, there are sometimes financial options for funding your or your seniors’ memory care living.