What Is Memory Care?
July 31, 2023 / Memory Care
If your loved one has been suffering from the progressive effects of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or another disease that is causing progressive memory loss, you know it can be difficult to ensure they are kept safe and healthy while also ensuring you are able to go about with the activities of your life. Memory care facilities can provide support and safety for your loved ones and may be a good option for you to consider for their long-term care. Senior Care AZ, an Arizona senior placement agency, team is breaking down memory care: what it is, the services offered, and how to determine if memory care might be right for your family.
What Is Memory Care?
A memory care facility is a secure residential facility that is designed to provide care for individuals with some form of dementia. Memory care is a subset of assisted living and nursing home care, and there are often more secure wings that are located within one of these facilities. Memory care facilities are designed as a transitional space for residents who still have some level of independence but will likely not be able to return home to independent living due to memory decline. They are often designed with softer finishes, a lack of clutter, and very clear signage to soothe patients with memory issues. Memory care facilities ensure that residents who may forget to complete daily tasks, such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, or feeding themselves, have these needs met in a comforting and safe environment.
Benefits of Memory Care
Memory care facilities can help individuals with dementia lead full and happy lives in a safe and secure environment. It provides residents with an independent place where they can live and engage with their peers, but it also provides them with education to learn about and adapt to a disease that most residents will be dealing with for the rest of their lives. It promotes maintaining brain function and helps individuals stay safe and independent for as long as possible.
Memory Care Services
The goal of memory care is to maintain safety, dignity, and independence for aging individuals who are dealing with memory decline but are still able to take care of some of their daily activities. The amount of care needed in a memory care facility varies greatly from individual to individual. Individuals in the early stages of their disease may be able to live somewhat independently. The memory care facility may offer some assistance with the activities of daily life to these individuals and otherwise let them live independently. For individuals with more advanced memory impairments, the care can become more intensive. Most memory care facilities promote specialized services including engagement and brain health, such as physical activity, cognitive training, sleep hygiene, and a brain-healthy diet. Memory care has intentional security put in place since many individuals with dementia are prone to wandering.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
Specialized services, such as memory care, can be quite expensive. The average cost of an assisted living facility in Arizona is $4,000 per month, and adding memory care will generally add 20-30% to this cost due to the increased level of training and care needed by residents with memory deficits.
Does Insurance Cover Memory Care?
A group employee health care plan may cover care for an individual who is under the age of 65 and dealing with impaired memory, but in general, private insurance will not cover the specialized cost of memory care for seniors who are dealing with dementia. Long-term care insurance, which an individual would have to buy early in life in order to receive benefits from, may cover the cost of memory care, depending on the plan and benefits.
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care?
Medicare generally covers inpatient hospital care, doctor fees, and up to 100 days of skilled nursing home care under specific and limited circumstances for individuals over the age of 65 who are dealing with dementia. Medicare will not typically cover the cost of room and board or other specialized services involved in memory care.
Is Memory Care Right for Your Loved One?
Each individual is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to long-term care. But if your loved one is dealing with memory impairment due to dementia and has begun needing help with medications, the activities of daily life, and security due to wandering, they may benefit from considering memory care. If their caregiver is struggling emotionally, or if your loved one is struggling from isolation and needs engagement and meaningful activities, memory care may provide assistance that is much needed for your loved one and your family.
How to Choose the Best Memory Care Facility
Choosing the best memory care facility may depend on the type of environment your loved one needs to be in. If they are more independent, it may be worth exploring memory care wings inside assisted living facilities. If they are needing more medical supervision and care, a memory care wing in a nursing home could be a good option to explore. Touring facilities and exploring their services, environment, and staff can help you determine what feels best to you and your loved one. If you have questions or concerns about choosing the best memory care option for your loved one, the Senior Care team can provide guidance and knowledge on facilities in the Arizona area, as well as what to look for when choosing your long-term care facility.
FAQs About Memory Care
What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?
Assisted living is a long-term care option designed for independent seniors, and memory care is a long-term care option designed specifically for individuals with dementia or other forms of memory impairment. Some assisted living communities and nursing homes may have wings dedicated to memory care.
When Should Someone Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care?
An individual may make the move from assisted living to memory care if they begin to show signs of increased confusion, show signs of agitation or anger, neglect their personal care, or require care beyond what an assisted living facility can provide.
How Long Do Most People Live In Memory Care?
Due to the progressive state of dementia and Alzheimer’s, many individuals may stay in memory care facilities for the rest of their lives.