When Is It Time for Memory Care?
September 11, 2023 / Memory Care
If your loved one has been facing difficulties due to memory loss due to aging, you know how difficult it can be to determine the right level of care for them. It likely seems like the situation is ever-changing, with good days and bad days, which makes it difficult to determine when the right time is to make the difficult transition to a long-term care community. If you have made the decision to do so, it can be difficult to find the right home for your loved one. The team at Senior Care AZ, a senior placement agency in Arizona, is breaking down these decisions: what is memory care, signs it might be time to consider memory care for your loved one, and how to find and pay for the right community.
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 or a nursing home, and many memory care facilities are located as secure wings within those facilities. A memory care facility is unique in the service it provides, as it is designed specifically for individuals with memory loss. The communities are designed to soothe individuals who are dealing with memory loss, with softer finishes, a lack of clutter and clear signage to inform residents of locations and reminders. Memory care facilities allow residents to stay as independent as they are capable of while offering them a safe environment with a staff that will ensure that if they forget some of their activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, or getting dressed, they will receive the care to complete these tasks. Memory care facilities can help individuals with dementia lead full and happy lives in a safe and secure environment. Many facilities have cognitive stimulation activities and community events for residents, all in an effort to promote maintaining brain function, encouraging socialization, and building community within the facility.
7 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care
If you’ve noticed your loved one having difficulty remembering details, such as names or common locations, and having issues with some of their daily activities, like bathing or getting dressed, it can be concerning. In addition to these difficulties, many individuals who are dealing with some form of dementia or aging-related memory loss will experience the below, all of which are signs that it may be worth beginning to explore memory care.
Changes in Behavior
One of the initial signs that may suggest it’s time to explore memory care is a noticeable shift in behavior. This can be a noticeable increase in agitation, aggression, or mood swings. These changes in behavior often cause difficulty and emotional strain for family and caregivers. In a memory care facility, staff members are trained to deal with these behavioral shifts and effectively manage the changes as they occur.
Neglecting Personal Hygiene
If you observe that your loved one is forgetting to bathe, brush their teeth, or change clothes on a regular basis, it could be a clear indication that they require more specialized care and supervision. This neglect of personal hygiene can become an issue, especially for seniors living independently. In a memory care facility, staff will provide a gentle approach to ensure residents remember to complete their daily tasks, such as bathing and getting dressed.
Caregiver Stress
Caring for a loved one with dementia often places family caregivers under immense stress. When this stress becomes overwhelming and starts to adversely affect your own health and well-being, it’s a sign that considering memory care might be a more appropriate option for both you and your loved one. To continue providing the emotional support your loved one needs, it is sometimes best to have a separation, which memory care can provide for you and your family.
Incontinence
Incontinence, or a lack of voluntary control over going to the bathroom, can be very difficult for an individual to deal with, as well as a challenge for caregivers. Memory care facilities are specifically designed to address the unique needs of residents grappling with incontinence by ensuring proper care and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Unsafe at Home
If you begin to notice that your loved one is becoming increasingly unsafe within their home due to incidents like wandering, accidents, or the inability to carry out daily tasks without risking harm, it’s a sign that transitioning to a memory care facility with a secure environment may be the safer choice. Memory care facilities are secure, while still feeling comfortable inside the facility. Most facilities have locks on doors and staff around the clock to prevent wandering as well as accidents within the facility.
Social Isolation
Social isolation can have detrimental effects on cognitive and emotional well-being. If your loved one is withdrawing from social interactions and activities, memory care facilities offer programs and a supportive community environment to counteract social isolation. These social programs help counteract loneliness and isolation while also providing valuable social stimulation, which supports cognitive health.
Confusion and Disorientation
Frequent episodes of confusion, disorientation, or difficulty recognizing familiar faces and places can be distressing for both your loved one and yourself. Memory care facilities are thoughtfully designed to provide a structured and supportive setting to help manage these symptoms.
What to Look For in a Memory Care Facility
When considering a memory care facility, it is important to do research and visit potential facilities. Speaking with staff to ensure they are highly trained and will make your loved one feel comfortable and at home can be important. Verifying the security and safety of a facility is important, as is checking on the community aspect of memory care. Explore the activities and community based events that are offered for residents, especially if your loved one has a specific interest. Memory care facilities may offer community games, arts and crafts, or other events that will allow for socialization and stimulation. Some facilities may allow you to speak with current residents and their families so you can get an understanding of what the facility offers and how it might look for your loved one and their family.
How to Pay For Memory Care
Memory care, like many forms of long-term senior care, can be costly, so it is important to explore options when it comes to covering the costs of memory care.
Does Medicare Pay for Memory Care?
Typically, Medicare does not cover the expenses of long-term memory care. However, it may extend coverage for short-term stays related to skilled nursing or rehabilitation needs.
Does Medicaid Pay for Memory Care?
Medicaid can serve as a potential funding source for memory care, contingent on your loved one’s financial circumstances and the eligibility criteria in your state. Conduct research on Medicaid programs in your area to determine whether your loved one qualifies.
Recognizing the signs that indicate a need for memory care and seeking professional assistance when necessary can substantially enhance the quality of life and safety for your loved one, as well as for your family and caregivers. Always remember that support and resources are accessible to assist you throughout this challenging journey to provide a safe and comfortable home for your loved one.