Memory care is a long-term care option that is available to seniors who are suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments. If your loved one has cognitive or memory difficulties, the advisors at Elder Care Direction can help you to determine whether memory care might be a good choice. Here are some things that you should know about memory care.
Facts about memory care
Memory care is a type of intensive long-term care that is designed for senior citizens who have dementia. In the next few decades, the demand for this type of care is expected to greatly increase. The RAND Corporation reports that by the year 2040, the number of people who have dementia will at least double. As a consequence, both existing and new communities are developing additional memory care units to handle the demand. Here are some important facts that you should know about memory care.
1. Memory care costs more because it is more comprehensive.
Assisted living helps older adults who can no longer live independently but who are still active with such things as medication management, housing, transportation and other needs. On average, it costs around $3,300 per month. Memory care offers more comprehensive care to people who have dementia with 24-hour supervision. It costs an average of $5,000 per month.
2. Memory Care units are designed to serve people who have dementia.
Dementia experts design memory care units to be secure so that the risk of wandering is minimized. There are usually features such as color coding to help to reduce anxiety and to help residents to get around.
3. Memory care units have behavioral issue programs.
There are therapeutic programs to address behavioral issues in addition to leisure programs in memory care units. These programs address such things as wandering and other common behaviors so that the quality of life is better.
4. People with dementia enjoy better safety and life quality in memory care units.
Facilities that have memory care units offer a better quality of life for the residents in multiple areas, including the following:
- Reduction in falls
- Reduced medications
- Fewer injuries
- Fewer hospital visits
- Improvements in wellness and nutrition
- Greater social interaction and independence
Up to 75 percent of memory care residents may also experience improvements in cognitive functioning.
5. Memory care units also serve the families of residents.
Families who know that their loved ones have 24-hour supervised care may have greater peace of mind and a reduced care-giving burden. Some facilities also offer family outreach services so that family members can understand the different challenges involved in caring for loved ones who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
6. People with dementia are not isolated by memory care.
The specialized therapeutic and social programs offered in memory care units help to keep the residents happy and engaged.
7. Due diligence is vital when you are choosing memory care.
It is important for you to do your due diligence when you are trying to choose a memory care unit for your loved one. You should think about the individual needs of your loved one as well as the features that are offered. For help with the process, contact the staff at Elder Care Direction and schedule a consultation.
