Choosing a Memory Care community for a loved one can be a challenging and emotional experience. Residents often become confused, agitated, or insistent on returning home. These behaviors are expected and usually subside as the resident adjusts to his or her new surroundings. It’s important to speak with the nursing staff about visitation guidelines; some communities require family members to refrain from visiting until the resident is acclimated. After your loved one has made friends and established a routine at the new community, consider visiting to check in on your loved one.
Memory care is a type of specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease
Memory care is a type of specialized healthcare for people with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to the basic care provided in nursing homes, memory care centers also provide a variety of activities, including daily housekeeping and personal care. The program is also available to Medicare patients. Medicare pays for the care in nursing homes when it is medically necessary for at least 20 days. The days covered in psychiatric hospitals are increased to 190.
It is not a nursing home
If your loved one has severe medical issues and is unable to live on their own, you may want to consider a memory care community. While assisted living communities are state-regulated, memory care communities are not. In addition, residents of these communities may not be ambulatory and require medical equipment. Additionally, these communities may not be appropriate for people with numerous medical problems. Most nursing homes are covered by Medicaid. If you have questions, contact the facility’s medical director.
It provides higher levels of services
Many memory care facilities are designed to provide a safe, structured environment where residents can follow a regular routine. This lowers stress for the person with dementia. Employees in a memory care community provide meals and help with personal care tasks. Memory care employees are specially trained to address the unique issues of people with dementia. Licensed staff monitor the residents more often and provide additional structure and support. For example, residents may be unable to manage their medications, but they can still take medications with the help of a trained staff member.
It is less expensive than a nursing home
Whether Memory Care is cheaper than a nursing home or an assisted living facility depends on what level of care your loved one needs. Some seniors may benefit from 24-hour care, while others may be better off with a more structured environment. In either case, home care starts out as the most affordable option. But as your loved one’s needs increase, the cost will eventually outweigh the cost savings. Memory care is often less expensive than nursing home care because it saves you money and lets your family spend quality time with your loved one.
It is nurturing
The goal of memory care is to provide a comfortable and safe living environment where residents can maintain their independence and quality of life. The staff at these facilities has been specially trained to address the needs of these residents, which includes coping with challenging behaviors and learning effective communication skills. Activities are designed to keep residents engaged and offer numerous opportunities for mental and social stimulation. By providing these opportunities, memory care communities can make life more comfortable for residents and prevent further memory loss.
It reduces isolation
Studies have shown that social isolation can have devastating effects on seniors’ physical and mental health. Loneliness has been compared to smoking and obesity, and a Brigham Young University study suggests that it may even be more harmful to the aging population. According to a recent study, loneliness increases blood pressure and stress levels. The results suggest that social interaction with peers, family, and a supportive community can improve overall health and well-being.