What can you do if your parent, or other Senior you care for, develops Alzheimer’s or other memory issues that make living at home on their own unsafe?
What memory care options are available? The first option is a memory care facility, sometimes referred to as a special care unit. These are specifically designed for people who have Alzheimer’s or dementia and these types of facilities will have safeguards and procedures in place to prevent residents from getting lost, to protect them from physical harm, to keep everyone safe and happy. The staff will have special training to appropriately and effectively handle the unique behaviors and needs exhibited by memory care patients.
Finding the right facility is extremely important for the well-being and peace of mind of both you and your Senior. The best way to find the right facility is to start the search process before your Senior needs to move in. If your parents are still living at home but maybe they are getting lost or forgetting to take their medication, that could have serious consequences. Deadly consequences. You want your family member to be safe and you do not want to have to worry about not knowing your options or being put on long waitlists when the need for memory care arises.
In addition to the time and safety concerns, it can be super stressful emotionally as your parents transition from being your best friends to not remembering who you are. I know when I was taking care of my grandmother, it was not until the very end that she had any lapses in judgment, so I was truly blessed. However, I do remember that at the end of her life I would ask her things and she would be so confused. It was so unnerving, and it felt so scary. It was difficult knowing that she was not going to live forever and there was just nothing I could do to help her.
For some families, memory care and dementia affect people who are not Seniors. There are some people who are a lot younger too. But my team and I focus on educating Seniors and their adult children about how to find a good facility because we know that you want your parents to have the best care possible.
What are the benefits of a memory care facility? The staff will have expertise in identifying the different stages that folks go through. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive diseases, and memory care professionals can identify the progression and provide residents with the proper types of treatment at each stage according to their person treatment plan. These facilities provide support and aid to all the residents while encouraging them to live as independently as possible.
Are there any downsides to living in a memory care facility? Although activities and socializing are supported at most facilities, some Seniors that are in the memory care facilities can feel a little more closed in than the folks that are just in assisted living. Assisted care is not as restrictive but still offers support performing daily activities and routines. If you or a loved one are starting to worry about becoming more forgetful, get an evaluation by a doctor, but do not go into memory care unless you need to. A doctor or other medical professional with expertise will be able to identify whether or not that is an immediate need.
We also know that memory care can be expensive. With that in mind, if you do not have long-term care insurance, how are you going to pay for memory care? What are the estimated costs? From our research, we have found facilities with prices ranging from $4,000 to $7,000+ per month. If you are concerned about this high price point, ask about all-inclusive pricing versus a la carte pricing. Another option to consider is applying for any grant programs in your area through organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Association. Even if you are unsure if you or your Senior will qualify, it does not hurt to just check out those two websites and learn about the requirements.
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