No family wants to learn a loved one needs memory care. They know this individual has a long, hard road ahead of them, and the family will be part of this challenging journey. A memory care community can provide these individuals with the support and care they need.
No family wants to learn a loved one needs memory care. They know this individual has a long, hard road ahead of them, and the family will be part of this challenging journey. A memory care community can provide these individuals with the support and care they need.Families often delay the search for memory care services. Researching the options is essential because no family wants to choose a community during a crisis. Preparing for the day when around-the-clock care is required is something every family should do when they have a loved one with dementia.
The Basics of Memory Care
Memory care services extend beyond those found in independent and assisted living communities. They are designed to help individuals with cognitive impairments. Staff members undergo extensive training to help individuals with these conditions. They handle housekeeping, meals, laundry, and other household tasks. In addition, they provide social activities designed to benefit the residents’ physical and mental well-being. Communities dedicated to memory care have security measures to protect the residents and provide visual cues to help residents remain independent.
When Should a Family Consider Memory Care for a Loved One
Families often ask when they need to move a loved one to memory care. They may want to keep them home as long as possible, and a doctor can help them make this determination. Individuals living in retirement communities may show signs of cognitive decline, and staff members will alert the family and the resident’s medical team. However, families should also look for the following signs.
When seniors forget to pay their bills or shower, they may need memory care. Any decline in personal hygiene is cause for concern. A dirty house may be a sign that the seniors are no longer physically able to care for the home, or they may not be able to do so because they have forgotten what they need to do. A doctor can determine which is the case.
Seniors who forget to turn off the stove or wander off may need memory care. They may fail to take their medicines or miss medical appointments. Skipping meals is a sign of dementia, and the senior may withdraw from social activities. Furthermore, they may lose track of time and forget the year or season. A doctor should check the senior if any of these signs are seen.
Choosing a Memory Care Facility
Families must know what to look for when choosing a memory care community. They must ensure the community is safe and staff members are trained to handle cognitive challenges. They must be compassionate and provide residents with activities that will stimulate their minds. The community should be close to family and friends so they can visit regularly, and the seniors won’t feel forgotten.
Paying for Memory Care
A family might worry about how they will pay for memory care. In 2023, CNN reported an average monthly cost of approximately $7,500. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care in a memory care community, so the family may pay for the care out of pocket or use long-term care insurance to cover the cost. Veterans benefits and other resources may also be used to cover the care.
Anyone who is worried a loved one is suffering from cognitive decline should speak with their medical team. If the medical team determines the individual needs memory care, the family should seek a community. It may not be required immediately, but the family will be ready when it is.
