Seattle

Memory Care in Seattle, Washington

We all want what’s best for our loved ones. For those who have been diagnosed with memory problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, the best option may be to move them into a specialized senior care community. There, they can receive around-the-clock care from highly trained staff members.

Of course, not just any place will do for your loved one; they deserve top-notch care from a highly trained staff that treats their residents with the dignity they deserve.

What are Memory Care Facilities?

Memory care can refer to an entire community or a specialized memory loss or dementia care unit housed within a larger senior care facility, such as a skilled nursing or assisted living facility. These communities are for residents with memory issues, such as patients with memory loss or some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The personal care needs of these residents are greater than those of other residential care communities, such as assisted living or independent living facilities.

Why Choose Memory Care?

Making the decision to move your loved one is never easy. That said, sometimes it is absolutely the right decision. After all, people with memory issues require care that exceeds the limitations of many family members-turned-caregivers.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with moving a loved one to a location where they will be safer.

Factors to Consider

Knowing what to look for in a quality memory care program can make the process of finding your loved one a place to live just a little easier. It can also give you peace of mind that your loved one‘s unique needs are met.

Comprehensive Services

Comprehensive memory care services to look for include:

  • Medication management and other personal care services
  • Service planning
  • Assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and other hygiene services
  • Laundering services
  • Regular mental and physical health assessments
  • Transportation and escorts
  • Healthy dining services
  • Regular social activities like bingo night
  • Care coordination and other healthcare management services
  • Various floor plans to fit the wants, needs, and budgets of various seniors
  • Whether the location is pet-friendly

The Foundations of Quality Memory Care Facilities

  • Social Roles – Does the community make an extra effort to ensure each individual feels included and wanted?
  • Improving Skills – Does the staff coordinate therapy and recreational activities that help residents improve certain skills?
  • Progression and Setting Goals – Are the residents encouraged to stay engaged and achieve success with long-term goals?
  • Focusing on Remaining Skills – Do staff members encourage residents to maintain remaining skills?
  • Life Enrichment – Are there plenty of recreational and other activities that help residents find meaning in their lives and enjoy personal fulfilment?

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Sometimes people require extra help completing day-to-day tasks like brushing teeth, toileting, and getting dressed. People need to complete these activities (activities of daily living, or ADLs) in order to go about their daily life with comfort.

It is necessary to find memory care centers or another sort of senior living arrangement when someone cannot complete these tasks on their own. At these locations, people can receive personalized care plans adjusted to the level of care they require.

Memory Care vs Continuing Care Retirement Community

In some cases, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is the right choice for your loved one. CCRCs, or life plan communities, are for older adults who want to stay in a single spot during their golden years.

Simply put, a CCRC is a singular community that offers a variety of senior living options, from skilled nursing services to independent living programs. This all means that if residents’ required levels of care change, they can have their needs met at their current location.

Pricing

Pricing is absolutely a consideration to keep in mind when selecting eldercare services.

Long-term Care Insurance

Medicare only covers short-term costs associated with skilled nursing facilities (aka nursing homes) and assisted living facilities (which may include memory care units). 

It’s better to invest in additional insurance plans or look into what your state’s Medicaid program covers for financial help with long-term care.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost in Seattle, WA?

According to Genworth’s 2020 “Cost of Care Survey,” the monthly cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home facility in the Seattle area is $10,624. That’s $1,803 more than the national average of $8,821/month.

Washington Medicaid 

Medicaid is a healthcare option for low-income, disabled and older Americans. Depending on the needs of the insured and the state they live in, Medicaid can cover a significant portion of the costs associated with skilled nursing care.

Medicare

Medicare is government-sponsored health insurance for older adults. The program does not offer assistance for stays lasting longer than 100 days.

Mealtime & Nutrition

Seniors have unique nutritional needs. It’s therefore important that your loved one‘s senior care facility crafts menus with nutrition in mind. 

Just as important as nutrition, though, is how meals taste and are served. For older adults—especially those with memory issues—having comfort foods available can work wonders for their mental health. Additionally, meals served in a restaurant-style dining room facilitates socialization between residents, which can further boost their morale.

Wellness & Recreational Activities

Moving into senior living facilities doesn’t have to mean boredom. Plenty of senior care centers host recreational activities, such as a movie night.

That said, memory care facilities are limited in what recreational activities they can offer their residents. This is to better ensure their safety. For example, residents of an independent senior living community might plan an outing to the Space Needle, while such activities would not be possible for memory care patients with advanced dementia. In these cases, caregivers might offer more suitable recreational activities like game nights.

Caregiver Resources

As our parents and loved ones grow older, we have to consider what’s in their best interest. While some people will opt for residential care options, others will become the primary caregiver for their loved one. The following resources can help you make a more educated decision in such cases.

  • Alzheimers.gov 
    • The official government website on Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Lotsa Helping Hands
    • This site is perfect for helping those dealing with caregiver burnout find the respite care and help they need.
  • MedlinePlus
    • Another government database that’s filled with plenty of useful information for caregivers.
  • National Institutes on Aging
    • From COVID-19 planning to finding long-term care, this government database has plenty of information for family members with questions on how to care for aging loved ones.

Healthcare Resources

  • COVID-19 Resources
    • Since older adults are at greatest risk from COVID-19, it pays to know more about precautions caregivers can take to protect themselves and those in their care.
  • Eldercare Locator
    • This tool from the U.S. Administration on Aging can help family members find eldercare resources available in their area.

Memory Care Communities in and around Seattle, Washington

You don’t want your loved ones living in nursing homes; you want them welcomed into senior care communities.

Your loved one deserves a facility that does more than simply offer services and amenities; they deserve a location that they can call home. There are plenty of high-quality memory care facilities in King County, the City of Seattle and the surrounding area that are dedicated to enriching the lives of their team, residents, and community partners.

Discover memory care communities in and around the Seattle area today!