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It can be a terrifying experience to learn that your loved one has been diagnosed with memory problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. It can be even scarier to learn that such issues put their safety at risk. Unfortunately, sometimes the best way to ensure your loved one’s safety in these situations is to move them into a specialized senior care community where highly trained staff members can look out for them 24/7.
That said, we know you aren’t looking for just specialized facilities. You’re looking for a place your loved one can call home. That means you want a community full of compassionate and highly trained staff that give your loved one the quality care they deserve with dignity.
Memory care communities are specially designed to meet the needs of those with memory issues, such as patients with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, or other forms of dementia. They can be facilities that exclusively house patients with memory impairment, or they can be dementia care or Alzheimer’s care units nestled within larger skilled nursing or assisted living facilities.
While everyone wants their loved one to stay home for as long as possible, sometimes family members-turned-caregivers can no longer ensure their loved one‘s safety the way a specialized facility can. It’s important for family members to remember that there is nothing wrong with moving their loved one to a location where they will be safer.
Memory care homes are for seniors who require skilled nursing services; they have mild to advanced memory issues, such as those caused by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The personal care needs of these residents are greater than those of other residential care communities.
Finding the right place for your loved one to live can be difficult. However, knowing what to look for in a quality memory care program can help make the process easier, and give you peace of mind that your loved one is well-cared for.
Comprehensive memory care services to look for include:
Brushing teeth, toileting, and getting dressed may seem like mundane tasks to many people. However, sometimes people require extra help completing these sorts of tasks, known as activities of daily living, or ADLs.
ADLs are day-to-day activities people need to complete to have a decent quality of life. When someone can’t complete these tasks on their own, finding assisted living, memory care, or other sort of senior living arrangement is necessary. At these locations, people can receive personalized care plans adjusted to the level of care they require.
In some cases, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is the right choice for your loved one. Also known as life plan communities, these locations are for older adults who want to stay in a single spot for the rest of their lives. In other words, a CCRC is a singular community that offers a variety of senior living options, from skilled nursing services to independent living programs. That means if residents’ required levels of care change, they can have their needs met without moving to a new community.
It’s no secret that healthcare costs in this country are high; that fact is especially true for eldercare services.
Medicare only covers short-term costs associated with skilled nursing facilities. For financial help with long-term senior care services, it’s better to invest in additional insurance plans or look into what your state’s Medicaid program covers.
According to Genworth’s 2020 “Cost of Care Survey,” the monthly cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home facility in Portland is $10,083. That’s $1,262 more than the national average of $8,821/month.
Medicaid is a healthcare option for low-income, disabled 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 services.
Oregon participates in the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which is a Medicare program/Medicaid service. It helps seniors access services they may need in most locations, including within their own homes.
Medicare is government-sponsored health insurance for older adults. The program will not offer assistance for stays exceeding 100 days.
Senior citizens have different nutritional needs than younger adults do. As such, it’s important to check that your loved one‘s senior care facility crafts menus with nutrition in mind. Nutrition isn’t the only mealtime factor to keep in mind, though.
Just as important is taste and how meals are served. Namely, for older adults—especially those with memory issues—having tasty comfort foods available can work wonders for their morale. Additionally, meals served in a restaurant-style dining room allows memory care residents to socialize with each other, which can further boost their mental health.
Many people fear boredom when moving into senior living facilities. Fortunately, plenty of senior care centers host recreational activities, such as bingo night or having a billiards room. Staff members typically go out of their way to ensure residents have lots to do, so that no one stays bored for long (if at all!).
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 a senior living community might plan weekly outings downtown, 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.
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 the best decision in such cases.
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 Portland 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 Portland area today!