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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 within larger skilled nursing or assisted living facilities.
We know you aren’t looking for just specialized facilities; you’re looking for a place your loved one can call home, full of compassionate and highly trained staff that give your loved one the quality care they deserve with dignity.
Memory care communities are the perfect options 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 residents within independent or assisted living communities.
Sometimes families decide that it is in the best interest of all involved to move their loved one to such a community, as the staff members there are highly trained professionals who can better provide the level of care needed. After all, 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 and so that the rest of the family can have peace of mind that their loved one is well-cared for a qualified medical center.
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 or facility can help make the process easier.
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 so named because people need to complete them to have a decent quality of life when going about day-to-day activities. When someone can’t complete these tasks on their own, finding an assisted living, memory care, or other sort of retirement community 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 is the right choice for you or your loved one. Also known as CCRCs or life plan communities, these senior residences are great for older adults who want to stay in a single location in their golden years. 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—all without requiring the resident to move to a new facility or new city to receive the care they need.
Pricing varies widely depending on the specific community and what financial resources are available in your area.
It’s no secret that healthcare costs in this country are high; that fact is especially true for those receiving nursing care. Unfortunately, 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 San Antonio is $5,338. That’s $3,483 cheaper 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 stays in skilled nursing facilities. In other states, though, Medicaid may not cover assisted living and memory care expenses.
In Texas, qualified individuals may receive aid from a Medicaid-managed program called STAR+PLUS. Some of the services qualified individuals may receive include assistance with nursing care and assisted living expenses.
Medicare is government-sponsored health insurance for older adults. Unfortunately, it typically does not cover long-term stays in residential care facilities. Specifically, Medicare will only pay 100% of the costs for a stay in such facilities if there is a medical need, such as for rehab following an injury, and only then for 20 days. After those 20 days are up, Medicare will cover 80% of the costs for 80 days. 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 are averse to living in retirement communities for fear of boredom. Fortunately, plenty of senior care centers host recreational activities, such as bingo night or having a billiards room.
Memory care facilities tend to offer more limited selections, however, in order to better ensure the safety of their residents. 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 care in a senior living facility, 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 San Antonio 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 City of San Antonio area today!