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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.
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.
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.
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 memory care services to look for include:
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.
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 is absolutely a consideration to keep in mind when selecting eldercare services.
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.
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.
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 is government-sponsored health insurance for older adults. The program does not offer assistance for stays lasting longer than 100 days.
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.
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.
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.
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!