What Is Memory Care

What Is Memory Care and What Does It Cost?

Memory care is a type of senior living that provides intensive, specialized care for people with serious memory issues, most frequently caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. When a loved forgets to pay the bills, starts to wander, or forgets the way back home, or starts a fire because they left a pot on the stove, you may want to consider memory care.
If your loved one lives with you, you may be able to care for them at home for a while, but as the condition worsens, you may not be able to cope. And if your loved one currently lives alone, moving to a memory care facility may be the best way to protect their safety and improve quality of life.

Many assisted living facilities, including Broad Creek Manor Assisted Living, have created special memory care plans for their residents with dementia. You can also find stand-alone facilities in some areas. Memory care is increasingly important.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as of 2016, 41.9% of residents in residential care communities have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. That number rises to 47.8% for residents of nursing homes.

Specialized Memory Care Services

In addition to the regular assisted living services such as meals, housekeeping, assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), doctor’s visits and more, memory care residents receive specialized care from trained staff. Many assisted living residents are relatively independent, but dementia care residents need a higher level of care.

This can include:
• Reminders for mealtimes, activities, dinner, and bedtime
• Medication and pain management
• Sensory activities and mental games to help slow the progression of neurological disease and improve cognitive function
• Social time with the rest of our assisted living residents
• One-on-one social interactions with our staff

Staff should be specially trained in ways to minimize emotional distress and aggressiveness in residents with dementia. Providing consistency and a friendly face goes a long way in helping to minimize anxiety and behavioral problems.

Memory Care Safety Precautions

Whether memory care is within an assisted living facility or stand-alone facility, you should look for some basic safety precautions, including:
• 24-hour staffing
• Alarms on all exterior doors
• Keypad entry for main facility doors
• Secure building and grounds

Most of these safety precautions are pretty standard. If a facility does not have them in place, that is a red flag. The idea is to always have staff who can monitor your loved one, and have measures in place to keep them from wandering off.

Cost of Memory Care

It should come as no surprise that the higher level of care and supervision involved in memory care comes with a higher price. According to Genworth’s National Cost of Care Survey, the monthly average cost for assisted living is $4,300. Memory care can add another $1,000 to $4,000 a month, depending on the specific care residents need. Of course, these are national averages, and what you and your loved one can expect to pay may be different.

The best way to find out is to call the local memory care facilities you might consider. Most long-term care facilities can give you a dollar range based on the care your loved one needs.

Choosing a Memory Care Placement

Chances are good that there are several memory care providers within an hour’s drive of your home or your loved one’s home. Schedule in person tours, and have a set of questions ready. A Place for Mom has a great memory care checklist.

After touring the various options, ask yourself if the community feels safe. Do the staff seem knowledgeable? Do the residents seem happy? Check online reviews and testimonials as well. You can even ask to speak to the family of one or more of the residents.

Finding the right location is easier when you get all of the information you need.

Memory Care Can Provide Peace of Mind for Families

Finding the right memory care placement for a loved one can provide peace of mind for families. For the first time in a long time, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Your loved one is now in a safe place, and not at risk of getting lost or burning down the house.

Your life, and theirs, is different now. Once they adjust to their new surroundings, you may notice that your loved one is less anxious, less angry, happier, eating well, and engaging in activities. And you may find yourself having fewer headaches, muscle tension, and sleepless nights.

Schedule a Conversation and Tour

If you’re researching memory care and assisted living facilities, we would welcome the chance to show you what our charming Harford County residential care home has to offer. You can learn the basics by visiting our Memory Care page.

If you are currently caring for your loved one yourself, you may also be interested in our Respite Care services. In fact, a temporary stay with us may be a good way to find out if Broad Creek Manor Assisted Living is a good fit for your family.
Call 410-452-0004 or use our contact form to get in touch.