If you’ve ever known someone with a degenerative neurological condition like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you know how devastating and difficult it can be, both for the person with the disease and their families.
In the early stages of these conditions, the changes in your loved one may be small and occasional -- forgetting where they placed things, missing scheduled appointments, or getting lost on their drive home, for instance. However, as neurodegenerative diseases progress, they eventually interfere with every aspect of a person’s daily life, to the point where they will no longer be able to live independently.
For most families, it’s simply not practical or possible to provide the level of constant supervision and attention a patient with advanced Alzheimer’s or dementia requires. A memory care facility can shift this responsibility away from you and your family, and ensure that your parent or relative is in the caring, capable hands of the facility’s staff.
What does a memory care facility do?
Memory care facilities specialize in long-term care for patients with memory-related conditions. These communities provide a safe, secure environment for residents with memory impairments, to help them manage and maintain a low-stress daily routine.
At a memory care facility, you’ll find trained staff who are equipped to deal with the unique challenges presented by diseases like Alzheimier’s and dementia. They often offer 24/7 intensive, supervised care and medical monitoring for its residents. Since patients with memory issues may wander off or forget where they are, security is typically tighter at a memory care facility, so the staff can quickly guide them back to their living quarters.
Memory care facilities may also offer structured programs and activities that are designed to help residents maintain cognitive functions.
Memory care vs. assisted living
Like an assisted living facility, memory care facilities are designed to help its residents function in their daily lives. Meals, personal care, and basic services like housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry are provided at both types of establishments. However, assisted living facilities may or may not provide the level of supervision and medical care required for complex neurological conditions.
Some assisted living facilities do have a specialized care unit for residents with memory impairments, but not all do. Even if an assisted living facility does offer these services, you may need to move your loved one to a dedicated memory care facility as their condition and care needs become more complex.
Are memory care facilities more expensive?
Because memory care facilities offer highly specialized services, security, and trained staff, they are generally more expensive than other types of senior living communities.
Like many senior living communities, the total monthly cost for your loved one to stay at a memory care facility will depend on a number of factors, including the amenities offered, private versus semi-private rooms, resident capacity, and facility location. Figures compiled by Retirement Living from five major Florida cities put the average monthly rates between $3,812 to $5,810 per month.
Get free memory care placement services from a trusted senior placement agency
If you’re not sure what type of senior living community is right for your parents or simply need help narrowing down your options, Welcome Home Senior Services & Placement Co. is here to assist you.
When you take advantage of our free memory care placement services, we’ll review all the factors that go into this important decision, and based on your circumstances, we’ll provide our expert recommendations so you can choose the best one for your loved one’s needs.
We proudly represent over 500 senior communities in Miami-Dade, Broward, the Palm Beaches, the Florida Keys, and Lee and Collier Counties. Contact us to begin exploring which one is right for you and your family.
Comments