Many senior living communities serve people with various forms of dementia, which may be different from an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Another choice that’s available is a specialized Memory Care community.
Memory Care provides long-term medical care for seniors suffering from dementia that can occur from different diagnoses. This type of professionally staffed and monitored community provides a secure environment and programming to support the quality of life.
While it’s natural for seniors to want to remain at home, those afflicted with dementia or memory impairment will eventually require more hands-on assistance at a community offering memory care services.
Services At Memory Care Communities
As with many Assisted Living communities, Memory Care includes help with daily activities such as meals, bathing, dressing, and hygiene in a residential setting. Housekeeping and laundry are also offered.
Living arrangements may include semi-private apartments or private rooms. Activities are led by specially trained staff to care for those with memory impairment. Help with medication management varies according to state regulations.
Memory Care services generally include:
- 24-hour staffing and personal assistance
- Private or semi-private housing
- Daily meals
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Exercise programs
- Physical therapy
- Social activities
- Medication management
Programs offered at Memory Care centers can also include reality-orientation courses led by professional staff trained to handle patients with memory disorders. Some of the communities are even built to help residents overcome memory problems by using color-coded hallways, visual reminders, and secure wandering paths.
Costs of Memory Care
Memory Care communities require additional staff and additional training to ensure the safety of residents, which means the rates are generally higher than other senior living communities. Rates can vary widely according to the community and other variables, such as:
- Type of care required
- Geographic location
- Room size and whether it is private or semi-private