Aging is a natural phenomenon and the signs of aging become visible with time and are irreversible. The physical signs of aging are more prominent than the mental ones; the person starts becoming slower, their mobility becomes restricted, they face digestive issues, and wrinkles start appearing on the surface of the skin. People often tend to neglect the decline in one’s mental acumen that accompanies the process of aging. They have trouble remembering things and there’s a steady lapse in their judgment, which is why it is essential to have someone to care for them. For seniors who suffer from one or the other form of dementia, it becomes difficult to live alone. In such cases, it is advisable to get them admitted to a memory care facility.

There’s a rise in the number of memory care facilities in the country as they have proven to be viable options for caring for the elderly. If there are queries pertaining to memory care facilities, read on to learn more about them.

What are memory care facilities?
Memory care facilities are devoted to caring for patients who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia, impaired cognition, and other degenerative illnesses that affects an individual’s memory. Dementia usually affects the elderly population and it is a group of neurological disorders that stem from damage to the brain. This gives rise to a specific set of symptoms that indicate a decline in one’s mental abilities. Memory care facilities offer 24-hour supervised care to such individuals and the staff is trained to aid the resident in their daily activities that they can no longer perform independently.

What are the different types of memory care facilities?
It is difficult for someone with degenerative memory to live alone, and if they cannot have a family member to stay with them around the clock, it is best to opt for a memory care facility. There are different types of memory care facilities one can consider based on the person’s health condition. There are specialized nursing home units, standalone facilities, and adult foster/care homes.

The specialized nursing home units offer around the clock care to its patients. The Specialized Care Units (SCU’s) are often located within the nursing homes and are exclusively meant to offer memory care. This is best suited for patients in the early stages of dementia as those who require more personalized care cannot thrive in the environment with several other patients.

Standalone facilities offer only memory care services and there’s a higher staff to resident ratio in these facilities. Moreover, these places have a better sense of community due to its minimum number of residents. Though the security at these facilities isn’t very stringent, these facilities cost less than the other SCU’s.

The adult foster/care homes have a small number of residents and make the patients feel more at home. However, these places have lesser amenities and security measures than their counterparts.

What are the services offered by memory care facilities?
The services offered by memory care facilities are often regulated by state norms. Usually, all memory care facilities offer supervised care, medical monitoring, and help with basic, daily activities. Other provisions that are offered by these facilities include:

• 24-hour staff supervision
• Health and exercise programs
• Emergency call systems
• Security
• Social activities
• Meals
• Transportation
• Medical care and medication management

The services offered by the memory care facilities are the parameters that one should use while choosing the right memory care facility for their loved one. Certain centers even offer more structured activities for dementia patients in spaces that are designed to offer comfort and familiarity to the residents.

How much does it cost to admit one to a memory care facility?
It is essential to know that traditional assisted living or nursing home care cost less than memory care facilities. This is because of the services offered in memory care facilities are more patient-oriented and require more supervision. In fact, they hire caregivers with more advanced skills as they are dealing with patients with dementia. Usually, the cost of residential memory care facilities can range from $3,000 to $6,000 per month. However, if you wish to opt for respite care, which is temporary in nature, it may cost less.

How does one pay for a memory care facility?
It is possible to pay for long-term memory care facility privately or with public funds. Usually, the patient’s family opts of out-of-pocket payments as it gives them the freedom to choose the provider of their choice. However, when personal funds cannot cover the expenses, they can apply for resources from government and nonprofit organizations. Certain memory care facilities even guide people in this matter. Though Medicare and Medicaid do not fully cover the expenses of the memory care facility, they will still cover certain services offered. Moreover, it is even possible to use long-term care insurance to pay for a memory care facility. It is essential the one goes through all the viable options for paying for the memory care facility before deciding on one.