Memory Care
Memory care is the term for a long-term care option for residents who have been diagnosed with such conditions as Dementia, Alzheimer's or have problems with at least two areas of daily living (ADLs). A memory care environment is designed for persons with a level of impairment making it unsafe for him or her to continue to stay at home, but who does not require the intensive care of a skilled nursing facility. Memory care allows a person experiencing memory loss to maintain a level of independence while relying on the safety and security of being in a memory care facility with a professional staff.
Memory care communities are often incorporated as separate care units of assisted living communities. In memory care, memory-impaired residents have access to 24-hour support and programs that ensure their safety and quality of life. Typically, the residents live in private or semi-private units and have scheduled activities and programs designed to enhance memory, supervised by trained staff members.
The residences are 100% secure with alarmed or locked areas to ensure no one wanders off. Usually within these secured areas, residents can enjoy indoor walking paths, or outdoor paths or gardens. In memory care facilities common spaces are provided for socialization, meals and activities. The decor of memory care facilities varies, but most endeavor to achieve a home-like setting.
The residences are 100% secure with alarmed or locked areas to ensure no one wanders off. Usually within these secured areas, residents can enjoy indoor walking paths, or outdoor paths or gardens. In memory care facilities common spaces are provided for socialization, meals and activities. The decor of memory care facilities varies, but most endeavor to achieve a home-like setting.
Whether you and your family are facing a quick decision about a nursing home due to a recent event, or have been coping with a worsening progressive disease such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s, considering a nursing home is not an easy decision. Emotions such as guilt, sadness, frustration, and anger are normal.
Types of Services Offered in Memory Care
Here are some of the basic services offered in memory care:
Here are some of the basic services offered in memory care:
- Private or semi-private rooms
- Daily meals
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medical management
- Exercise programs and facilities
- Social activities
- Personal assistance from 24-hour staff
Cost of Memory Care
Memory care requires a larger staff to resident ratio and additional training to ensure the safety of all the residents; therefore the cost is usually higher than other communities. Costs may vary, depending on the following factors:
In 2012, the U.S. national average cost of memory care for a single resident was almost $4,500 a month. This cost does vary widely by care facility. For example, some communities were as low as $3,500 per month and other communities as high as $8,000 per month.
Memory care requires a larger staff to resident ratio and additional training to ensure the safety of all the residents; therefore the cost is usually higher than other communities. Costs may vary, depending on the following factors:
- Level of care needed
- Size of room
- Whether a room is private or semi-private
- Geographical location of the community
In 2012, the U.S. national average cost of memory care for a single resident was almost $4,500 a month. This cost does vary widely by care facility. For example, some communities were as low as $3,500 per month and other communities as high as $8,000 per month.
