“It comes with age.” People often say this as they notice that their vision, memory, and physical health are not quite what they once were. And it’s true; these abilities often decline with age.
But how much trouble is too much? At what point should you seek professional care for the health issues that naturally come with aging?
One area in which these questions can be especially tough to answer is memory loss. At Weatherly Inn, we understand how overwhelming and scary memory loss can be. Not only for those facing it but for their family members too. There are a lot of decisions to make and things to understand. But it doesn’t have to be so hard.
Of the many seniors who call Weatherly Inn home, many require memory care. So we created this guide to help you choose the right type of specialized care to meet their specific needs. This guide will help you understand the care options available for your loved one and how to evaluate what’s best for them. After all, they deserve the best care possible in a place where they feel at home.
We’ll cover lots of great information in the blog. Here’s a quick roadmap to what you’ll learn:
- Memory Care vs. Skilled Nursing
- When Is Memory Care Necessary?
- How to Begin Your Memory Care Search
- Planning for the Cost of Memory Care
1. Memory Care vs. Skilled Nursing
What Is Memory Care?
Some memory loss is expected as we age. Even though we can't see it, our brains change over time right along with our hips, knees, and faces. Just as we might lose some vision, hearing, and mobility, we also lose some of our mental sharpness as we get older. It's natural.
However, some people suffer from more significant memory loss, beyond the common issues associated with age. This noticeable struggle is often due to Alzheimer’s or various forms of dementia.
If your loved one suffers with either of these conditions, life in an assisted living community with a memory care unit may be the right choice to ensure their personal care and overall wellness.
Memory-care programs are thoughtfully created to help patients support their memory so they can continue interacting with family and friends. Activities can include looking at photos, listening to music, and making friends in the community. The goal is to help slow the progression of their disease by regularly working their brains. This can be especially helpful when done in the early stages of memory loss.
What Is Skilled Nursing?
Unlike other senior living situations, such as independent living or assisted living, skilled nursing communities offer comprehensive medical care around the clock. People who require this level of care have several complex medical issues that require a detailed care plan.
Their stay might be temporary if they’re healing from a serious accident or surgery, or long-term if they have chronic issues. Regardless of their length of stay, there are some things to note if you’re considering skilled nursing:
- All skilled nursing homes provide personalized care for patients who need continual medical attention. They'll help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, getting dressed, and medication management.
- Since skilled nursing provides quality senior care by highly trained staff members, people with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other issues can receive the personalized attention they need.
Learn more about memory care vs. skilled nursing
2. When Is Memory Care Necessary?
Deciding on the right time to transition to a memory care community can be tough. Your loved one may be hesitant to move away from their home or adamant they don’t need professional care. In many situations, it’s up to the family to choose when to make the change.
It doesn’t all have to be guesswork, though. There are signs you can look for that often signal it’s time to transition to a safer environment.
A Formal Diagnosis
If your loved one has been formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, then it may be wise to find a memory care community. These places often have care plans that follow guidelines from the Alzheimer’s Association as well as individual doctor’s orders to maintain your loved one’s best possible health.
Additionally, the days are structured to meet their specific care needs. With group activities, safe environments, and plenty of opportunities to explore their favorite hobbies, memory care patients are often happier and healthier in a long-term community.
Neglected Hygiene
One problem many families face in all stages of dementia is aggression or refusal to perform necessary tasks. When your loved one is confused, it might lead them to feel scared and lash out. They might also refuse to take care of their personal hygiene, which can lead to other health issues such as rashes or infections.
If you’re struggling to help your loved one maintain these most basic daily health requirements, it’s wise to consider getting professional help.
Wandering
Many dementia patients are prone to wandering out of their homes and even out of their neighborhoods. This is dangerous because they can quickly become disoriented, get lost, and forget how to return home. Some families have to insist their family members remain indoors for this reason, which can significantly impact their happiness and quality of life.
Memory care communities focus on creating environments with ample safety features so dementia and Alzheimer’s patients can safely wander the campus and spend time outside. They often feature secured courtyards, outdoor group activities, and help buttons residents can use if they become lost or disoriented.
Incontinence Issues
Both family caregivers and residential care providers can quickly become overwhelmed when incontinence is an issue. If you're struggling to cope with an elderly family member who has this problem, know that you're not alone. Incontinence is one of the leading reasons families decide it’s the right time to transition out of home care and into an assisted living facility.
3. How to Begin Your Memory Care Search
Finding the perfect place for your loved one will likely require time and research. We know how overwhelming it can feel at the start, so here are a few tips to help you take the first steps.
Write Out Your Expectations of a Memory Care Community
Before you begin your memory care search, spend some time brainstorming what you need from a care community. Every family is different, but some things to consider include:
- Open schedules for visiting
- One-on-one care with long-time staffers
- Transportation to doctor's appointments or worship services
- Highly trained RN's and a trustworthy nursing care staff
Evaluate the Level of Care It Offers
The level of care you receive in a memory or Alzheimer’s care unit is far more comprehensive than in other long-term care facilities like assisted living communities or retirement communities.
For example, memory care facilities often have a 24-hour skilled nursing staff. They’re also designed with a simple-to-navigate layout so residents can easily find their rooms and explore the campus. They also offer special services such as music and art therapy, cafeteria-style dining that encourages social interaction, and occupational therapy through gardening.
When looking for a memory care community, be sure they’re equipped to handle your loved one’s needs and offer some enrichment too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Family Members for Help
Remember, you're acting as a caregiver for your loved one, but that doesn’t mean you have to make decisions alone. Allowing family members to share their ideas and concerns can make the process easier for you and more meaningful for those involved.
The decision to place a loved one in a memory care community is never an easy one. By working alongside other family members, and allowing them to voice their questions, opinions, and fears, you'll set the foundation for better communication in the future too.
Learn more about how to begin your memory care search
4. Planning for the Cost of Memory Care
There are a few different ways to approach the costs of memory care. From long-term care insurance to VA benefits, many families end up using more than one form of financial assistance to afford care for their loved one.
Let’s take a quick look at a couple of common options and how they work.
Speak with Your Care Community
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to ask the professionals at your care community about payment options. They will likely know of different programs you can apply for, wise ways to finance the costs, or even have in-house options for you to choose from. Your community liaison can steer you in the right direction so you have the best mix of funding options.
Know the limits
It’s important to note that Medicare will only cover memory care costs for a short period of time. This is a quick breakdown of how the funding it offers memory care residents:
- 100% of the first 20 days of care
- 80% of the next 80 days of care
- Medigap or other Medicare supplement plans cover 20% of the care costs of memory care, but only if your loved one is enrolled in the program.
Plan Ahead
Many families try their best to keep an Alzheimer's or dementia patient in home health care for as long as possible. But eventually, it may become unhealthy or even dangerous for them to be without professional dementia care or memory care services. Planning the costs ahead of time can alleviate the stress and pressure of trying to figure out how to pay for care in a crisis.
To help you prepare for the transition to a care community, we have a financial comparison planner that outlines costs and care options.
Weatherly Inn is Your Partner in Memory Care
As you navigate the search for the right memory care facility, you may have a lot of questions. That’s okay. There’s a lot to consider, and a lot of information to absorb, so don’t be worried about taking your time.
If you ever need advice or professional insights, we are always here to help. For whatever questions you may have, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’d be happy to help you find the best community for your loved one.
