Dementia is a general term used to refer to the loss of memory, attention, and logical reasoning. Depending on the severity, this can interfere with an individual's ability to live safely and independently. Thus, care facilities for dementia patients can give the elderly access to specially trained staff and reliable safety measures to maximize their quality of life.
There are different types of dementia care available to seniors, including assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, in-home care, and daycare programs. To help family caregivers find the best solution for seniors, it's important to consider factors such as their financial resources, stage of dementia, and the location of the residential care facility.
Knowing the severity of your loved one's dementia can help you with behavior management as dementia progresses over time as symptoms worsen through the seven stages. This is because different care facilities for dementia patients provide different levels of dementia care services depending on the care needs of your family member.
For instance, during the middle stages of Alzheimer's, round-the-clock care is needed to keep them safe. Throughout the later stages, personal care services become even more essential.
To help someone adjust to living in a care facility for dementia patients, it is important to take proper precautions like visiting frequently, personalizing their living space, encouraging them to socialize and participate, and helping them settle in. This can prevent the transition process from being too overwhelming for patients and their families.
It may take some time to pinpoint the right fit in terms of choosing a care facility for dementia patients. For instance, assisted living communities are a good fit for those who need limited assistance in terms of dressing and bathing. In contrast, memory care services may be more appropriate for those with more severe forms of dementia.
There are also plenty of options for short-term or long-term care facilities depending on the level of cognitive decline that your loved one is facing.
According to an AARP survey, 77% of U.S. adults 50 and older prefer to remain in their own homes as they age. In-home care may be preferable to moving to a care facility for dementia since it allows them to remain comfortable and provides added familiarity.
Often, this type of care involves hiring an experienced caretaker who can take on responsibilities like food preparation, cleaning, and limited personal care.
It may be a good option for those who are:
Adult day centers can be a good choice for those with dementia if their caregivers work full-time. The hours of service can vary depending on the program, but many operate between 7-10 hours on a daily basis. They may also offer weekend and evening care. Unlike adult family homes, they only provide temporary care.
These programs tend to provide plenty of social opportunities and cognitive-supporting activities, such as dance classes, exercise programs, and other events.
It may be a good option for those who:
Adult family homes are a type of senior living residences for those who need a low resident-to-caregiver ratio. They are also known as residential care, AFH, ACH, and adult foster homes. They provide hands-on care for older adults in need of more constant care. Staff members in the home are certified in the fundamentals of caregiving, first aid, and CPR.
The collective dementia care of multiple patients in these facilities can help improve brain functioning due to greater socialization in a home-like setting.
This type of care is suited for those who:
Unfortunately, many families and households are not able to afford long-term care for older relatives who have been exhibiting signs of dementia. Continuing care retirement communities, also known as CCRCs or life plan communities, offer long-term care for seniors as their needs evolve over time.
There are plenty of retirement homes that have specialized care plans and supportive communities offering flexible senior living solutions depending on the severity of dementia.
This type of care may be suited for:
Nursing homes are best for those looking for around-the-clock care and long-term medical care. Often, services provided include personal care and help with everyday activities like using the toilet and moving around. It may also include meals and transportation services for a fee.
Some nursing homes offer specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's disease. These nursing homes have been certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid for greater safety and security.
This type of facility is designed for those who:
Memory care residences are the most preferred type of care facilities for dementia for those looking for long-term care since they provide structured environments with regular meals for adequate nutrition and additional support. Compared to regular assisted living, a memory care facility ensures that residents attend social activities, eat their meals, and get their needs met.
Some top-rated facilities include Westbrook Senior Living, Brookdale North Scottsdale for private rooms, and Canterfield of Tallahassee for affordable rates.
Memory care residences are ideal for those who:
In order to find the best type of dementia care for a loved one, here are some tips to keep in mind:
In terms of cost, adult day care programs can be a more affordable option compared to family homes, nursing homes, continuing care communities, and memory care which tend to go up in price. However, it's important t consider the level of care each individual needs in terms of Alzheimer's or dementia.
To help support a person with dementia, you should always check in to see how they're doing. As a primary caregiver, you know that person best and should be able to identify any signs that they aren't getting the right care they need. Keeping in touch with staff, checking in on their medications, and paying plenty of attention can help make the transition easier.
If you have any questions about assisted living, memory care facilities, and other assisted living facilities in the United States, the following questions are frequently asked.
There is no one size fits all solution in terms of care facilities for dementia. Independent living may be a good fit for those in the early stages, while those in the advanced stages may want to consider looking into a skilled nursing facility, adult day care program, a memory care unit, or hospice care.
Most people with Alzheimer's disease tend to pursue daily living in their own homes with aid from a caregiver or from family members or friends. If needed, senior organizations can help the elderly find the care that they need.
Some signs that a person with dementia should look into memory care or assisted living include severe memory loss, such as forgetting where they are or those who are regularly putting their physical safety at risk.
Ultimately, memory care communities are one of the best options for families looking for a safe and reliable solution to long-term dementia care. Since it can be quite costly, families may need to look into benefits that include long-term care insurance such as Veterans benefits and Medicaid.
Visit Senior Strong today to learn more about caring for dementia patients!
