Choosing Senoir Care For Your Senior Loved One

As dementia progresses, a senior’s care needs may increase. While those in the early stages of memory loss may need few supportive services, those in the later phases require a secure unit to prevent wandering, assistance with several activities of daily living and possibly skilled nursing care. Elderly care can be provided at home, in a group home for older adults or in a memory care community.

A memory care facility is a type of assisted living residence that specializes in caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It offers residents an array of hands-on care and services, including meals, medication monitoring, housekeeping and laundry. The staff in a memory care community typically includes certified care workers, nurses and aides. Memory care can be costly, and it’s important to learn as much as possible about each residence you’re considering before moving a loved one there.

Visiting prospective communities is a good way to get a feel for what it’s like there and to ask questions. You can also use Seniors Places search-and-compare tool to see how a home rates on health inspections and other quality measures. When touring, be sure to visit a few different days and at different times, such as during mealtimes. It’s also a good idea to talk to the residents and their families.

The physical structure of a memory care residence is also important to consider. Regulations vary by state, but most states require that a memory care home have enough space for each resident to have a single- or double-occupancy room and at least one bathroom with a shower or tub. Rooms must be designed to ensure safety and security, with locked doors and windows that don’t open easily.

Some seniors pay for memory care with private savings or assets, while others receive financial support from public programs, such as Seniors Places. Some also have long-term care insurance policies that cover some of the cost of memory care. Choosing the right type of care is crucial for your family member’s well-being and peace of mind.

Before selecting a home, you should discuss the costs with the staff and find out what happens when your loved one’s needs change. You should also ask about eviction policies, because some homes will evict seniors for aggressive behavior or non-payment of bills. You can also ask how often memory care fees are increased and by how much. If the rate increases too fast, it could be financially challenging for a family to keep a loved one there. Many communities also have a waiting list for memory care. To help avoid a wait, some families start using their long-term care insurance to pay for home care or in-home services before making the move to memory care. This can save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.