In the United States, more than 6 million people have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of degenerative dementia, which is a complex series of conditions caused by damaged brain cells. When brain cells are damaged enough that they cannot communicate with one another effectively, it can lead to behavioral, cognitive, and emotional changes.
Because it involves the parts of the brain that control thoughts, language, and memory, Alzheimer’s can quickly make it difficult to manage daily life. In those instances, turning to a memory care center for assistance is an essential step for the person affected. If your loved one lives with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of degenerative dementia, understanding how to choose a memory care center can make a difference.
What should a memory care center provide?
A memory care center is a clinic that offers long-term care for those who have degenerative dementia conditions like Alzheimer’s. The high level of care that a memory care center offers makes it a better option than an assisted living facility or staying at home for those with an advanced case of dementia.
These centers provide a structured and safe environment that can protect residents from harm as well as from wandering, which can be vital for those with degenerative dementia conditions.
A memory care center can offer the following:
- Three daily meals, as well as snacks
- Private or semi-private accommodations (with en suite bathroom)
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- 24/7 security
- Assistance with daily activities like dressing and grooming
- Social and recreational activities
- In-house medical alerts
- Anti-wandering systems
- Daily activities that may help slow down the disease’s progression
The best candidates are those who do not have major illnesses besides Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia but who cannot safely remain at home.
Finding quality assistance
These tips on how to choose a memory care center can help you make the best decision for your loved one.
Keep your loved one’s needs in mind
It’s important to prioritize your loved one’s needs. For advanced cases of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia that require help dressing or washing, ensure the care center has the right staff-to-patient ratio.
You also need to consider what behavioral difficulties your loved one displays. Are they aggressive? Do they wander frequently? Some centers are better equipped than others to deal with these issues, so always share this information with the memory care center and see if they have the right set-up to keep your loved one safe.
Make sure safety is a priority
Another vital factor in how to choose a memory care center that is suitable for the degree of care your loved one needs is to know how they prioritize their residents’ safety.
Some features to look for include alarms on emergency exits, emergency alert systems, and 24/7 supervised care.
Ensure the staff is qualified
To offer the best level of care, a memory care center’s staff should be qualified to provide dementia care. Although there are no nationwide requirements for a standardized training program or certification, some states have specific minimum requirements. Alabama, for example, requires memory care staff to complete dementia education and training before interacting with clients.
Furthermore, some memory care centers require various staff members (like kitchen employees and housekeepers) to have specific training for working with people who have dementia.
Know whether staff members have experience with dementia care
Helping people with dementia is complex and requires a high level of experience. Even if staff members have worked in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, they may not have worked with dementia patients.
Ask if they have experience with some of the biggest challenges that dementia poses, including agitation, aggression, wandering, and resisting care.
Ask about all expected fees
Next, make sure you ask for a list of expected fees and compare them with similar programs in the area. Each facility will have varying fees and overall costs, but the average price for a United States memory care center is $6,935 per month. Depending on services and amenities, these costs could exceed \$10,000 per month.
Ask about available memory-enhancing activities and therapies
The right activities and therapies can help delay the progression of the disease while also improving your loved one’s quality of life. Art therapy, music therapy, and even aromatherapy can be excellent choices.
Occupational therapy is another important option, offering your loved one the chance to maintain life skills like dressing themselves.
You'll also want to know if the memory-enhancing activities are tailored to each resident. Individualized care can provide therapies and activities that can give your loved one an increased sense of purpose.
Helping a loved one living with dementia
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can make caring for your loved one progressively more difficult. Turning to a memory care center could become necessary to ensure your loved one is safe and receiving specialized care.
With personalized therapies and compassionate care, a qualified center can help your loved one live his or her daily life with dignity.
Resource Links
- “Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures Report” via Alzheimer’s Association
- “Dementia” via World Health Organization
- “Residential Facilities, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes” via National Institute on Aging
- “Coping With Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer’s Disease” via National Institute on Aging
- “Dementia Education, Care, and Training” via Alabama Public Health
- “Memory Care Facilities: Challenges and Costs” via American Bar Association
