Did you know that memory care requirements vary from state to facility? This is a quick but valuable post to assist you in searching for the best possible memory care home for a senior loved one.
Some facilities may appear to offer the same services but differ in the level of services provided.
In the United States, there are many types of senior care facilities – assisted living, nursing homes, and memory care communities in particular. Many seniors move into these facilities after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
But before these seniors can move in, they must undergo an assessment process to determine if the facility is suitable for them. This post answers essential questions about this process and how current residents qualify for memory care communities.
Seniors with Memory Loss
Seniors with memory loss contribute to the need for memory care facilities. Aging seniors find it harder to complete day-to-day activities as they get older. They may have problems with dressing, bathing, and grooming themselves.
They may also have issues preparing meals, doing laundry, and keeping up with household chores. Family members or caregivers who visit regularly might take care of all these tasks.
However, as seniors age and their cognitive abilities decline, they may need more specialized help that caregivers or family members cannot provide.
What is Memory Care
Memory care provides a form of assisted living for seniors with various stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease who require more help than what people typically offer in home care programs. It provides a safe environment for these seniors and protects them from the dangers of wandering away from home or committing self-neglect.
Some assisted living communities claim to offer memory care in a separate wing. However, only facilities that specialize in this form of care can genuinely meet the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Memory care facilities provide constant supervision in secure settings with staff members who understand how to interact with people who have memory loss.
How Does Someone Qualify for Memory Care?
While there are no legal requirements for memory care qualification, most providers have a set of criteria that they apply when considering potential residents.
To qualify for memory care, a senior must be diagnosed with one of many forms of dementia or cognitive impairment. Due to the progression of these diseases, seniors who qualify for this form of care often exhibit symptoms like:
Lack of awareness in terms of time and place
Trouble communicating their needs or expressing emotions
Difficulty processing information or making decisions
Memory loss that impairs daily functioning
Confusion about times, seasons, and people (both familiar and unfamiliar)
Changes in personality and behavior (e.g., agitation, aggression, disinhibition)
Why Families Move Their Loved Ones to Memory Care Facilities?
Families move loved ones to memory care facilities for a variety of reasons. Some situations are more urgent than others. It’s important to remember that they design memory care facilities with safety and quality of life. A dementia diagnosis is not the only reason memory care may be needed.
Here are some common reasons families move their loved ones to a memory care facility:
Safety Concerns – As people age, it’s common to become a bit more forgetful. But when memory lapses impact their daily lives, it may be time for memory care.
Some early signs that safety is becoming an issue include forgetting to turn off the stove, wandering, getting lost or misplacing items around the home.
Difficulty Caring for Themselves – When it becomes difficult for your loved one to manage day-to-day tasks like dressing and bathing, it may be time to look at assisted living options like memory care.
If you’re noticing that personal hygiene is becoming an issue or if your loved one doesn’t seem to eat enough, then it may be time for memory care.
Socialization – Studies have shown that individuals with memory loss often benefit from social interaction. Living in residential care provides opportunities for companionship and engagement with peers, staff, and volunteers.
Support for Challenging Behavior – Seniors with memory loss often exhibit challenging behaviors, such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, and paranoia. Memory care facilities provide safe ways of managing these behaviors without medication (unless needed).
Lack of Care Skills – They don’t have the skills necessary to provide care. If you lack knowledge about dementia and how it affects your loved one, it’s challenging to provide adequate care on your own.
You might not know what signs and symptoms to look out for, how to handle aggressive behavior, or how best to communicate with a person with dementia.
They Feel Overwhelmed with Stress – Caring for someone who has dementia can be incredibly stressful, especially as the condition progresses. If you’re struggling with stress or feeling burned out, your loved one might need more help than you can provide on your own.
Family Members Live Far Away – Many families today live in different states from one another, making it difficult for all members to help care for their loved ones with dementia. A quality memory care facility will not only provide 24-hour assistance for daily living but also offer activities that keep residents engaged.
What Should My Parent Expect When Moving into a Memory Care Facility?
Families should expect a safe and secure environment. Memory care facilities limit the number of exits to the building and grounds. Many have locked doors and fences to keep residents from wandering off.
There’s a reason for this: One of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is the tendency to wander, which can pose a grave danger to someone with dementia who has lost the ability to sense danger or make good decisions.
They design these facilities to provide structure and supervision that allows residents some freedom of movement while keeping them safe.
Memory Care Requirements - Conclusion
Memory care requirements are not the same at every facility.
There are currently around 5.8 million people in the US with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. While there is no cure for this disease, there are ways to care for a loved one living with it.
Memory care facilities have become more common as the need for these types of homes has also increased. To discover the options available for your loved one, contact Applewood Our House.
