What Does a Memory Care Facility Offer?

When a loved one is living with memory loss, you want to do everything to make sure they’re comfortable and safe. But as symptoms progress, at-home caregiving can quickly become impossible. That’s where memory care communities can help. But what does a memory care facility provide? And how is it different from other levels of care? Keep reading to learn how memory care makes life better for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

What Memory Care Does For Seniors

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia aren’t just a physical illness – they have a profound effect on all parts of life, including one’s sense of self. When it’s done right, memory care is about alleviating the discomfort, confusion and risky behaviors that can arise during the disease’s progression. Programs and activities should be targeted toward stimulating the senses, staying active and guiding seniors naturally from the time they wake up to when they go to bed.

In practice, that can mean getting residents involved in creative activities – like arts and crafts or well-supervised cooking. It also means placing a premium on security. A move to memory care makes your loved one safer by keeping a watchful eye on wandering, exit-seeking and agitation.

What’s the Average Stay in a Memory Care Facility Like?

This is a complex question to answer for a number of reasons. First, it’s important to understand just how many varied options there are for memory care service providers, each with advantages and disadvantages. Some families choose in-home care, for example, having caregivers and other experts come to make the home environment safer for memory impaired seniors.

There’s a clear disadvantage to in-home care – they can’t be there 24 hours a day. That’s why most families choose dedicated, live-in memory care. You can find this in standalone memory care communities or in assisted living and skilled nursing communities with a memory care unit.

Either choice comes with distinct advantages – but when you pick a community like Hillsboro Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, you’ll find even more peace of mind. That’s because our residents are supported by a network of skilled nursing professionals that can handle other health needs. We provide 24-hour nursing support with a whole-person approach that accounts for individual preferences.

Answering Common Questions

• Are memory care facilities covered by Medicare? Sometimes. But be sure to consult with the community as well as any financial advisors to see if it will work for you or your loved one.
• What’s the difference between memory care vs. skilled nursing? Skilled nursing care is for any seniors who need 24-hour attention from a team of licensed nurses. Memory care can exist within a skilled nursing community, but it’s strictly for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. (To see how memory care compares to assisted living, read this.)
• Are there other memory care requirements/can people under 65 enter memory care? Generally, yes. It’s uncommon but not unheard of for adults under the age of 65 to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. With few exceptions, this early onset memory impairment is treated in the same way as cognitive decline in seniors.

See How Hillsboro Can Help

As dedicated caregivers with a genuine passion for helping seniors live well, we always put our residents first. Contact us to learn more about our holistic approach to care and how it can uplift your loved one.