As an increasing number of people in our society are diagnosed with dementia, we are seeing more families seeking information about long-term care options for their loved ones. One such alternative is a memory care community.
There are different types of secure units, and they are available because the growth in dementia cases today has created a demand for a safe environment for those we love. At some point, even the most loyal and devoted caregivers have exhausted their own ability to care for their loved ones at home. Unless finances allow for 24-hour care in the home, it will be necessary to find an alternative. A memory care community provides the best half-way point between someone’s own home environment and a nursing home or punitive locked unit.
Memory care does not allow residents to leave the communities by themselves. Family members, friends and others can visit around the clock and they often take their loved ones out of their homes to visit family, attend functions, etc. Because the methods used to keep residents safe vary widely, many residents may never be aware they are unable to depart. For instance, in my community our caregivers are trained to redirect the residents to another appealing activity, thus removing their desire to go through a door.
Memory care communities vary in care level, environment and in training levels for staff. Often you will find locked units as part of a nursing home, where skilled nursing is part of the offerings and Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. These facilities may have patients that differ in age by decades and they often share a room with other patients.
At our community, we call the secured area “Pathways.” Each resident has their own apartment, with a private bathroom, and they eat their food together in a family setting unless they choose to have a room tray brought to their room. Their apartment is decorated by them and their family, often with items brought from their own homes that evoke memories and comfort. Perhaps it’s a dresser that belonged to their parents, or a table that they sat at as a child. These keepsakes represent memories that residents may be afraid of losing, so it soothes them to have the items present. In addition, we encourage many photos and albums to help our residents retain their memories. Caretakers and medtechs lead the residents to and through many activities throughout the day. While we are not a skilled nursing facility, a few residents have elected to go on hospice or have home health caregivers visit to provide additional attention. Therefore, the residents are able to have some skilled nursing available to them yet still live in the homelike environment with their friends.
A community that offers both assisted living and memory care is advantageous to those with progressive dementia. Residents may move in to an assisted living apartment, but as years pass they become more appropriate for memory care. That decision is often dictated by a change in health condition or deterioration of cognitive ability. However, because residents understand the routine and recognize many of the caregivers, the transition to memory care can be seamless with no enhanced anxiety by the resident. They feel safe.
Whenselectingacommunity for your loved one, be sure to visit the community several times at different times of the day. Use your five senses … and imagine yourself as your loved one. Ask yourself: Will I feel safe here? Will I make friends? Will I feel independent? Will I feel respected and loved? What do I smell? What do I hear? What do I feel? Will my loved ones visit me here?
Paying for senior living is never easy. At Laurel Glen, we accept private payments that may come from savings, long term care insurance payouts, veteran benefits, the saleof ahomeorcontributions from family members. While we do not do so, some locked units accept Medicare and Medicaid. I would urge you to carefully evaluate the anticipated costs and do not be afraid to ask questions. You should identify the value and find the best alternative for your loved one. — Amy McDonald is a guest columnist for The Dublin Citizen and can be reached via email at Amy. Mcdonald@ laurelglenlife. com.
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