Even if you have started preparing for retirement and the changes that come with it, it is possible that you may yet have concerns when it comes to planning for the future. We gathered together some of the most common questions people have about Memory Care in order to help you navigate this additional layer of senior living.
What is Memory Care?
Memory Care is a specialized type of care made available for seniors living with memory loss resulting from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. Specially trained staff are necessary to provide personalized, safe care, and activities such as art therapy or crafting are often incorporated in order to stimulate the body without causing stress.
Because each patient is affected by memory loss at a different pace, no two approaches to care will necessarily look the same. The extent to which a senior is affected, as well as their overall health, will determine the amount of Memory Care needed for the individual. Services and activities aimed toward mental and physical stimulation play a vital role, so long as these activities stay within the senior’s level of capability.
Here at Sunset, we take things a step further, nurturing the whole mind, body, and spirit of our residents. With a variety of care levels available, we are able to address a wide range of needs, as some residents may require different methods of treatment. We offer patient-centered Memory Care programs, serving residents at our Manor & Villages and Waterford Place communities.
We know that, depending on the stage of memory loss, Memory Care looks quite different, and we offer multiple approaches to treat each resident individually. Our Early Stage Memory Care provides a calm environment to nurture each resident’s needs, engaging with them at a physical, mental, and social level. Late Stage Memory Care focuses on personable interactions and social engagements, and we encourage as much family involvement as possible, as familiar and personal connections give residents the comfort and engagement they need.
How is Memory Care Different From Skilled Nursing or Assisted Living?
The various types of senior care can seem confusing, at first, if you are not already familiar with them. While Memory Care facilities and skilled nursing both offer 24/7 assistance and medical care, each situation has different expectations with regards to length of stay. Whereas Memory Care is specialized long-term care for patients experiencing memory loss, skilled nursing can sometimes focus on short-term care and rehabilitation, providing post-hospital care for seniors before they return home.
Looking at Memory Care and Assisted Living, the main difference lies in the needs of the resident. While Assisted Living residents do receive some form of assistance with daily tasks, many seniors within these communities still remain largely independent. Seniors with memory loss, however, may require around-the-clock care, making specialized Memory Care invaluable in addressing their needs.
Seniors at Sunset Communities are provided with tailored care from our experienced staff members, no matter what level of care they require. Each resident receives an assessment at the outset to determine their individual needs, creating a calendar closely modeled on the senior’s familiar routine, and incorporating personal interests and hobbies into their daily schedule. We also offer SAIDO Learning for older adults living with dementia, a non-pharmacological program based on a learning intervention that has been known to dramatically improve symptoms typically associated with memory loss.
Is Memory Care Affordable?
When it comes to the financial aspects of senior living, it is understandable to wonder what you or your loved ones can afford, especially when factoring in additional assistance. Memory Care costs will vary depending on multiple factors, including the level of care needed and the geographical location. Medicare does not cover the costs required for long-term, specialized care.
When researching senior living options, it is important to think ahead and consider how Memory Care might need to be factored in. Finding the perfect senior living community is an essential part of planning for the future, and it is best to avoid any financial surprises or hiccups along the way. Our free guide Navigating the Financial Aspects of Senior Living will provide you with the information you need to begin your search, walking you through the main levels of care we offer as well as available payment options. If you have any questions, we encourage you to call us at 616.457.2770 or send us a message online.