Memory Care Units are a type of long-term care specifically designed to care for those with cognitive impairment or memory problems usually associated with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Memory care units are typically locked units in a separate building or wing of an Assisted living facility. The locked unit helps prevent those who wander from leaving the facility unaccompanied. In general, Memory Care Units have shared & private rooms.
Assistance with personal care, like bathing, dressing, incontinence care, and other activities of daily living, like feeding & medication management, is provided. Activity programs in Memory Care Units vary from facility to facility but are typically designed to engage residents and stimulate interactions. Whether it’s through arts & crafts, music therapy, gardening, pet therapy, behavioral therapy, or exercise therapies, it’s important to find a memory care unit that has activities that best suit your loved ones’ needs, abilities and interests. Of course, the benefit of the activities not only depends on the ability and function of the resident but the availability and participation of caregiving staff to help the resident participate and get the most out of the activity.
Most states have specific rules & regulations for Assisted Living and specifically Memory Care. Many states require caregivers in Memory Care Units to have additional training specific to Dementia and may have required staff to resident ratios, in addition to other rules & regulations. Requirements vary state to state so it is important to check for the particular rules specific to your state.
Costs for Memory Care or Alzheimer’s Care can be quite expensive. Costs typically range between $5,000 to $8,000 per month depending on the location and level of care required. Memory Care is the most expensive type of long-term care. Many of the larger memory care facilities utilize a tiered or point-based billing system based on specific care needs, which can significantly increase costs. It is recommended to ask if costs are expected to rise and how costs are calculated before choosing a memory care unit.
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