Memory Care Communities in FL

November is approaching, which means Alzheimer’s awareness month is coming. It’s at this time that the national institutes of health will try to find new treatments and interventions for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. 

As more and more baby boomers continue to retire, the number of dementia cases continues to rise. Memory care is also expanding to meet demand. Memory care communities in Florida are popping up all over the place. 

In the meantime, here are seven things that you can do to educate yourself more about memory care. 

What You Need to Know About Memory Care

Among the modern-day tools we have for defeating Alzheimer’s and dementia once and for all is memory care. Memory care focuses on providing long term, intense, and specialized care for seniors who have dementia. 

The demand for this type of treatment is only expected to rise in the coming years. According to the World Alzheimer’s report, and the RAND corporation, dementia cases are expected to double by the year 2040. Most of these people will be baby boomers, who are already entering old age in 2019. Thankfully, the senior care community is ready for the upcoming surge, and new and existing facilities are already adapting and adjusting. New memory care units are being created to meet the increased demand.

However, when it comes to memory care in 2019, what do you need to know? Here are seven critical things that you must know:

  1. With Memory Care, You Get What You Pay For

With assisted living, seniors will only get personal care support. This means assistance with daily living (ADLs) activities. This includes meals, bathing, dressing, and medicine management. The average cost is $3300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. With memory care, though, the average price is $5000, but you get more for that money. Facilities will also be better quality for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. Included in the cost is 24-hour supervision for patients of all stages of both diseases.

  1. Memory Care Facilities Are Made Specifically For Dementia Patients

Facilities for dementia care are made as secure as possible to prevent wandering (a common symptom of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s). In addition, hallways are usually color-coded. This is a common technique for reducing the stress and anxiety of Alzheimer’s patients. It will also help residents navigate the facility easier. With reduced stress and anxiety, plus the ability to navigate the facility easier, safety is ensured, which will help your loved one live a longer and more independent life. 

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  1. Memory Care Offers Programs For Residents With Behavioral Problems

Leisure programs aren’t the only thing offered in memory care communities. Unlike assisted living communities, memory care communities provide therapeutic programs that help to address frequent dementia behaviors, wandering, and memory impairments for residents. These programs are becoming more and more advanced over time, meaning that each program will help to address the disease at each relevant stage. Personalization will also be implemented in each program. 

  1. Memory Care Will Make Life Safer And Better For Residents With Dementia

As we touched on in the previous section, memory care is made to keep people with Alzheimer’s or dementia safe. But also, the quality of life improves drastically as well. This can affect a number of different areas of a resident’s life, including:

  • reducing the total amount of medication and also related side effects
  • reducing falls, injuries, and visits to the hospital
  • better health and wellness
  • better nutrition
  • more independence and a better social life

Perhaps the most significant benefit of all: nearly 3/4 of residents experience better mental functioning, both in the short term and the long term. 

  1. Memory Care Address Alzheimer’s Patients And Their Families

The primary benefit of memory care for caregivers is the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that your loved one is being watched and taken care of 24/7. These types of communities usually offer outreach to you and your family members, as well. This outreach often includes useful information and tips that every family member should know regarding dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

  1. Memory Care Does Not Create Isolation For Those With Dementia Or Alzheimer’s 

Although memory care can be located in a separate part of the bigger assisted living facility, or included in a dedicated area of the continuing care community, you need not worry about isolation. Even with a home caregiver, your loved one might still need more interaction with more people. A memory care facility can fill in this gap. Memory care includes specialized therapeutic programming as well as social activities to keep residents entertained and in good mental health.

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  1. Do Your Homework When Searching For Memory Care

Even though memory care professionals will provide tips and information to caregivers and family members, it’s still important to do your due diligence when looking at memory care communities in FL. Every community is different, and some are better than others. The quality of many communities might appear to be high, but to be sure if it’s true, you’ll have to visit the community at different days and times to be sure that the quality is consistent. 

Before you settle on a memory care community in FL, consider the following factors:

  • your loved one’s personal needs and requirements
  • features and amenities at the community
  • community policies
  • security of the community
  • residents well being
  • on-site staffing ratio
  • your overall impression of the facility and community

Conclusion

As you can see, the key thing to understand with memory care is that, if the facility delivers on what it promises, then it’s well worth the money spent. A proper memory care community is designed to maximize the safety, health, and emotional well being of residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, as we said, you’ll have to do your homework in making sure that the community can cater to your loved one’s specific needs, as well as maintain good quality care consistently every day.