With age, many seniors develop cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Such patients have a special set of needs and requirements. Also, managing these conditions requires thorough support and care, which may not always be available in regular nursing homes. This need is met by Dementia or Memory care facilities.

Benefits of memory care
Memory care facilities aim to help those with dementia lead fuller, happier, and more comfortable lives.

Cost of memory care facilities
Memory care can be expensive, adding between $1,000 to $4,000 monthly to regular care bills. This cost can be covered by Medicare or private insurance, retirement benefits such as IRAs, government benefits from public programs such as SSDI (Social Security Disability Income), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Medicaid or veteran benefits, or community support services.

Services that are provided at memory care facilities
Memory care centers generally offer the following services:

• Semi-private or private accommodations with an ensuite bathroom.
• Regular daily meals, in addition to snacks and beverages throughout the day.
• Access to housekeeping, personal laundry, and linen services.
• Engagement in daily social activities such as fitness classes, games, etc.
• Medical alert systems.
• Assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming, transportation, etc.
• 24/7 security on premises
• Access to group and individual therapy sessions, such as brain games, to slow cognitive decline.
• Anti-wandering systems are used to monitor the location and movement of every resident in case of a mishap.
• Family support groups

Tips to find the best dementia care facility nearby
Finding a care facility for a loved one can be challenging. Here are some tips to simplify searching for the best dementia care facility so they receive quality care.

Speak to a healthcare provider
One of the first steps is to speak with the primary care provider or mental health provider. Since they are well-versed with the senior’s medical history, they can narrow down options and help find a suitable care service. This background knowledge will help them guide families toward care facilities specializing in dementia care while factoring in other aspects such as cost, insurance, and amenities.

Look up senior living directories
Apart from one’s doctor, details regarding dementia and memory care services can also be found in online senior living directories. Start with a simple browser search for terms like “dementia care centers near me,” “memory care centers near me,” “assisted living memory care near me,” or “nursing homes with memory care near me.” This will guide one toward senior living directories that maintain detailed information about each facility, the services offered, prices, and reviews from other families and residents.

Check out government and non-profit sources
More details on dementia care facilities and centers can also be found via government and non-profit sources. Some include the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization dedicated to research, care, and advocacy for those with this condition. For seniors with advanced medical/nursing and memory care needs, check out Nursing Home Compare. This website enlists and contains information regarding Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes nationwide. For more details, one can also look up the Joint Commission’s Quality Check.

Arrange a visit
After shortlisting a few facilities, it is time to visit them. This gives one a more realistic idea of how the center works and cares for seniors. This is an excellent time to note how the staff interacts with and cares for the residents, the level of cleanliness in the facility, security measures, and the overall atmosphere. Happy residents can be a significant positive factor when choosing a facility.
During this time, it is also a good idea to ask the staff about their care philosophy, the staff-to-resident ratio, and amenities. This will help one make a better, more informed decision for their loved one.

Examine their certifications
Don’t go by hear-say alone. Before signing up for any facility, one must also review their certifications. Memory care centers are regulated at the state level, so their staffing requirements may vary by state. However, most of them have the following common staffing and certification requirements:

• Must pass health and safety inspections
• Must have a designated administrator trained in long-term care, spending at least 40 hours on-site each week
• First aid and CPR certification for all direct care workers
• Medically trained staff to administer prescriptions
• Direct care staff must test negative for tuberculosis (TB)
• Staff needs to complete a comprehensive orientation session on memory care
• Staff and administrators must continue and complete annual training for supporting individuals with memory loss