What Types of Memory Care Communities Are There?

For seniors struggling with memory issues like Alzheimer's, or dementia, specialized support options are available to help them live a happy, fulfilling life. Many Assisted Living Communities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and Nursing Homes offer Memory Care services for residents. While Memory Care Communities, specifically designed for anyone living with Alzheimer's or dementia, keep safety and routine in mind.

If you are interested in Memory Care for your loved one, we can help you find a licensed Memory Care Community that meets specific needs like cost, level of care, programs, activities, and more. This article will discuss the different types of Memory Care Communities, reasons for choosing Memory Care, the varying state regulations for care, and the exciting programs and activities they offer.

Different Types of Memory Care Communities

Finding the best care option for someone experiencing memory issues like living with dementia depends on their medical needs and current level of independence. Below is an overview of the common care choices available for dementia residents, from daily activities assistance to full-time community care.

Adult Day Center

An excellent place for someone living with dementia to go during the day while their caregiver is working. This location offers a safe environment for seniors to socialize, participate in activities, eat lunch, receive supervised care, and some centers may even provide transportation services.

Residential Care

Designed for people needing a higher level of medical support and supervision, these types of Residential Memory Care Communities include Assisted Living, Continuum Care, and Independent Living.

Respite Care

After experiencing an in-patient hospital stay, Respite Care may be the best option for a patient needing continued care for the short-term, where they can continue to receive a similar level of medical attention and supervision as determined by their physician.

In-Home Care

Offers people living with dementia the opportunity to receive skilled, personal, or companion services from the comfort of their homes.

Signs a Loved One May Need Memory Care

There are many potential reasons your loved one may need Memory Care, and many signs can help identify that professional assistance is necessary. Understanding the signs and symptoms of cognitive decline will help your loved one get the necessary help they need before hitting a tipping point of mental or physical exhaustion.

Here are a few signs to look for when deciding if Memory Care is the right choice:

• There is a need for oversight and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• There is a need for medication management (i.e., for diabetes, oxygen treatment, etc.)
• There is a need for hospice care.
• Sundowning and wandering is a concern.
• There is a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s by a physician.

State Regulations for Memory Care

When looking for high-quality care for a loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, it is essential to check a community's audit and licensing history. Facilities with memory care residents must comply with specific licensing requirements that vary by state, including:

Staff Qualifications and Training

Often, these regulations require each community to have a team of qualified dementia care professionals such as Registered Nurses and a higher staff to resident ratio.

Assessment Process

Every resident will receive a customized assessment before entering a Memory Care Community to determine better how they will benefit from dementia care and what level of care is necessary.

Building Design Features

Facilities are designed for safety and easing anxiety, such as simple floor plans that help people find their way around and security systems to keep residents within the community unless escorted by staff.

Policies For Changes in Resident Condition

As a resident's cognitive condition changes, their individual customized care plan will be adjusted to meet their physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

Memory Care Programs and Activities

Many Memory Care Communities provide a holistic approach to health and well-being for your loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. They have custom tailored services designed to meet each community member's unique physical, social, and emotional needs. Programs and activities are centered around the interests and abilities of residents while keeping safety a top priority. Programs may include memory games and physical activities that promote mental stimulation and routine to ease stress.

While activities offered through a Memory Care program within an Assisted Living Community will have similar offerings as the community-at-large (i.e., arts & crafts, book club, exercise classes, etc.). To learn more about the Memory Care program and activity offerings, please read our article, “What Services and Activities Do Memory Care Communities Provide?”

Find a Memory Care Community Near You

Memory Care Communities provide many opportunities for support. If your loved one needs increased care, the best option for support will be a Memory Care Community. Let Referah’s team of experts help you find the right services to meet your loved one’s needs, including compassionate around-the-clock care. Search for a local Memory Care Community near you.