Memory Care Facilities

A memory care facility offers unique long-term care for those with memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. These facilities can either be stand alone or within an assisted living community or nursing home.

Those working in a memory care facility are specially trained to assist those with memory issues, providing daily routines to promote familiarity and ease. There is extra surveillance in memory care facilities, such as 24-hour security, locked doors, cameras and tracking bracelets to ensure safety for all residents.

Most of these precautions are to prevent wandering, which can be dangerous for those with memory loss. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in ten people with dementia will wander repeatedly. This can become life threatening if your loved one wanders away from their home to a dangerous location, such as a busy intersection.

Before looking into costs, you should first consider you or your loved one’s condition, the services required and if the benefits of a memory care facility will make a positive influence.

Conditions Treated at a Memory Care Facility

If you have serious memory issues, such as forgetting where you are in your own home, forgetting family member’s names, or being unaware of the time and year, then you likely have a condition that can be treated at a memory care facility.

While there is no definitive cure for dementia and the other severe cognitive issues, there are services offered by a memory care facility to make everyday life easier.

Memory Care Facility Services

Memory care facilities offer private or semi-private living spaces, depending on what you or your loved one needs or can afford. All facilities will have 24-hour surveillance and security, along with providing several essential services.

Benefits of Memory Care Facilities

The biggest benefit of a memory care facility is the peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe and cared for. According to the National Library of Medicine, trying to take care of a loved one with dementia has a variety of negative mental health consequences for the caregiver. This includes intense stress, sacrificing one’s own needs and even depression.

Aside from the benefits it offers to caregivers, family and friends, memory care facilities offer benefits to the patients as well, including constant professional care, a sense of community and ample activities and amenities to enjoy.

There are many different factors to consider before choosing a memory care facility. Safety, memory capacity, ability to complete daily tasks of living and your own ability as a caretaker should be considered.

If you or your loved one displays several of the behaviors below, then it may be time to consider a memory care facility.

If you feel that your overall life quality would improve from a memory care facility, you should start determining if this level of care is in your price range, and how to get coverage to help with costs.

On average, monthly rent for memory care is $6,935. The cost will vary depending on what state you live in and the level of care you receive.

There are many different payment assistance options for memory care facilities, including Medicare, Medicaid, life insurance, annuities and other government programs.

Certain payment methods may offer better savings in the long run while others may have eligibility requirements. Compare your options and note the details of each to determine what’s right for you.

Ways to Pay for a Memory Care Facility

If you have personal savings available, investments or property, you could use these assets to pay for the costs of a memory care facility. However, not everyone has the ample funds needed on hand. If you do not, there are other ways to find coverage.

If you need help finding a different Federal or State benefit program to cover memory care facility costs, then the National Council on Aging has a free service that can help called Benefits Checkup.

There are community resources, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, nonprofit organizations and local government tools that can help you find a memory care facility nearby.

Eldercare Locator is a nationwide resource many use to find a memory care facility. You can type in your zip code, and the Eldercare Locator tool will provide you with resources within your community. The tool will provide you with contact information for each facility, including phone number, email and website.

You should be prepared to ask questions and determine the level of care desired before selecting a memory care facility near you.

What to Look For

If possible, you should try to reach out to a memory issues support group in your area. Having multiple insights and resources can help you compare memory care facilities nearby. It’s important to know what to look for when researching facilities, so you can ensure your loved one is receiving quality care.

Compared to other senior housing options, memory care facilities are typically more expensive since they offer round-the-clock specialized care. For reference, a memory care facility costs $6,935 on average per month while assisted living options cost roughly $5,380 — independent living options can cost as low as $1,500 a month.

A memory care facility’s main purpose is to provide a safe and fulfilling environment for those with memory impairments. Other senior housing options have different intentions than a memory care facility.

For example, a convalescent home’s purpose is to offer short-term care for an injury or surgery. A nursing home functions as a long-term care facility but has more treatment and medical requirements compared to a memory care facility. Independent living options have little to no assistance, typically providing social opportunities and amenities.