At its core, memory care is an umbrella term used to describe the caring of those with dementia-related illnesses (such as Alzheimer’s or Lewy Body) who are no longer able to live safely on their own. A memory care facility offers 24/7 care and support for your loved one.
In this article, we will explore:
- What is a memory care facility?
- What services are offered?
- What are the costs?
- Why should I get memory care for my loved one?
What is memory care?
Memory care facilities are residential settings for those with moderate to severe cognitive impairment. It is often located with a Personal Care Home or other type of assisted-living facility and encompasses both physical care and enrichment activities. Residents in memory care settings are no longer able to live safely on their own and need help with their activities of daily living.
In many cases, the entrances and doorways are protected with passcodes; this prevents a resident from accidentally wandering away from the facility or somewhere they could harm themselves, such as a stairwell.
What services are offered?
Activities of Daily Living
Residential settings provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Using the toilet
- Incontinence care
Meals
Typically, meal service is included in the facility’s daily or monthly fee. Pine Run Retirement Community’s secure memory care residence, The Garden, offers three chef-prepared meals daily. These meals are tailored to each resident’s dietary needs; chefs can puree or finely chop a meal easier swallowing. Staff are also able to help residents with reading menus and making meal selections
Medical Care
While not required under a personal care license, some facilities, such as The Garden, offer dedicated 24/7 nursing care. Having nurses on-site allows a facility to provide medication management, including prescription drugs. Many facilities also have on-site physicians visits and offer free transportation for medical appointments to dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Pine Run is part of the Doylestown Health network, which includes Doylestown Hospital.
Life Enrichment
While meeting a resident’s medical needs, his or her physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs are just as important. Memory care facilities offer robust life enrichment activities tailored to each resident’s individual interests and background. Whether it’s enjoying the music of a live performance, looking through a family photo album, or taking a swim in our Fitness & Aquatics Center, life enrichment specialists work to provide a safe and comforting environment for each resident to pursue his or her interests.
What are the costs?
Each facility has either a daily or monthly rate which includes most of a resident’s core needs, such as meals, assistance with activities of daily living, and basic housekeeping, as well as their physical accommodations. This can vary from facility to facility, so it is important to evaluate all the factors when choosing a memory care home for your loved one. See: Evaluating Memory Care Facilities
Additionally, memory care facilities may offer optional services for an additional fee, such as:
- Laundry care & linen services
- Haircuts and salon services
- Medications
- Wound care
- Prescription delivery
An admissions counselor will review the costs of their facility with you and help determine if it is a good financial fit. When meeting with the counselor, it is helpful to bring along as much financial information as you can, such as bank and retirement account statements.
Simply put, memory care allows families to stop being caretakers and start being families again. No more juggling doctor’s appointments. No more worrying about that late-night phone call. They can focus on having meaningful relationships with their loved ones and rest easy at night knowing that the memory care facility’s expert staff is tending to their safety and medical needs.
Not sure where to start? Contact us or call 215-340-5267 to speak with an admissions counselor.