Memory Care for Seniors
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Options in the US for Seniors
Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss can be tragic, but fortunately there are dementia and memory care communities out there that can offer comfort, professional help and supportive services, that can greatly increase the quality of life. As different stages of Dementia and Alzheimer’s require different services, it’s important to know what kind of facility will be right for you or your loved one.
At many Alzheimer’s care facilities you are given plenty of freedom to go about daily activities. Comfort and care are important at this stage. Alzheimer’s facilities are ideally suited for those who do not need skilled medical care found in a nursing home, but might require some assistance with daily activities. This allows for independence. Assisted living communities can vary in size and amenities, but it is important to ensure that dementia care is available.
Over the course of Alzheimer’s development, you or your loved one might require additional care. Other options such as nursing homes or home care may become more a better option as alternatives to dementia facilities. The most important part, as always, is to ensure that you or your loved one receives the appropriate Alzheimer’s care. With proper treatment, you and your loved one can enjoy a relatively normal and peaceful life.
Finding the proper Alzheimer’s care giver is important from anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases. Taking the time to visit or research Alzheimer’s or dementia care facilities is vital in understanding whether a particular location or service is right for you.
State Licensing of Alzheimer’s Care and Dementia Care Facilities
State regulations and licensing of Alzheimer’s Care and Dementia Care facilities vary from State to State. For example, in the State of Texas, Alzheimer’s Care Communities are specially licensed. Specialized Nursing Facilities for Alzheimer’s Residents provide services especially for senior patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
Dementia–The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis and the Qualified Specialists to Make It
Being able to retrieve information stored in memory becomes more difficult as we age, but recent memory loss so severe that it interferes with an individual’s daily functioning is not part of the normal aging process. It is a symptom of dementia, a gradual decline of intellectual functions such as remembering, thinking and reasoning. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (A.D.), a progressive, degenerative, terminal disorder that gradually damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain.
Although a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can only be made by analyzing the brain on autopsy following death, current methods of evaluation by qualified doctors specializing in the care of senior adults can make a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s 90% accurate. Other diseases that can cause similar symptoms can be ruled out in the process and treated. Learn more about Dementia and what should be included in a diagnosis.
Choosing an Alzheimer’s Care/Dementia Community
Today there are a variety of programs designed specifically to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related memory impairments. These include adult day care, assisted living, home health care, skilled nursing care, and special care units within nursing homes. It’s important to assess your senior loved one’s requirements prior to beginning your search, and we recommend that you visit at least three programs to determine which option is right for your particular situation. As you visit each facility, weigh the factors listed under each of the following categories. Learn more about choosing an Alzheimer’s Care or Dementia Care facility.
Find More Information on Memory Care Options by State
Click the links below to find information on memory care options and how to pay for them. You can search by city or state and find additional resources for seniors in the city you live in. New LifeStyles is here to help you review all your options when it comes to senior care.
Looking for more information, check out our partner’s site caringforaparent.com.