Memory Care
Memory care is a type of long-term assisted living care and senior living option geared toward those living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of progressive-degenerative dementia.
There are currently around 5.8 million people in the US with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. While there is no cure for this disease, it may be challenging to care for a loved one living with it.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care residents are generally free of any major health concerns aside from Alzheimer's/dementia, but they can no longer safely live in their own homes.
Families may feel the need to move their loved ones to memory care facilities for a variety of reasons such as:
Safety concerns
Difficulty caring for themselves
Socialization
Overwhelmed
Support for Challenging Behavior
Distance
Lack of care skills
People who require a higher level of support than what is offered in assisted living, or who have advanced dementia that makes it unsafe to remain at home, may find that memory care is their best long-term care option.
Most providers have a set of criteria when considering potential residents, including:
Lack of awareness in terms of time and place
Trouble communicating their needs or expressing emotions
Difficulty processing information or making decisions
Memory loss that impairs daily functioning
Confusion about times, seasons, and people (both familiar and unfamiliar)
Changes in personality and behavior (agitations, aggression, disinhibition)
Senior Living Options include:
Assisted Living
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Retirement Community
Luxury Senior Living
Memory Care Facilities:
Memory care is similar to assisted living in that it is considered to be non-institutional care, while nursing homes are institutional. Memory care programs are often co-located within assisted living facilities with some distinct differences in the environment, staffing, and recreational programming offered within memory care units.
Most memory care communities have +1 dining room as well as multiple common areas, such as lounges, game rooms, fitness centers, and activity rooms. There are often +1 enclosed courtyards, and/or secure outdoor spaces with walking paths, resident gardens, and seatings.
Resident accommodations may include studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments equipped with barrier-free bathrooms, small kitchenettes, and an emergency call system that instantly connects with on-site caregivers.
To keep residents safe, memory care facilities often have enhanced security features, such as motion-activated lights, cameras, and alarms; delayed-egress exit doors; digital locks on exterior doors and 24/7 on-site security staff. Many purpose-built memory care communities are designed with curved walls to reduce confusion and disorientation among residents.
Other memory-enhanced features include memory boxes placed outside each suite. These boxes contain small personal items to help residents remember which room is theirs.
Memory care units may also be painted with muted colors and feature soft lighting to minimize overstimulation and reduce agitation among those living with dementia.
Examples of Memory Care
Memory Care Facilities:
Semiprivate or private accommodations in an apartment-style suite with an in-suite bathroom
Three daily meals served restaurant-style, plus snacks and beverages throughout the day
Housekeeping, personal laundry, and linen services
High staff-to-resident ratio
Assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, grooming, and transferring
Daily group and individual therapeutic recreational programming, such as brain games that are specifically designed to slow the progression of memory loss
Help with activities of daily living
Anti-wandering systems such as WanderGuard, a wireless wearable tracking device that lets caregivers monitor the exact location of each resident
24/7 security
Daily social and recreational activities, such as fitness classes, organized games, Bible study groups, and escorted day trips
Family support groups
In-house medical alert systems
Each memory care facility offers its own unique range of services. Some offer enhanced services including on-site physical, occupational and speech-language therapy, on-site physician's services, and escorts to local medical appointments.
How is it Paid?
Memory Care services:
A number of financial resources may be available to help cover costs for memory care such as:
Private Insurance
Employee benefits
Retirements benefits
Private pay
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Veteran benefits
Medicaid
Medicare
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
How is Care Provided?
Memory Care services:
Memory care facilities do not need a doctor's prescription and are regulated at the state level with a designated administrator who spends at least 40 hours on-site each week and is trained in long-term care.
Many states have adult protection laws that mandate extensive background checks. Other common staffing and certification requirements include:
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First aid and CPR certification for all direct care staff
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Staff who administer medications must either be licensed medical professionals or work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse
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Direct care staff must test negative for tuberculosis (TB)
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Staff needs to complete a comprehensive orientation session that includes training specific to memory care prior to commencing direct care duties
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Staff and administrators must complete ongoing annual training in supporting individuals who live with memory loss