Caring for a loved one facing a dementia-related illness, such as Alzheimer's disease, can be extremely stressful for everyone. Deciding how to best care for your loved one as they advance through the stages of dementia can be the most important decision you make. This article explains the primary Alzheimer’s care options to help your family determine which is the best living arrangement for your loved one.
Assisted Living communities give seniors the freedom to remain as independent as possible while also obtaining supportive services, such as medication administration, housekeeping, meal preparation and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming. These communities also give seniors the ability to socialize with others, which can prevent depression and isolation. Assisted Living costs vary based on the types of services provided and the number of amenities available.
This Alzheimer’s care option can be a good fit for seniors who are no longer able to live on their own but don’t require 24/7 Skilled Nursing services. Seniors who are prone to wandering may require a more secure setting, such as those provided by Memory Care units.
Memory Care services are similar to Assisted Living care with a few exceptions. First, memory care units provide secure living environments that can prevent seniors with dementia from wandering off and getting lost. For example, these facilities often have extra security features, such as enclosed courtyards and door alarms.
Secondly, Memory Care often includes specialized Memory Care services, such as art therapy and brain games, which may be able to delay cognitive and memory loss decline. These services can be especially beneficial to seniors living with mild to moderate-stage dementia who don’t require around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Due to these specialized services, Memory Care is typically more expensive than Assisted and Independent Living care options but more affordable than nursing home services.
Seniors who are no longer able to live on their own or without extensive support with activities of daily living may require nursing home services. Nursing homes provide 24/7 Skilled Nursing services that can handle everything from daily wellness checks to medication administration. Seniors can choose between private and semiprivate rooms.
These facilities often have fewer special amenities, such as game rooms, courtyards, and movie theaters, because many residents are not mobile or independent enough to make use of these features. Instead, nursing homes focus on health care services. For example, they may offer physical or occupational therapy services or have an on-call physician available.
Seniors living with dementia can benefit from selecting a Continuing Care Retirement Community like Falcon's Landing. Many senior living communities offer all four Alzheimer’s care options ranging from Assisted Living to Nursing Home care. This option allows seniors to remain within the same community even as their care needs change and require more supportive services.
At Falcons Landing, we offer multiple senior care options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Short-Term Respite, Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. For example, our newest Memory Care unit, the Hillside House, provides a comfortable setting that allows seniors to remain as independent as possible in a safe and secure environment. The Hillside House consists of 18 private rooms with private bathrooms, cozy common areas, a large dining area with a bar and plenty of natural lighting throughout.
Our staff conducts a comprehensive assessment to determine exactly what services your loved one requires. This assessment can help you better understand your loved one’s capabilities and limitations so you can make informed decisions about their care options.
Our team is here to support you through this difficult process and to help you better understand what level of care your senior requires.
Contact our team members today to learn more about our services and care options.
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