How Does 24 Hour Care Work
Many families find that they start with home care a few hours a day and then progress to 24-hour care. What is 24-hour care? 24-hour care means that there is a caregiver at the home every hour of the day. This includes overnight. You can expect several different caregivers to be in the home during that period of time.
Memory Care Vs Home Care For Dementia: Whats The Difference
Elderly adults with dementia require specialized care, whether its provided in a senior living community or at home. With the right care tailored to their needs, seniors with cognitive decline can age with dignity, enjoyment, and some independence.
Memory care and home care are two common options families explore for seniors with dementia. What services do they provide, and what are the most important factors to consider when making a choice of home care vs. memory care for your aging loved one?
Memory Care Vs Assisted Living: 4 Key Differences
Some of these conditions requiring extra care could be Alzheimers disease, dementia, Parkinsons Disease, physical limitations, or other things associated with advanced age.
Facilities that address these conditions include Memory Care and Assisted Living.
Both Memory Care and Assisted Living are phrases that are used interchangeably when in reality they are both very different.
Its important to understand the difference between these two in order to provide your loved ones the best care possible for them and their needs.
We want to help you navigate the decisions surrounding care for your aging loved ones, so you can rest assured knowing theyre receiving proper care.
Here is a simplified list of 4 key differences between Memory Care and Assisted Living.
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What Is Memory Care And Who Benefits From This Level Of Care
Memory care facilities are secured facilities that cater to the needs of people with some form of dementia. Memory care facilities typically have smaller bedrooms but more available, open and inviting common spaces, says Snow.
Research shows the way memory care facilities are designed can be helpful in easing the stressful transition from home to a long-term care community. Softer colors, lack of clutter and clear signage are common therapeutic touches in memory care.
Confusion and loss of memory can cause anxiety, and having a predictable routine can help ease it, says Pope. As dementia progresses, they may forget how to do normal activities of daily living, such as brushing their teeth, eating, showering and dressing. Memory care facilities ensure that these residents get these needs met.
Typically, memory care has a smaller staff-to-patient ratio because a person with dementia has greater care needs. Staff members often have additional training in dementia care as well, though its important to ask.
Safety is a significant concern for people who may need a memory care facility. In fact, six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once in their lives, and many do so repeatedly, according to the Alzheimers AssociationWandering. Alzheimers Disease and Dementia. Accessed 6/16/2021. . Although common, wandering can be incredibly dangerous, and its one of the concerns that often weighs most heavily on caregivers and family members.
What Are Board And Care Homes
Board and care homes, also called residential care facilities or group homes, are small private facilities, usually with 20 or fewer residents. Rooms may be private or shared. Residents receive personal care and meals and have staff available around the clock. Nursing and medical care usually are not provided on site.
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Assisted Living Vs Home Care
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Is it harder to do the things you used to do? Things like grocery shopping, driving, and self-care? Do you see your loved one struggling? Dont worry. This is a normal part of aging. And, it doesnt mean living independently is over.
With a thriving senior population in America, theres a high availability of senior living and assistance services. These services help seniors stay safe, healthy, and independent as they age. If you or your loved one can do a lot on their own, but need a little extra help, in-home care and assisted living are two of your options.
What Are Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide a wide range of health and personal care services. Their services focus on medical care more than most assisted living facilities. These services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available.
Some people stay at a nursing home for a short time after being in the hospital. After they recover, they go home. However, most nursing home residents live there permanently because they have ongoing physical or mental conditions that require constant care and supervision.
To look for and compare nursing homes in your area, see Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare. Also get tips for choosing a nursing home.
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Assisted Living Vs Independent Living
Assisted living facilities and independent living communities are different in that independent living communities offer little to no assistance with daily living activities. If you require around the clock help with eating, dressing, or require regular medical assistance, then an assisted living facility would be the place for you.
Listed below are four Richmond Hill, ON assisted living facilities. You can call them directly, or you may call Carewatchers. Our service is free. Thank you for searching our assisted living facility placement and referral agency service directory for a referral or placement.
What Is Senior Living / Independent Living For Seniors
If your family member is entirely mobile, takes part in an active social life, manages their medications , and enjoys an independent lifestyle with other older adults, senior living is probably the best choice for them.
At senior living communities, life is less about medical attention and more about a vibrant, engaging lifestyle. Excellent independent living homes will offer a variety of entertainment, social outings, and special events. Modern senior living homes provide a consistently engaging and fun way of living for residents from movie nights to senior yoga.
In the end, caregivers will find it’s the right time for assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing when a family member will experience a better quality of life in that specialized setting. Whether your loved one is entirely independent, frighteningly forgetful, or entirely bedridden, the peace of mind you’ll have when they’re getting the right care is worth it.
You’re not alone in the decision-making either. We’re always ready to help you decide if this is the right time for eldercare. And you may have other questions such as how to fund your loved one’s care with Medicaid or Medicare. In any case, we encourage you to reach out to us today if you’d like to learn more. We won’t give you a high-pressure sales pitch, we promise. We’re just here to answer any questions you have and find the best situation possible for your loved one.
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Assisted Living Vs Memory Care: Whats The Admissions Process Like
The state licensing entity will dictate the admission criteria for both assisted living and memory care. Overall, the admission process involves making certain that the community can safely take care of the resident. As a consumer, it is a good idea to visit several communities before making a final decision.
Residential Facilities Assisted Living And Nursing Homes
At some point, support from family, friends, and local programs may not be enough. People who require help full-time might move to a residential facility that provides many or all of the long-term care services they need.
Facility-based long-term care services include: board and care homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and continuing care retirement communities.
Some facilities have only housing and housekeeping, but many also provide personal care and medical services. Many facilities offer special programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
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Memory Care Admissions Process
The memory care admissions process is the same as assisted living. There are, however, some differences in the assessment.
Possible reasons for exclusion from memory care are the following:
- Aggressive or sexually inappropriate behavior that would be a threat to other residents.
- Suicidal thoughts and actions.
- Complex medical needs.
Even if any of these exclusionary reasons exist, some memory care communities may accept a prospective resident and try and work with them. Memory care staff are accustomed to challenging residents and have the skills to manage some of these problems. If your loved one moves to memory care, the adjustment can take some time.
What Exactly Is Memory Care
Memory care communities differ greatly from assisted living communities. The residents in memory care have specific and serious memory-related needs. They may not remember who they are from day to day and may get frustrated walking around spaces that theyve lived in for a while but now feel unfamiliar. They may be prone to wandering off the premises and can pose a danger to themselves and to others, especially if they get aggressive when frustrated.
The approach in memory care is different, and so are many design considerations. For instance, people with memory problems may get frustrated when confronted with a door they cannot get through, so many memory care communities have circular walkways where residents will not encounter doors or other obstacles to wandering. Likewise, touching something that doesnt match how it looks can be scary . Reputable memory care facilities try to devote a good deal of attention to factors such as:
- Consistent lighting that avoids shadows
- Circular walkways
- Locked exits that prevent off-site wandering
- Activities reminiscent of eras that unlock residents memories
To expand on the last one, an assisted living facility might have a social room that is filled with spaces for arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles and board games. A memory care facility might instead have spaces devoted to child care and office work . It may also have music therapy sessions in which residents listen to songs from their younger days.
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Care Homes For Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It destroys brain cells and symptoms can include confusion, anger, mood swings, language breakdown and long-term . Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease involves specialized skills that differ from other types of senior care services. Individuals with Alzheimers disease or other forms of memory impairment often require living environments that are secure so as to ensure their safety. Residences will have special provisions in place to deal with the effects of and other symptoms during later .
Staff who look after patients with Alzheimers in memory care units are specially trained to encourage interaction, conversation, physical activities and cognitive activities.
Assisted Living is a popular choice as for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. This provides personal care, assistance and supportive services such as housekeeping and transportation for seniors. Skilled Care or 24-hour nursing is provided by licensed nurses when other options are no longer feasible. Hospice care is an alternative to nursing home care that is often required for those in the late stages of this disease. Alzheimers care and memory care centers emphasize dignity and comfort and provide necessary care, medication and therapy.
Early Decisions About Long
After the shock of the Alzheimers diagnosis wears off, its no time to pretend business as usual. Its time to rally the troops, ensuring everyone understands what this diagnosis means in a relevant timeline specific to the age/medical condition of your loved one.
The earlier the diagnosis the better because an early diagnosis allows the individual to have more autonomy and empowerment in expressing ideas, opinions, and desires.
A family meeting about Alzheimers care should address:
- The collective feelings, fears, anger, grief, etc. about the situation.
- Appreciation for the reality that were better informed and better equipped than ever to provide healthy, active and as-independent-as-possible lifestyles for those with Alzheimers or dementia.
- The importance of being proactive about researching all long-term care options.
- Dementia is a progressive disease, almost without exception some changes happen unpredictably and seemingly overnight, so preparation is everything.
- Prospective timelines for the transition from Alzheimers in-home care to memory care facility.
- Researching respite care options, knowing respite caregivers need to be well-versed in memory care in the more challenging stages, times of day, etc.
Feeling nervous about the conversation? Read, ourGuide for Talking For Talking to a Loved One About Memory Care.
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Dementia Care Costs By State: An Overview Of Costs Types Of Dementia Care And The Cost Of Dementia Care By State
Year after year, lists of the leading causes of death in America include chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia. Each condition requires ongoing skilled care, with some involving hospitalizations, courses of treatment that may include pricey drug therapies, and other types of interventions. Among these common conditions, though, one is set apart from the rest. Dementia is unique in that it has no known cure, nor any treatments proven to significantly slow the degenerative march of the disease. In fact, Alzheimer’s dementia is the only top-10 cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed.
Despite the fact that treatment of the disease itself is off the table, dementia care in the U.S. is more expensive, in terms of both direct medical costs over a 5 year span studied in and out-of-pocket costs for families, than that of heart disease or cancer. Whats more, the number of deaths attributed to Alzheimers disease continues to rise, while the number of deaths associated with other leading causes, such as heart disease, certain types of cancers, and stroke, have declined. So the cost of dementia care on a national scale is growing.
Screenshot via Alz.org
Pros And Cons Of Assisted Living
Pros
- Independence:In assisted living, you can come and go as you please. There are no restrictions on your activity, although you might have certain meal times to adhere to.
- Diversity of residents:You will likely have a wide age range and diversity of personalities, and functioning levels in assisted living.
- Choices of communities: There are probably far more assisted living communities to choose from than memory care since the demand is higher. For some people, the more options, the better.
Cons
- Too much togetherness:For some people, all of the activities and group dining are too much togetherness. Introverts can struggle with the pressure to attend events and interact with other residents.
- Limited medical care:If your loved one requires special ongoing medical care, an assisted living probably wont provide it. Most communities have a nurse available for minor issues and medication management, but that is about it.
- Expense:Costs can add up in assisted living, especially if you live in a state where the average price is high, and then on top of that you need lots of care.
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Can Memory Care Be Offered By Home Care Providers
While home care cant provide the structural or design benefits of a memory care community, dementia care at home can help seniors with Alzheimers or another type of dementia age in place. To make the right choice for your loved one, its important to understand the difference between memory care and home care for dementia.
Assisted Living Or Home Care
The general rule of thumb is that if 40 hours or less per week of paid home care is required, then home care is a less expensive option than assisted living. However, there are many factors that can easily change this equation such as ones state, whether they rent or own their home or if they require additional services in assisted living such as Alzheimers care.
Helpful Resources
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Assisted Living Vs Memory Care: Whats The Cost And How Do You Typically Pay For Care
Both assisted living and memory care are paid for privately unless you have a long-term care insurance policy. Medicare does not pay for assisted living or memory care. Medicaid however, through state waiver programs may be available in your community. These programs are for people who deplete their assets and qualify for Medicaid.
Both assisted living and memory care can be expensive. Most communities charge a base rate and then add on costs depending on how much care is required for a resident. According to Genworth, the monthly median cost for care in assisted living in 2020 was $4,300. Costs for memory care can be much higher due to higher staff to resident ratio.
People may typically pay for care by selling their home, and/or using income and retirement funds. Long term care planning may be the best way to assess how and for how long you can pay for assisted living or memory care.
Alzheimers Is A Neurodegenerative Disease That Gets Progressively Worse Over Time Approximately 30 Million People Live With Alzheimers Across The Globe
Alzheimers Disease is a form of dementia and it accounts for somewhere between 60% and 70% of all cases of dementia. The causes of Alzheimers are not particularly well understood, but about 70% of the risk appears to be genetic. The most common first symptom of Alzheimers is the loss of memory of recent events. As Alzheimers progresses, the list of symptoms increases. Some common symptoms include disorientation , problems with language, loss of motivation, neglecting self-care, mood swings, and behavioral issues.
Alzheimers is sad and difficult at the best of times. When somebody with Alzheimers stops bathing or eating, it can be dangerous and even fatal. Occasionally, people with Alzheimers can become violent. These are issues that go beyond the ability of loved ones who, though their hearts are in the right place, are just not equipped to handle the situation. What then?
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