Differences in Memory Care Facilities & At-Home Memory Care

Whether your parent is in the early or advanced stages of dementia, you may face a time when they require more care than you can provide.

Signs It’s Time for Memory Care Services

Behavior changes: Forgetfulness, aggression and depression are common signs of dementia and can progress through the disease.

A decline in physical health and appearance: Personal hygiene and grooming habits change as your mom or dad struggles to bathe and dress.

Confusion that creates safety risks: Dementia could make driving and navigating difficult. Your loved one may get lost on the road more frequently or wander away from home.

Inability to address responsibilities: Cooking, cleaning, financial planning and managing a household can become overwhelming.

Incontinence: Adult undergarments have become necessary for your parent and require several daily changes.

Benefits of a Memory Care Facility

Memory care may be part of a larger senior living community or a separate facility. Staff are trained and certified to deliver specialized care to keep your parent comfortable, safe and happy. They’re also available around the clock to address medical emergencies and medication management.

Services include:

• Nutrition and feeding support
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain management
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing and grooming

Most memory care facilities also maintain robust activity schedules that stimulate and engage residents with music, crafts, hobbies, art, entertainment and pet therapy. The social element of those activities can help slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Memory care is designed with comfort and security in mind. Units have doors that require passcodes to prevent wandering and wide, well-lit hallways with railings for support. Outdoor patios, porches and gardens provide fresh air and sunlight.

 The cost of memory care varies by state and company. Memory care services cost roughly $5,000 to $7,000 per month, depending on your loved one’s needs, room and insurance.

Advantages of In-Home Memory Care Services

Using in-home memory services is helpful if your mom or dad has early-stage dementia. Home services offer companionship, assistance with ADL and social interaction. Your parent can age in place in the comfort of their home and receive enough assistance to keep them healthy and safe.

An in-home provider will come to your loved one’s residence based on an established contract that specifies daily or weekly visits. This type of memory care allows your parent to get to know their caregiver personally and benefit from one-on-one interactions.

Not all at-home dementia care includes medical services. Making home and security modifications may still be necessary to ensure your loved one is safe throughout the day.

In-home dementia care costs $24 to $27 an hour. The rate depends on the service type, frequency, hours, location and insurance coverage.

Memory Care Facilities in FL, OH & PA

Embassy Healthcare offers Empower Memory Care, a dedicated program designed to assess your loved one’s needs and create a customized care plan. Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online for more information.