What is a Memory Care Community?
For our loved ones with memory problems like Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, there is a unique type of care called memory care. Around the world, numerous communities provide specialized services to cater to the needs of those suffering from memory loss.
There are various choices for memory care. Many nursing communities, continuing care retirement communities, and assisted living communities offer designated memory care neighborhoods for patients with dementia. Additionally, there are independent memory care centers.
Professional team members assist your loved ones with daily tasks and assists with medication management, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, and other social activities. A typical living community has a lower team member-to-resident ratio than memory care units do.
In order to prevent wandering, common areas are secured with an access code, and the team is educated in caring for dementia patients.
The article discusses memory care vs at-home care and explores which is the right option.
What is In-Home Care?
Many of our loved ones want to live out their final years at home with their loved ones at their sides. In-home professional care may provide many of our loved ones with both practical assistance and peace of mind. Your loved ones can receive assistance from trained carers while still living peacefully in their own homes thanks to in-home care. Receiving additional respite care is also an economical alternative for family carers.
Caregiver in-home services provide assistance with “ADLs,” or activities of daily life. Depending on the needs of our loved ones, the level of care may change. Typically, care might range from a few hours per week spent to housework and meal preparation to 24-hour supervision.
How to Choose Between In-Home Care and Memory Care Community?
Take into account your loved ones’ access to care and assistance as well as the need for additional support. Make a list of the tasks that your loved one requires assistance with on a weekly, monthly, and daily basis.
You can choose the appropriate amount of care by using these notes to help you view the wider picture. Regarding the assistance that your family and friends can provide, be reasonable. During this phase, keep in mind the long-term, continuous treatment.
After making this comparison, you’ll know better how to move forward. Making this list can sometimes make it clear that in-home care is the best choice. But there are situations when selecting from memory care communities is an obvious choice.
Therefore, you should consider the services they offer as well as the important benefits and downsides before moving through with any of these living arrangements.
Understand Your Financial Situation
Sometimes the only determining element in choosing the finest alternative is the cost-of-living arrangement.
Regular memory care can be extremely expensive. For instance, in some areas, memory care can cost up to $6000 per month. The price of in-home care will be about $4500 for 44 hours per week in 2020.
Comparing some of your top selections may help you better understand the true costs associated with various living communities. To gain a more accurate image of a workable choice, you might also want to consult with a financial planner. You will be able to determine which choice is the best fit once you have conducted a thorough comparison of the two.
