Memory care is specific, long-term skilled nursing catering to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other types of memory loss.
Memory care services may be received at:
• adult day centers
• assisted living communities
• home via home care services
• residential care homes
• skilled nursing residences
Memory care services offered in the home by a home care agency or at an adult day center are provided by trained staff with a knowledge of specialized programming.
Memory care, in a residential care home or assisted living community, is for those with a level of impairment making it unsafe to continue to stay at home, but not requiring the intensive care of a skilled nursing facility. A person with memory loss can maintain a level of independence while relying on the safety and security of a community with a professional staff.
In a memory care community, residents have access to 24-hour support and programs ensuring their safety and quality of life. Typically, residents live in private or semi-private units, have scheduled activities and programs designed to enhance memory, and are supervised by trained staff. Residences can be 100 percent secure with alarmed or locked areas. Within these secured areas, residents enjoy indoor walking paths, outdoor paths, or gardens.
Memory care services:
• 24-hour staffing and personal assistance
• daily meals
• exercise and physical therapy programs
• housekeeping and laundry service
• medication management
• private or semi-private rooms
• social programs and activities
Paying for memory care services:
• Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
• Medicare
• private health insurance
• private pay
Learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia at www.alz.org
