Many questions arise in response to the need for senior care for your parents or other loved ones. One of the most challenging issues can be the search for memory care centers that will provide the quality care of seniors facing memory diseases. While there are thousands of nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the country, there are only so many that are considered memory care centers.
What are Memory Care Centers?
While you likely know about the challenges and danger that torment those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you likely do not hear all that much about the families of those patients. At this point over five million Americans are already living with Alzheimer’s disease, and as seniors, many of them are facing the very beginning of this diagnosis with the fear of being a burden on their families. On the other side of the table, families want to make sure that their parents and grandparents have 24/7 care because of the danger of this disease. For this reason, memory care centers make sure that there is 24-hour care provided for residents who need to be supervised at all times. Additionally, memory care facilities have to be more regulated in 23 states because of special care unit disclosure laws. Knowing this, you may be able to choose a specialized care facility in one of those states where Alzheimer’s treatment and dementia treatment are more regulated. You all have that right as relatives of those living in memory care centers.
Memory Care Centers
With the expectation of comfortable treatment at all times, about one million American senior citizens choose to retire to senior communities. One of the reasons memory care centers are helpful for certain seniors includes the assistance of qualified medical professionals who can manage health issues like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and others. This also provides a reduction of stress and worry for the children and grandchildren of these seniors.
Senior Placement in Specialized Care Centers
There is a difference between the levels of senior care that are needed. Some seniors only need assisted living facilities or assisted living apartments. Other senior citizens need a nursing home or a nursing facility because they have health issues that require regular care. Specialized treatment facilities are more important for those seniors who need closer daily medical care or treatment, or are less able to care for themselves. Memory care centers fall under this category, especially given the level of danger that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia bring to the lives of those living with those diseases. Considering the 15 million unpaid caregivers and over 18 billion hours of care provided in 2016, there is much more to be said for what memory care centers would be able to provide these patients. While family members are not always trained medically to provide the best treatment, and likely having a full-time job as well, it is hard to make sure that a relative is cared for effectively.
