Memory Care Senior Living: A Comprehensive Guide

A Comprehensive Guide To Memory Care Senior Living

Navigating the world of memory care for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or another memory loss disease can be extremely challenging. Memory loss conditions are typically progressive, meaning they get worse with time. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia can be scary and feel very overwhelming. Thankfully, memory care communities provide specialized care for individuals with memory loss disorders, while also offering a secure environment, meals, housekeeping, and social and recreational activities. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are looking to make a decision soon, this comprehensive guide to memory care senior living will help every step of the way.

Most people will need assisted living or senior care at some point in their lives, but people with memory loss diseases will likely need more care, and it may be necessary at an earlier age. People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia can typically meet most of their basic needs independently, so an independent living community might be a good choice. Unfortunately, however, all types of dementia are progressive (1), so eventually people with later stages of the disease will need more intensive care.

Our comprehensive guide is designed to help you decide whether it’s time for you or your loved one to consider a memory care community. We’ll also share the pros and cons of memory care communities, the cost and payment options, and finally, the process of choosing the right memory care community. So, if you’re considering memory care for yourself or a loved one, read on for all the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.

What is Memory Care?

A memory care community provides specialized residential care for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia or memory loss. Memory care is a type of senior care that is specifically designed for seniors with significant memory loss and/or cognitive impairment. Individuals can also receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and taking or managing medications. Typically, memory care communities offer meals, social and recreational activities, outings, and dementia-specific care and therapies.

How To Know When It’s Time for Memory Care

Since dementia can progress slowly, it might be a challenge to know when you need to consider memory care. Some signs that it may be time to consider memory care include:

Impulsive and dangerous behavior, like wandering outside the home
Irregular sleep schedule
Significant memory gaps, like forgetting where you live
Mood and personality changes
Feeling isolated, depressed, or alone
Trouble managing medications (like remembering to take them, taking them on time, correct dosage, etc)
Living alone feels unsafe
Sudden and severe aggression, anxiety, or agitation
Inability to manage daily tasks like eating, dressing, and bathing

Pros & Cons of Memory Care Communities

Memory care can be essential for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, but there are still pros and cons, as well as a variety of options for managing memory loss disorders. Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages of memory care communities:

Pros

Memory care communities provide extra safety features, including secured exits, monitored entrances, and easy-to-navigate layouts.
They prevent you or your loved one from wandering around, becoming lost, or making impulsive and potentially dangerous decisions.
Memory care communities offer help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
They also provide nutritious meals and housekeeping services.
Memory care programs often include activities specifically designed to maintain cognitive functions and encourage social interaction. These can include music therapy, art therapy, memory games, and physical activities that may help with the symptoms and progression of dementia.
Communities offer social and recreational activities, which can help to combat isolation and loneliness.
These communities can provide a higher quality of life for seniors with dementia.
They can also offer a sense of community and belonging.
Medical care and medication management is offered in these communities, which can be especially beneficial for older adults with other chronic health conditions.
These communities reduce the stress and burden on caregivers, and provide peace of mind for families.
They also often include special support for family members of those with dementia, which can be challenging and emotional for all involved.

Cons

Memory care, as well as room and board at a memory care community, can be expensive.
Memory care communities, unlike skilled nursing communities, may not be able to accommodate individuals with additional severe health issues or disabilities.
There is less privacy in a memory care community than you’d experience in a single family home.
An in-home care provider can sometimes provide more individualized care, which may be preferable for older adults that can afford that option.
Moving someone with dementia to a new and unfamiliar environment can be stressful, and requires a period of adjustment.
Not all memory care communities can provide sufficient end-of-life care, which may require moving to a skilled nursing community or hospital in the latest stages of the disease.

Memory Care Versus Other Types of Senior Care

There are a variety of care options available for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Memory care communities are one option, but they may not be the right fit for everyone at every stage. In this section, we’ll explore how memory care compares to other types of senior care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing communities, home care, and respite care. By understanding the similarities and differences between memory care and other types of senior care, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about the best type of care for you or your loved one.

Memory Care Communities vs Home Care

Instead of living in any type of senior living community, you can receive home care, where service providers come to your home to provide whatever assistance you need. This may include home healthcare providers, housekeepers, transportation services, lawn care, and more. Just like it sounds, home care is provided at home.

Memory care communities are a residential care option where individuals with dementia or memory loss disorders live in a secured community setting and receive special therapies and treatment for memory loss, as well as assistance with daily activities by staff at the community. For seniors looking for specialty treatment, daily assistance, safety, security, and community, memory care communities are often the preferred choice.

Memory Care vs Independent Living

Independent living is a type of senior housing where older adults live in apartments, condominiums, or single-family homes within a community of older adults, but may not receive assistance with activities of daily living. They also don’t receive specific care for memory loss disorders. Independent living may be appropriate for people in the early stages of dementia. Memory care, on the other hand, provides care and treatment for all types of dementia and cognitive decline, assistance with daily tasks, and meals, housekeeping, medication management and social and recreational activities. It’s typically necessary in the later stages of dementia.

Memory Care vs Assisted Living

Assisted living communities provide assistance with activities of daily living, but do not provide specialized memory care. Assisted living communities also aren’t typically as secure as memory care communities. Many assisted living communities offer varying levels of care, including memory care. Not all memory care facilities also offer assisted living.

Memory care is a specialized type of assisted living that is specifically designed for older adults with memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Memory care communities provide a higher level of care and security than traditional assisted living communities. They also provide specialized therapy and treatment options for memory loss disorders.

Memory Care vs Skilled Nursing Communities

Skilled nursing communities, sometimes called “nursing homes” or “skilled nursing facilities,” provide a higher level of medical care than memory care communities, and they are typically staffed by licensed medical professionals and operate in a more clinical setting. Skilled nursing communities provide the most care you can receive outside of a hospital. Memory care communities have a more home-like feel and focus on treatment and management of memory loss disorders. They do not provide the same level of medical care as a skilled nursing community. They are typically staffed mainly by caregivers rather than licensed medical professionals, though they will often have nurses available and doctors on-call. People in the latest stages of dementia may require care at a skilled nursing community or hospital.

Memory Care vs Respite Care

Respite care, sometimes called “adult daycare”, is a temporary form of care that is provided to give primary caregivers a break. Respite care can be provided in a variety of settings, including assisted living communities, skilled nursing communities, memory care communities, or in-home care. This is a great option for caregivers who want to provide in-home care for their loved ones themselves, but need someone qualified to take care of them during the workday or during trips and vacations. Respite care can also refer to a short-term stay at a senior living community, like a period of days or weeks.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

The question we’ve all been waiting for: how much does memory care actually cost?

Because of the higher level of care and security offered, memory care typically costs about 20-30% more than assisted living. Room and board at a memory care community ranges on average from $4,000-$7,000 per month (2, 3). It varies widely depending on your location, level of care needed, and the amenities provided at the community. At Stellar Living, we provide transparent line-item pricing for our communities. Just call our Family Advisors today to find out how much a Stellar Living Community will cost in your area.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what’s included in the cost of memory care and the factors that can affect it. We’ll also explore various payment options, such as long-term care insurance, Medicaid, veterans benefits, and more.

What’s included in this cost?

The cost of memory care varies depending on the location, type of community, and level of care needed. For Stellar Living Communities, this cost typically includes room and board, as well as assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management. The “room and board” cost of Stellar Living Communities also includes chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, use of gyms, libraries, computer rooms and other on-site amenities, and social and recreational activities both on- and off-site.

Stellar Living Memory Care communities feature a secured, separate area to keep memory care residents safe. This includes monitored access both in and out, and residents’ exterior doors open onto a secure central area, rather than the street or outside the community. Specialized treatments and therapies for memory loss disorders may also be included, as well as a higher level of care for residents in the more advanced stages of dementia.

Does Health Insurance Cover Memory Care?

The coverage for memory care varies depending on the type of insurance and the individual’s policy. Health insurance does not usually include the assisted living or room-and-board costs of a memory care community. However, health insurance typically does cover medical costs related to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia or memory loss disorders. This might include medications, physical or occupational therapies, and doctor’s appointments. If custodial full-time memory care is considered medically necessary, health insurance may cover some of the cost. Long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and veterans benefits may also cover some or all of the cost of memory care communities.

What about Medicare or Medicaid?

Medicare does not cover the room and board cost of any senior living communities or long-term care, though it will pay for medical costs associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

If you or your loved one requires custodial memory care, Medicaid may cover the cost of an approved memory care community. About 50% of memory care communities are Medicaid-approved. If your loved one has late-stage dementia and needs 24/7 care, memory care in a skilled nursing community is likely to be fully covered.

Are there Veterans Benefits for Memory Care?

VA benefits are available for veterans who have VA healthcare and require memory care. Find out more here.

Who qualifies for VA benefits for memory care?

You can get VA benefits for memory care if:

You’re signed up for VA health care, and
They conclude that you need memory care to help with your ongoing treatment and personal care, and
There is an approved community near you.

They may also consider other factors, like your service-connected disability status or insurance coverage.

How to apply for veteran benefits for memory care?

To apply for veteran benefits for memory care, veterans should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or a veterans’ service organization for more information.

Is memory care tax deductible?

Expenses related to memory care may be tax-deductible if you or your loved one is considered chronically ill due to dementia. This usually means an inability to perform two or more activities of daily living (like bathing, dressing, eating, walking, continence) for at least 90 days, and need for supervision due to cognitive impairment. It’s important to consult with a tax professional to determine if your expenses related to memory care will be tax-deductible.

More Ways To Pay for Memory Care

Life Insurance

Life insurance is another option for seniors who need to pay for memory care expenses. You may be able to use your life insurance benefits to cover the costs of memory care and other long-term care needs. When you do this, you get a percentage of the value of your life insurance policy to pay for memory care costs. Typically, you’ll get about 20%-50% of the face value of your policy. However, using this feature will close out your life insurance policy, so any beneficiaries won’t receive any payout. It’s a good option to consider if you don’t have a spouse and/or children, or your children are grown and your spouse is already financially stable.

Additionally, many life insurance policies also offer hybrid policies or riders that allow you to access some of your death benefit early in order to pay for medical expenses or other emergency costs. Contact your life insurance provider to learn more about these options.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is a great way to prepare to pay for memory care. You can purchase a long-term care insurance policy in addition to your health insurance plan to prepare for memory care in the future. Most policies will cover memory care, as well as assisted living, skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, and respite care. Be sure to check the details and exclusions of your policy to be sure memory care will be covered. Some policies will cover you for the rest of your life, while others might only cover memory care for as little as two years. It may also be more difficult to get this type of insurance if you are over the age of 70. Get this coverage sooner rather than later, because it is likely to be less expensive in the long term.

How To Choose a Memory Care Community

Choosing the right memory care community for you or your loved one can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, from the specific therapies and treatments offered, to the staff-to-resident ratio, to the cost. In this section, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to choose a memory care community. We’ll cover the top 10 questions to ask when visiting a memory care community, as well as other important factors to consider when making your decision. By following the guidelines outlined in this section, you’ll be able to confidently choose a memory care community that meets your needs and preferences.

Memory Care FAQ (Quick Answers To Your Top Questions)

What is memory care?

Memory care is a type of senior living that provides specialized housing and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Typically, memory care communities have a higher level of supervision and security than other types of senior living communities. They may also have special therapies and treatments intended for people with memory loss. Memory care is intended for older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory loss disorders who are no longer willing or able to safely live independently.

Who is eligible for memory care?

Eligibility for memory care varies depending on the community and state regulations, but generally, it is intended for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and have a memory loss disorder (like dementia), but do not currently require the level of care provided in a skilled nursing community.

How much does memory care cost?

The cost of memory care can vary widely depending on location and the level of care required. On average, room and board at a memory care community costs around $4,000-$7,000 per month (2, 3).

Is memory care covered by Medicare or Medicaid?

Medicare will cover medical costs associated with memory loss disorders, but does not cover room and board for long-term care. Medicaid may pay for some or all of the costs of an approved memory care community for seniors who require full-time custodial care.

What services are provided in memory care?

Services offered in memory care can include assistance with ADLs, meals, transportation, housekeeping, and medication management. Most communities also offer recreational and social activities, as well as therapies and treatments for dementia and memory loss.

Can I bring my own furniture to a memory care community?

It depends on the community. Some communities allow residents to bring their own furniture, while others provide furnishings. It’s best to check with the community directly.

Can I bring my pet to a memory care community?

Some memory care communities allow residents to bring their pets, while others do not. It’s important to check with the community before moving in to ensure they are pet-friendly.

Can I have visitors in memory care?

Yes, residents in memory care are generally allowed to have visitors, but there may still be restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

Can I keep my own doctor when in memory care?

Yes, residents in memory care are generally able to keep their own doctor, as long as the doctor is located near the community. Transportation to doctor’s appointments is typically provided. However, there may be exceptions.

How do I find the right memory care community for me or my loved one?

Research different communities and visit them in person to get a sense of the environment and the level of care provided. It’s also a good idea to talk to current residents and staff.

How is memory care different from assisted living or a skilled nursing community?

Memory care offers a similar level of care to assisted living, within a specialized environment specifically for people with dementia or memory loss. Memory care communities typically do not offer medical care beyond basic assistance with ADLs. Skilled nursing communities, on the other hand, provide the highest level of medical care you can receive outside a hospital.

What happens if a resident’s health needs change and they need more medical care?

They may need to move to a higher level of care, such as a skilled nursing community.

How can I pay for memory care?

There are a variety of ways to pay for memory care, including health insurance, private pay, long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, and Medicaid. Research different options and work with a financial advisor to find what will work for you.

Can I bring my car or keep my driver’s license when living in memory care?

It depends on the community, but most memory care communities provide transportation for residents and do not allow them to keep their car. It’s best to check with the community directly.

Can I leave memory care and return home?

Because Alzheimer’s and most forms of dementia and memory loss conditions are progressive (they get worse with time), it’s unlikely someone who needs memory care will be able to return home to live independently. If a resident’s health does improve, they may be able to return home with home healthcare services. However, if their condition worsens, they may need to move to a higher level of care.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, memory care can provide a great quality of life for older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia who also need assistance with daily activities. Because memory loss can lead to unsafe situations, such as wandering from home and becoming disoriented or lost, a memory care community might be your safest choice. It’s important to consider the pros and cons, costs, and the different types of senior care available before making a decision. When choosing a memory care community, it’s also important to visit several communities and ask questions to ensure the best fit for you or your loved one.

If you’re looking for a top-rated memory care community, Stellar Senior Living can help. We have communities throughout the United States and have received numerous awards for our high-quality care and services. To learn more about Stellar Senior Living’s memory care communities and to find a community near you, click here.