What Is Memory Care and How Much Does It Cost?

When looking for assisted living, one of the first questions is how much it will cost. To give you a better idea of how much memory care costs, we thought it wise to provide several examples. The following are some actual costs of memory care facilities in the Breckinridge area:  The Breckinridge Memory Care offers assistance and support to older adults affected by memory-related health problems. These problems can cause strain and distress to the individuals and their families. People who require this kind of care need full-time supervision in their day-to-day activities.

Everything You Need to Know About Memory Care

Do you or a loved one need memory care? Memory care is a specialized type of senior care for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other types of cognitive disability. Memory care communities provide an environment designed to be safe and secure for seniors with these conditions while still allowing them to maintain some independence. If you’re considering memory care for your loved one, it’s important to understand the different types of facilities available, their specific focus, and the costs.

Memory care facilities offer specialized services for those with memory impairments. They often provide more personal and medical assistance than assisted living facilities, and they require more staff members to attend to your parent’s needs. Memory care also provides more structured days and activities that keep residents engaged. While some assisted living communities offer similar programming, they don’t always have a full-time activities director on staff, nor are they required to have a nurse on staff 24/7.

Benefits of Memory Care Services

Memory care services, sometimes called “specialized memory care,” are designed to keep seniors safe while providing the support they need to live independently. These services can be provided in different settings and offer a wide range of benefits for those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive disorders.

Memory care services can provide:

• A safe, secure environment with limited access to staff
• Trained staff available 24/7 who have experience in dealing with memory issues
• Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and toileting
• Planned activities that stimulate memory
• Opportunities for socialization and interaction
• A structured daily routine that helps residents feel calm and secure

The cost of memory care will vary widely depending on geographic location, the size of the unit, and the extent of services provided by the community. On average, the monthly cost is $4,000-$8,000. In many large cities, the cost can be considerably higher.

The cost of memory care depends on many factors. Some of the most important factors include:

• Location – Memory care communities in larger cities tend to be more expensive than in smaller towns.
• In states like Alabama and Montana, cities or towns with less than 10,000 residents tend to have lower costs for memory care.
• In Texas and Oregon, memory care companies that provide services to fewer people (such as communities with less than 100 residents) tend to be more affordable.
• In states like Kentucky and Tennessee, memory care communities that offer personalized attention tend to be more expensive.
• Amenities – Communities that provide more amenities, such as 24/7 staffing and specialized activities, may charge higher fees.
• Quality of food and amenities-In many cases, you get what you pay for — if the food is hot and fresh and the grounds are well-maintained, costs will be higher than at a facility that provides bland meals or has unkempt lawns or outdated furnishings.
• Personal Care – Many people with dementia have additional health conditions, requiring more personal assistance and medication management. Whatever level of assistance your loved one needs will affect how much you pay for their care.
• A community-based facility with a dedicated memory care unit will usually be less expensive than a stand-alone memory care community. The community-based facility has already invested heavily in infrastructure (e.g., dining room, common areas, bathrooms) and staff needed to support multiple levels of care. The memory care unit will typically have fewer residents than a stand-alone community. Stand-alone communities are more expensive because they must replicate all aspects of infrastructure and staffing for each level of care offered in the community.
• Level of professional supervision – Memory care costs increase in proportion to the level of professional supervision required by residents. Facilities with specialized memory or Alzheimer’s care often have higher staff-to-resident ratios to ensure adequate health monitoring and supervision.

While many people assume that nursing homes are more expensive than assisted living facilities, this isn’t always true. Nursing homes typically offer round-the-clock medical care, including 24/7 access to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and aides. Memory care communities only need to provide support from nurses or caregivers during normal business hours (unless otherwise specified).