Memory Care Guide
What You Need to Know About Memory Care, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease
What is Memory Care?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 7 in 10 adults over the age of 65 will require long-term care at some point in their lives. Another statistic reads that 68% of older adults in residential care or nursing homes have some degree of cognitive impairment. With those facts in mind, many Americans are on the search for a memory care facility for their aging parents. We are here to help you find the perfect memory care living situation for your parent with dementia and other memory problems.
Memory care is a residential care facility, or community or unit of a residential care facility, that’s been set up and designed specifically to meet the increasing needs of people who have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Dementia is a general term for the progressive decline in one’s memory and mental ability, severe enough to interfere with their daily lives. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause for Dementia. Alzheimer’s is actually a specific disease, whereas Dementia is not.
What is Dementia
“Dementia is the name for a group of brain disorders which affect one’s ability to remember things, think clearly, control one’s emotions, and make sound decisions… A person with dementia would have a hard time with two or more of the following: communication and speech, memory decline, concentration and focus, judgement and reasoning skills, and visual perceptions.”
What is Alzheimer’s?
“Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia in which an individual develops problems with their memory, thinking, logic and behavior. Generally, Alzheimer’s symptoms will slowly increase in severity over time, eventually becoming disabling to the point of significant interference with one’s daily tasks.”
Click one of the articles below to learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Stages of Memory Loss
What are the stages of memory loss?
When a loved one is diagnosed with a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, it is crucial that you educate yourself on the various stages of memory loss, so that you can understand the changes in behavior and abilities they may go through as the disease progresses.
The only way to ensure that you are choosing the most effective course of action for your loved one’s treatment and care, is with personal knowledge of the various stages of dementia, as well as the help of doctors and caregivers. By taking the time to educate yourself, your loved one can enjoy a better quality of life, and you can relax with peace of mind knowing they are receiving the level of care required for the stage of memory loss they are in.
There are 7 stages of memory loss in dementia patients. The following stages of memory loss are based on the Reisberg Scale, developed by Dr. Berry Reisberg of New York University. Keep in mind, the exact stage your loved one is in should be determined by their doctor through tests and examinations.
Stage 1: Normal / No Cognitive Decline
- Diagnosis – No Dementia
During this stage, the person will be functioning normally and won’t exhibit any signs of memory loss, he or she is mentally healthy and clear. People without dementia, and who are able to take care of themselves and function independently, belong in this stage.
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline
- Expected Duration of Stage 2 – Unknown
- Diagnosis – No Dementia
In stage 2, it is common for the patient to start showing signs of short-term memory loss, such as names and where familiar places are, or where objects they use frequently belong. The behavior displayed during this stage is often associated with normal aging, or age-related memory loss. Generally speaking, symptoms of dementia are not evident to the patient’s physician or loved ones.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
- Expected Duration of Stage 3 – Average duration is between 2 and 7 years
- Diagnosis – No Dementia
When a patient is in stage 3 of memory loss, they will start to exhibit signs of an increase in difficulty concentrating, increased forgetfulness, and decreased ability to work and perform at work. You may begin to notice the patient is having a hard time coming up with the right words when speaking, and may start to get lost or “wander” more frequently. This is the stage when loved ones and the physician of the patient will start to notice a decline in cognitive ability, or cognitive impairment.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
- Expected Duration of Stage 4 – Average duration is 2 years
- Diagnosis – Early Stage Dementia
In stage 4, patients will have a difficult time concentrating, decreased ability to remember things – including recent events, and struggle with tasks such as managing finances or traveling alone to new locations. Often times, patients show trouble completing complex tasks accurately or efficiently, and may be in denial about their symptoms and/or condition. During stage 4, a patient can start exhibiting withdrawing behaviors, avoiding family or friends due to the fact that socialization has grown to be much more difficult. Physicians are able to detect a clear cognitive problem when patients are interviewed or examined during an appointment.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
- Expected Duration of Stage 5 – Average duration of this stage is 1.5 years
- Diagnosis – Mid-Stage Dementia
Major changes in one’s ability to remember things, or recite memories, is often found in stage 5 of memory loss. Assistance in completing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking, etc. is likely needed during this stage. Signs of memory loss are significant, and patients may start to forget highly relevant aspects of their current lives, such as their address or telephone number. They may also struggle to remember what day it is, what time of day it is, or where they are.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
- Expected Duration of Stage 6 – Average duration is 2.5 years
- Diagnosis – Mid–Stage Dementia
Extensive assistance is required in order for people with dementia to complete their Activities of Daily Living in this stage of memory loss. They won’t have a clear memory, if any, of recent events. The names of close friends and family members will diminish. The vast majority of patients in stage 6 will not be able to remember anything from their earlier years. Simple things like counting down from 10 will be too difficult for patients, and finishing tasks will seem nearly impossible. It’s common for incontinence (loss of bladder control) to manifest in dementia patients during this stage. Communication skills and the ability to speak will decline. Personality changes, as well as emotional changes will occur, and delusions, compulsions, or bouts of anxiety may also take place.
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
- Expected Duration of Stage 7 – Average duration of late-stage dementia is 1.5 to 2.5 years
- Diagnosis – Late-Stage Dementia
Those in stage 7 of memory loss will have little to no ability to communicate or speak. They will require assistance in order to complete the majority of activities and daily tasks. It’s common for patients to lose psychomotor skills in this stage, such as the ability to walk.
What are the care requirements by stage?
As we mentioned before, at the first diagnosis of dementia, the patient often times will not require any care assistance and will be able to live independently.
However, as their dementia progresses, care will eventually be needed. In fact, by the time a patient reaches middle-stage to late-stage dementia, they will no longer be able to care for themselves at all.
While there are many American families who take care of their elderly loved ones who’ve been diagnosed with dementia, many people also hire a trained caregiver to provide care, or supplement the care they are already providing. It’s important to realize that once dementia symptoms worsen, it becomes nearly impossible to care for the person suffering from it all by yourself. This is particularly true if you are not a trained caregiver who specializes in caring for seniors with memory issues.
That said, there are many options out there for care assistance, such as adult day care, in-home care, and nursing home care. Financial assistance for these services can be obtained through Medicaid’s benefits, Veterans’ programs, state non-medical programs, tax credits and deductions for Alzheimer’s / dementia, and more.
Early Stage Dementia
As we mentioned above, patients in the early stage of dementia require no additional assistance, and should be able to function and take care of themselves properly and independently. They may need the occasional reminder of when doctors appointments are, or when to take a certain medication. But overall, early stage mild dementia doesn’t carry much in regards to negative symptoms. Keep in mind, patients in this stage should be made to live as independently as possible. It’s a good idea for family members and/or caregivers to discuss the future and expected plans with a patient in this stage, as they are still thinking clearly and able to make sound decisions. Hold important conversations, such as long-term care plans and both financial and legal matters while the patient is in this stage, before they progress to the middle stages of dementia, or start to exhibit dementia-like symptoms.
Middle Stage Dementia
During the middle stage of dementia, patients exhibit increased cognitive problems and are no longer able to function as independently as they were in the early stages. It’s likely they’ll need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include grooming, bathing, dressing and cooking, etc. When middle stage dementia is just starting to manifest itself, patients may only need a reminder or prompting to perform these types of tasks. That said, there will come a point as their dementia symptoms progress, where a more hands-on approach will be necessary. Caregivers should do their best to establish a solid routine for dementia patients in the middle stage of memory loss, and will need to exercise more patience during this stage. Due to the fact that individuals in this stage of dementia experience long-term memory loss, they will have an increasingly difficult time speaking, it’s imperative that their caregivers talk clearly and slowly, even using non-verbal communication when necessary. Middle stage dementia patients will no longer have proper cognitive function, therefore they won’t be able to drive safely, so readily-available transportation will be required. Unfortunately, leaving a patient alone during this stage of dementia is no longer safe, which means that around-the-clock supervision becomes mandatory.
Late Stage Dementia
Once a person reaches the late stage of dementia, the amount of care they require significantly increases. At this level of memory loss, also known as severe dementia, dementia patients need 24/7 supervision and assistance in completing nearly all, if not all, daily tasks. These include getting in and out of bed, maneuvering from the bed to a chair, or help moving positions within their bed to avoid developing bedsores if they’ve become bedridden. All foods they consume must be cut into very small pieces and should be soft, such as yogurt or applesauce, as swallowing will be a major issue for late stage dementia patients. It isn’t uncommon for individuals in this stage to consume a diet consisting entirely of pureed foods. As the dementia progresses, the individual will reach a point where they will be 100% dependent on their caregivers and will no longer be able to perform any daily living activities on their own. Most families are not properly trained and do not possess the necessary skills required to offer care to a patient in the last stage of dementia. There are many dementia care options available to people struggling with memory loss, these including: hiring a part time or full time caregiver, or moving the patient into a nursing home or memory care facility.
Memory Care Facilities
Memory care facilities are not always built for just that – there are assisted living facilities and nursing homes that employ specially trained and certified staff or medical team members to work directly with people who have dementia. Often times, these types of living communities have a specific wing, or section of their building that’s set apart for residents with dementia. The overall goal of memory care is to help reduce negative symptoms associated with dementia, such as aggression, anger, wandering, confusion, and depression, and replace those with high-quality personalized care to meet the needs of each individual.
What Services are Provided in Memory Care?
The care provided is similar to what is offered in an assisted living community – including help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, medication management, eating, and toileting. One of the most crucial amenities is a collaborative care coordination plan that is personalized to the needs and abilities of your aging parent.
As in assisted living communities, memory care communities provide the following:
- Private or semi-private units
- Meals & Medication management
- Housekeeping
- Access to round-the-clock nurses
- Social activities
- Transportation to doctor’s appointments and other outings
Research increasingly suggests that activities such as music, art, gardening and dancing are beneficial for people with cognitive impairments, depending on their physical abilities. Memory care facilities may also offer these activities, led by staff or volunteers who are trained to work with people who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
As a result, the activities may be similar to what you would find in other residential facilities — but with some slight adjustments to keep people with cognitive impairment engaged and enjoying the event. For example, many people with memory care needs enjoy putting together puzzles — and facilities may support that by providing puzzles that have larger pieces and simpler designs so residents can enjoy the process without too much frustration.
Many of these communities offer cognitive therapies and programs meant to keep the brain active and engaged. Similarly, appropriate physical activities and light stretching may be offered to protect resident’s balance and flexibility.
If your aging loved one has always been involved in a faith practice or community, look for a memory care program that also supports their faith. Individuals who have trouble remembering new faces and names may still be comforted by the traditions, rituals, and music associated with their lifetime of religious observance.
Most memory care communities are designed to make residents feel safe and secure. Specially designed features include safety precautions to prevent wandering such as secured doors with alarms, keypads or other controlled entry/exit. Personal monitoring devices for each resident may be assigned, and security cameras are often used as an added layer of security.
Finding the Right Memory Care Facility for Your Loved One
Due to the fact that nursing homes, as well as other residential care facilities, don’t all offer the exact same level and type of care for people with dementia, other terms have developed, such as “dementia care community”, “specialized care unit”, “memory care facility”, “Alzheimer’s care community”, etc.
Generally speaking, communities that provide memory care to patients do so with the intention of providing residents with a high quality of life, while taking the necessary measures to ensure their safety and prevent wandering. You might find that there are communities take approach safety with a different approach – such as ensuring the outside grounds are secured so that no one can leave the property unless authorized. Another difference you might point out, is how various community’s bedrooms and common areas are designed in a unique and unconventional way, this is because people with memory care needs perceive color and sound differently.
Finding the Best Memory Care Unit
If you plan on spending a lengthy amount of time at the facility, or if you are planning to visit regularly, then location will be a big determining factor. If this is the case for you, find all of the facilities you’re interested in, and narrow it down to the ones that are within your ideal location.
You can contact facilities and request a tour if you’d like to walk around the space before making a decision. Searching “memory care facilities near me” will help you begin your search.
Facilities with Memory Care Certification
Believe it or not, facilities do not have to have a wing or specific area designated for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Rather than that, in order to be certified, a facility must be able to meet the following criteria:
- Care and programming that is geared towards people who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and can be personalized to suit your aging parent’s needs, preferences, and abilities. Staff conducting programming are trained in memory care.
- Advanced staff training and demonstrated competence in current best practices in dementia care.
- The facility should provide activities for socializing and connection around meals and recreational times, which also can include families and are welcoming for all ages.
- Interior environments that are designed to keep noise at a minimum, reduce confusing visual cues, and are also safe and functional for patients and residents with dementia.
- Welcoming and organizing activities with national organizations focused on educating about dementia, as part of an institutional commitment to professional learning.
- Support groups for families and caregivers.
Paying for Memory Care
The truth is…Caring for an aging loved one is not cheap.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 7 in 10 adults over the age of 65 will require long-term care at some point in their lives. Another statistic reads that 68% of older adults in residential care or nursing homes have some degree of cognitive impairment.
With those facts in mind, many Americans are on the search for a memory care facility for their aging parents. We are here to help you find the perfect memory care living situation for your parent with dementia and other memory problems.
Memory care is a residential care facility, or community or unit of a residential care facility, that’s been set up and designed specifically to meet the increasing needs of people who have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
In fact, CareScout pulled data from 440 regions across the country, the results suggest that the monthly costs for providing adequate care to an aging adult can range anywhere from $1,560/Mo. For full-time adult day care, up to $9,000+/Mo. For a private bedroom in a regular nursing home.
There’s a long list of proven benefits associated with living in a memory care facility, such as experiencing a higher quality of life, less change of tube feeding, physical restraints on patients, use of antipsychotic medications as well as an overall improvement in medical care for any other health issues your loved one may experience.
Alzheimer’s Care Options for Seniors: Long-Term Care Plan
Believe me when I say everyone has a hard time addressing the topic of future long-term care plans with an [...]
As you are choosing the best memory care center for your loved one, keep in mind that there are several facilities that may say they have a memory care unit, or specialized staff trained in memory care, but studies show that’s not always an honest statement. The Nursing Care Center Accreditation Program that begin in 2014, created a Memory Care Certification which outlined requirements that must be met in order for a facility to claim they provide memory care