The time will come when your parent, spouse or loved one afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia can no longer be cared for at home and it's time to search for a memory care facility. Memory care means the facility and staff are specially trained in caring for memory-challenged people to ensure quality of life is maintained for as long as possible. In most cases, the memory care is part of a larger, assisted living facility. The memory care wing is usually a locked facility, which allows residents freedom to wander, socialize, and engage in life-enhancing activities without the danger of becoming disoriented.
Use these tips to help in select the most appropriate facility for your loved one.
Professional Evaluation
Consult with your loved one's primary care or geriatric professional. Have him provide a comprehensive evaluation of your loved one's current status. Confirm that your loved one is in need of a memory care facility. Solicit recommendations from the physician of local facilities best suited for the needs of your loved one.
Assess Finances and Financial Assistance
Determine if your loved one (or your family) can afford a memory care facility for an extended period. Medicare does not cover memory care facilities; however, some types of health insurance or long-term care insurance may reimburse all or a portion of the cost.
Financial assistance is available through Veteran's programs. If you or your loved one served in the military, you may qualify for assistance. Contact your local VA hospital and ask for a Patient Advocate to assist with determining eligibility.
Some states offer financial assistance after personal money has been spent down to a certain level. By offering assistance, the state can keep a person in an assisted living facility for a longer period of time. This can avoid a situation in which an individual runs out of money, files for Title 19 status and moves into a nursing home. In that case, the state will bear the entire financial cost, which can be $10,000 per month or more depending on the state.
Visit Several Facilities
Visit facilities that are within your local area and make the most sense for your situation. Talk to a sales manager or coordinator and set up an appointment. Take a tour of the facility. Get a sense of how your loved one would fit within the environment.
Some facilities offer a complimentary lunch along with the tour. This provides a real sense of how things are run on a daily basis. At each facility, note the layout, view a model room or suite, talk with some of the residents and observe the attention given to each resident by various staff. View a list of state by state requirements for resident to caregiver ratio. Find this list at the National Center for Assisted Living site.
Services Offered or Included
Different facilities offer different services. Make certain you familiarize yourself with what each facility offers. Many places provide the same basics: three meals a day, choice of a room or suite, utilities, supervised bus/van trips to local establishments, 24-hour on-site care staff, activity room, etc.
Other services to be aware of include on-site hairdresser/barber, smoking area, flexible visiting hours, acceptance of pets, and housekeeping and linen services. Some of these services may be available, but will incur additional fees. For example, if pets are allowed, there is an additional fee and family will be required to provide pet food.
Cost of Care
During the tour, spend time reviewing costs. Be clear on how the facility determines cost of care. Do they lump everyone into the same cost bracket? Do they separate out the charge for room and board from the memory care cost? If the costs are separate, you'll get a better sense of what you are paying for.
Some facilities may use a point system. Each point is assigned a dollar value. The facility does an assessment of your loved one and comes up with a point value of how much care he requires. For example, if a point equals $50.00 and the assessment determined a score of 6 points, expect the memory care services to cost $300.00 per month in addition to room and board. Quality facilities will update assessments every 90 days to ensure adequate care for the specific level of functioning.
Higher Functioning vs. Lower Functioning
Ask the physician if your loved one is considered higher or lower functioning. Making that determination yourself may be difficult if you have been the primary caregiver for an extended period. Knowing which category your loved one falls into will help evaluate which facility represents a better fit.
It will also help in determining how long a stay is expected in a memory care facility. In some facilities, your loved one can stay for the rest of his life, providing the facility can offer increasing levels of care and the finances hold out. Options exist for the family to bring in private pay professionals as the need arises. And finally, if your loved one develops behavioral issues that affect other residents, he may not be able to remain in a standard memory care facility.
Due Diligence
In summary, thoroughly research several memory care facilities to find one best suited to your loved one's needs. Ask for a list of recommended facilities from a health care professional. Understand the financial responsibilities to which you and your loved one are committing. List the types of services and care you want and take the list with you to each facility you visit. Know what, if any, financial assistance is available. Review all of the costs as outlined by the various facilities. Look for, and ask about, hidden charges or fees.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, 4.5 million people are afflicted with Alzheimer's and as many as 16 million may suffer from the illness by 2050 as Baby Boomers age. Knowing your options will help you rest easier as you and your loved one go through this process.
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