Memory care facilities provide valuable assistance for individuals who are in a vulnerable position. The residents of these facilities are dealing with conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, so they need a lot of extra care.
They count on the staff members to help them with everything from medication management to activities of daily living. But, relying this much on strangers comes with a risk, so the loved ones of these family members must find a high-quality facility.
Qualities to look for in a facility
Besides the basis, such as cleanliness and adequate staff, there are several other points to consider when evaluating memory care facilities. One that’s vitally important is that the facility can provide the residents with safety from wandering. This is often done with locked doors and similar methods.
Another consideration is consistency and familiarity. A facility with a low turnover can help these residents because they see familiar faces. Being able to bring in items from home that are special and finding a way of including memories into daily life can also help these residents.
Paying for memory care
One of the main concerns for some individuals is paying for memory care services. While Medicare typically won’t cover memory care facility costs, Medicaid may, but that comes with considerations. Medicaid is a needs-based program, so the resident must qualify for it. This might not be simple, though, because people can’t just give things away to qualify.
Being able to plan for the possibility of memory care is critical for some individuals. Working with someone familiar with elder law is beneficial in these cases. They can assist with asset protection, which is likely a primary concern in these cases.
