What happens when assisted living is not enough? This is a fair question that should be asked if you are considering the options available to you to support your loved one. If you have a loved one who is a senior living in Lakewood, you may be evaluating additional care services to accommodate your loved one in case assisted living is not enough.
If assisted living does not provide enough care for your loved one, then you should consider memory care or a long-term care facility.
Memory Care
When assisted living is not enough, it is often because of some form of memory loss. This could be dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any other form of memory loss. As these conditions typically do not improve with time, it is better to start discussing memory care sooner rather than later.
Memory care facilities are designed to provide residents with activities and exercises that stimulate their brains to help them slow down their memory loss. The facilities also surround them with caring support and a stable environment where they are cared for and catered to.
People with memory loss, especially Alzheimer’s, are prone to wander. A memory care facility will likely have alarmed doors, enclosed outdoor spaces, and 24/7 staff members to ensure that residents don’t wander. There are even some facilities that offer tracking bracelets for residents. This gives the residents the freedom to explore but still allows the support staff to safely monitor their whereabouts.
Long Term Care
Long-term care may be the right option for elderly persons who are experiencing advanced health issues or are having trouble living independently. It is not uncommon for the elderly to need permanent long-term care as they age.
This can be a difficult decision, and you should consult with your family members to ensure you are making the right choice. You may also consider consulting with your loved one, family physician, or primary caregiver for their input.
As your loved one ages, their health and their lifestyle may start to deteriorate. This can put a significant burden on you, even though you love them deeply. Providing them with a facility that has the necessary resources to give them the care, support, and community that they require could be helpful in improving their condition. This can also give you peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is receiving trustworthy, professional care.
FAQs
Q: What Happens to the Elderly When They Run Out of Money?
A: When the elderly run out of money, they may often qualify for some form of government assistance. This government assistance will likely depend on their state of residence. Another source of income that may be available to seniors who run out of money is supplemental security income. Supplemental security income is a monthly stipend used to supplement living expenses. This can come in addition to standard social security income benefits. Supplemental security income is typically available for low income or disabled elderly persons.
Q: How Long Do Most People Live in Assisted Living?
A: Most people live in an assisted living facility for roughly two to three years, according to Forbes Health 2024 assisted living statistics. The length of stay will differ for each individual resident. More than half of the residents in an assisted living facility will eventually move on to a skilled nursing facility. Some factors that may influence the length of stay for seniors include the costs of the facility, the happiness of the resident, and the level of care needed.
Q: What Is the Lowest Level of Assisted Living?
A: The lowest level of assisted living is level one care. In this level of care, the resident mostly lives independently, but they may have daily reminders or help perform daily living activities. Daily living activities can include tasks such as getting dressed, eating, bathing, or using the restroom. With level one care, these activities usually encompass a low level of supervision to make sure that the activities are performed safely. Level one care may be right for your loved one if they need minimal assistance.
Q: Can You Put Someone in Memory Care Too Soon?
A: Although it is technically possible to place someone in memory care too soon, there is little to no downside to placing a loved one in memory care. There is no real definitive answer as to when the time is right. However, if you wait too long, then it could put a strain on the relationship between you and your loved one. As your loved one ages, dementia may progress, and it can change the dynamic of your relationship.
Q: What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?
A: The difference between assisted living and memory care is that residents in an assisted living facility may only need occasional daily living assistance, while residents in memory care may need around-the-clock supervision. Assisted living is geared toward elderly persons who need help with daily living activities but are otherwise independent. Memory care is designed for elderly persons who deal with dementia or other forms of memory loss. There can be specialized therapies and activities offered in memory care that help with memory retention.
Memory Care May Be the Answer
Anytime your loved one starts to show signs of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other forms of memory loss, it can be an emotionally difficult time. Once dementia starts, it typically does not get better with time. In many instances, the right solution is to consider placing your loved one in a memory care facility where they will be cared for and surrounded by professional care representatives who can provide them with the support they need.
The Rocky Mountain Assisted Living memory care services are specifically designed to help seniors cope and work through the challenges they face with memory loss. It can be a difficult process to deal with, but with the help of our trained professionals, the burden can be substantially reduced. We provide a welcoming environment that is conducive to supporting your loved one. Contact our office to speak with one of our professional care providers today.