Test Your Knowledge of Memory Care
What do you think of when you hear the term “memory care?” Test your knowledge with these true or false statements – and learn more about memory care in the explanations.
What do you think of when you hear the term “memory care?” Unless you work in this healthcare environment or have visited loved ones living there, you may have a misunderstanding of what it actually looks like Test your knowledge with these true or false statements – and learn more about this important level of care
True or false: Memory care is a place you want to avoid until you have no other choice
False
Memory care provides a welcoming, supportive lifestyle that’s designed to reduce the stress of individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia It typically provides more support than family caregivers can provide in the home Memory care is a safe, structured environment with set routines led by people specifically trained to handle issues that happen with memory and judgment loss Residents have extensive support throughout the day Megan Carnarius, a registered nurse and memory care consultant, explained to AARP, “In memory care, the staff ensures residents are getting to meals, coming to activities and moving on to the next thing” Of course, deciding when to enter memory care can depend how much support the person needs, as well as who is available to provide it
True or false: Memory care facilities are sad and lonely
False
Most memory care facilities are vibrant, with different activities, including social interaction and support Each person with dementia has unique needs, whether it be with diet, exercise, sleep, cognitive training—or all of the above—and memory care works to meet each person’s needs For example, Bluebonnet Memory Care has a beauty salon, courtyard garden, and spiritual programs Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD and professor of neurology at Harvard, emphasized to Forbes that “[y]ou can still live with joy, enjoyment and dignity Memory care helps you relate to those you love in the best possible way”
True or false: Memory care facilities aren’t safe
False
Every state has regulations for memory care facilities, and they are typically more stringent than those for assisted living facilities These regulations cover licensing, inspections, training, and services that can be provided Facilities usually have alarmed doors, secure, enclosed outdoor spaces, and coded doors Some also use emergency buttons or bracelets, motion sensors, and other technology to help keep residents safe
True or false: Memory care isn’t healthcare
True AND false
Memory care that is provided in a skilled nursing facility (which typically includes rehabilitation and nursing services) could be considered a healthcare facility Memory care provided as part of an assisted living center may not be labeled as strictly healthcare However, all memory care facilities offer many healthcare amenities, including medication management and a registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse available 24 hours a day, seven days a week And emergency healthcare is always available
True or false: Memory care is only available if you pay out of pocket
False
There are many ways to pay for memory care Some do pay out –of pocket, using reverse mortgages and private assets to supplement costs Others are buying long-term care insurance to guarantee the funds are available if and when they’re needed Medicare may not pay for all of the long-term care, but it may cover some of the services a person with dementia would need For instance, diagnosis or care that is medically necessary (like prescriptions) could be covered And Medicaid will take care of some of the costs; check with your state’s Medicaid agency to determine what is covered For eligible veterans, the Veterans Administration provides broad-based assistance, including custodial care and caregiver support
“Those with dementia are still people and they still have stories and they still have character and they’re all individuals and they’re all unique,” said actor Carey Mulligan, whose grandmother had dementia ”They just need to be interacted with on a human level” Good memory care does just that—and it’s worth knowing the facts about this type of care.
Sources
AARP; Forbes; A Place for Mom; National Council on Aging; Medicare.gov; Medicaid.gov; US Department of Veterans
