If someone in your life is suffering from a disease like dementia or Alzheimer's that affects their memory, the best place for them to live safely is a memory care facility. There are many benefits to memory care and getting your loved ones into a facility where they specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is specially designed to care for those with forms of dementia. There will always be around-the-clock care for those residing in the facility. Memory care facilities are similar to nursing home facilities, except they focus more on the memory issues that residents suffer from.

Memory Care Services

Memory care facilities offer different services in the community. 

Those services can include:

• 24-hour supervision
• Laundry
• Meals
• Cleaning
• Activities to improve memory
• Medication management
• Transportation
• Personal cares

There are so many more services provided in memory care facilities. If a resident needs anything, the nurses and staff will always help.

Benefits of Memory Care

There are many benefits to memory care.

These benefits can include:

• Secure environment
• Specially trained staff
• Memory therapies
• The low staff-to-resident ratio
• Calm environment

It is very important to have a secure and calm environment as both will prevent residents from wandering away. The low staff-to-resident ratio is also important as it ensures more social interaction and more one-on-one time.

Memory Care Facilities vs. Assisted Living Facilities

Some of the services provided at both facilities are the same, but memory care and assisted living are greatly different. Assisted living facilities do not generally provide around-the-clock care and supervision like a resident at a memory care facility would need. Assisted living facilities also do not provide memory care services like therapies or enhancement activities.

Signs It Is Time for Memory Care

If you're worried a loved one is approaching time to receive memory care, but you're not sure what to look for, here are some examples:

• Increased aggression
• Increased wandering
• Weight loss
• Unable to eat or bathe independently
• Missing medication doses

It is possible for you to try to take care of your loved one who is suffering from a form of dementia, but you'll need to make sure you can adequately take care of them before taking on the role of caregiver.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

Memory care costs will vary by state depending on the services that are needed in the facility. On average, memory care will cost around $4,000 per month. Depending on the type of insurance the resident has, it may help cover the cost.