The average length of stay in memory care can range anywhere from two to ten years, according to Leslie Fuller, founder and owner of Inspired Senior Care. However, the stay varies depending on the needs of a senior with dementia, the progression of their dementia, and their overall health. In some instances, a senior may only need memory care as a temporary respite care stay. While another senior may be ready for a permanent move to a community that offers 24-hour supervision and specialized care services for seniors with dementia.
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The average length of stay in a memory care unit varies greatly depending on a dementia patient’s circumstances. Some factors that may influence a senior’s stay in memory care include:
Additionally, families may be hesitant to move a loved one away from home or assisted living with an initial memory loss diagnosis. Ultimately, whether your loved one needs a short-term stay or a long-term home will depend on their needs — and yours.
Supporting your family member’s daily needs, managing their medications, and adapting your home for their safety can be difficult. A stay in a memory care community can benefit not only those with memory impairment but also their families who act as caregivers.
A stay in a memory care community can provide a safe environment for your aging family member. You can feel confident that they are in a secure space where their physical and intellectual needs are being met. Staff at memory care communities are caregivers who specialize in working with individuals who have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. These caregivers provide supportive, person-centered dementia therapies best suited to each individual’s needs.
Fuller explains that in quality memory care, seniors “are going to be in a setting where the support people around them understand the progression of what the individual is going to be going through. And they can help that individual to adapt as those changes continue in their journey.”
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Memory care is a specific type of assisted living that caters to seniors who live with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Many of the benefits of memory care are similar to the benefits of assisted living. However, memory care communities tend to offer specific accommodations to help seniors with dementia thrive.
Both assisted living and memory care communities provide the following:
Memory care communities often have the following features that typical assisted living communities lack:
Moving your loved one into a memory care community can be challenging. Fuller notes that families can find comfort in the adjustment by educating themselves and creating an open dialogue with the memory care staff.
Furthermore, you should stay in contact with your loved one and visit them in their community, if possible. It can help them transition with ease and stay connected to their family and past.
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If you think your loved one with dementia needs extra support, there are lots of dementia care options available. You could choose a memory care community that fits your loved one’s needs, or you can turn to different options depending on your loved one’s stage of dementia and circumstances.
In the early stages, home care may be suitable for seniors who can safely reside at home with the supervision of hired and family caregivers. If a home environment isn’t quite safe, but they’re still in the early stages, assisted living may be a better fit. Many assisted living communities offer multiple care options meaning seniors in early stages can move into assisted living and transition to memory care when deemed necessary.
If your loved one has serious medical conditions on top of dementia, they may benefit from 24-hour care and skilled nursing services provided in a nursing home. Many nursing homes offer a specific unit for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients where staff is trained in memory care practices.
No matter which dementia care option you choose, A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors are ready to assist in your search. They’ll take the time to learn about your family’s preferences, needs, and budget to help you find suitable options near you — all at no cost to you.
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