When Home Care isn’t Enough

Of older adults ages 71 and over, 13.9% are living with a dementia diagnosis according to a recent study by the National Institute on Aging. By age 90, prevalence rises to 37%.  Most individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia, or mild cognitive impairment live at home, and 43 million Americans with these diagnoses live alone. 

While most older adults desire to remain at home as they age, and often can with the right support, here are some early signs your loved one may live healthier and safer in a community with 24-hour care. 

• Meal preparation & regularity begin to suffer
• Weight loss
• Wandering or becoming lost
• Isolating at home
• Disrupted sleep or nighttime agitation
• Dehydration
• Confusion with bill paying

For loved ones who need a higher level of skilled care and supervision, memory care may be an alternative that fosters safety, belonging, and connection. Many communities offer private suite or apartment accommodations, and memory support communities are often located within or adjacent to independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing care. 

Memory care typically provides assistance with daily living activities like dressing, bathing, medication management, and meals, plus staff training and customized programs designed around the unique needs of dementia patients. Programs are designed to support routines, stimulate cognition, and create a sense of connection for residents.

Even with help from community-based services and respite services, providing care at home for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia becomes increasingly difficult. In advanced stages of the disease, trained caregivers who can quickly recognize anxiety, stress, and efforts to communicate unmet needs can greatly improve resident quality of life, health, and facilitate education and support for families. 

Designed for Peace of Mind

Memory care neighborhoods are often expressly designed for the specific needs that come with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.  Communities often feature cozy open common areas that invite connection, or circular or square hallway layouts to prevent the anxiety that can come for a person living with dementia reaching a barrier or closed door.  Apartments often lack individual kitchens, but instead offer an open kitchen and dining space in common areas where residents can participate in preparing food and smell the scents of cooking so important to stimulating appetites in those with declining cognition. 

Many neighborhoods feature secure courtyards or outdoor spaces and the best incorporate outdoor programming, aligning with research on the importance of sunlight in supporting healthy circadian rhythms and decreasing sundowning in individuals with cognitive decline. 

While some assisted living facilities do have secure areas to accommodate those with mild dementia, memory care units often require a code for entry, visually obscure the neighborhood entrance from the inside, and are required to assess residents’ exit-seeking and wandering to assure their safety.

Paying for Dementia Care

Many families are surprised to learn that Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for most Alzheimer’s care or dementia-friendly neighborhoods, as most communities operate under an assisted living license. While Colorado offers limited reimbursement for assisted living, rates are low enough that few Denver Metro memory care communities participate in the program, leaving residents and the families stretching their remaining assets to pay the bill. 

According to the National Council on Aging, families are bearing 86% of the costs for memory care in the U.S., which averages $6160 per month in 2024.  In cities like Greenwood Village, Centennial, Aurora, and other Denver suburbs, quality community monthly fees for this service often reach $8000-$10,000 per month.  Monthly fees can be confusing, with some communities presenting level of care pricing, some all-inclusive, and some a la carte.  This is where the expert senior placement agents at Senior Living Options of Colorado can be so helpful. 

How to Select The Best Memory Care Community

Curious about what questions you should ask when touring an assisted living or memory care community? View our suggested checklist.  

U.S. News & World Report, which each year compiles a list of the best memory care communities, relies on family and resident surveys that cover food, staff, management, safety, programs, and caregiving. Or call to speak personally with a Senior Care Advocate at (720) 288-3974.  Whether you’re planning for a future need or require an emergency senior living placement, we’re here to help.