As we grow older it is completely normal to see the roles reversed between parent and child. Where you once needed your parents to care for you, they now rely on your help to complete many everyday tasks. But when parents begin to deal with the early signs of dementia or other memory problems, they may benefit from more than the level of care you can provide at home.

Whether your parents have started to forget important appointments, or they are having difficulty remembering their everyday chores, chances are that they could benefit from making the move to a retirement community that offers memory care services.

With memory care, seniors can enjoy access to skilled nursing care that is designed to help people who have memory problems. In memory care communities, it’s common to find residents who are navigating through many different stages of memory loss. Residents may show progressed signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and deal with cognitive challenges that are the result of traumatic brain injuries, other common medical conditions or the natural aging process.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing memory problems and need help with daily living tasks, it’s important to speak with a medical professional for an evaluation as soon as possible. Already have a medical diagnosis and want to learn more about your personal care options? At The Philadelphia Protestant Home, we are proud to offer a dedicated memory care program at our all-in-one senior living community.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of memory care services for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss related conditions.

Memory Loss: What Are the Warning Signs?

As we age, our brains naturally lose brain cells. This normal part of the aging process can sometimes affect the ability to recall certain memories like where we put our car keys or the name of a co-worker. Often referred to as “senior moments,” occasional memory issues are quite typical. However, significant memory challenges may be the result of something more serious like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

People who are experiencing memory loss tend to have issues completing daily tasks, solving problems and in some cases, controlling their emotions. Some common signs of more serious memory problems include:

  • Trouble learning new things
  • Difficulty making everyday decisions or handling money
  • The inability to keep track of daily activities
  • Forgetting how to do tasks that have previously been completed for months or years
  • Repeating stories or phrases within the same conversation
  • Forgetting things much more often than you used to

Seniors with more serious memory problems often need help with completing daily activities, medication management, personal care and may eventually need access to 24-hour supervision.

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is an important aspect of our continuum of care here at PPH. This specialized type of care is offered to seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other types of memory impairment. It is very common for residents who have memory issues to wander or become confused, so having access to a dedicated memory care program that is designed to address their individual needs is a great way to ensure that seniors are safe and happy when away from their loved ones. In memory care, residents have access to highly trained staff, structured programs, many great amenities and a specially designed campus that helps to prevent wandering.

What Are the Different Options for Senior Memory Care?

Before your family starts to prepare for the future financial obligations associated with continued memory care for your parents, it’s important to take a closer look at the different types of memory care available for seniors. While there are some similarities between memory care options, one type of care may not meet everyone’s needs. Just as your loved one is unique, so are the care options available to them!

Memory Care at Home

Most home nursing care services do not charge higher fees for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory care needs. This may be a good option for those who want to remain as independent as possible while still living at home.

Memory Care in Nursing Homes

Almost all nursing homes across the US are equipped to provide memory care services for their residents. Most do not charge an additional rate for dedicated services because these residents do not typically require any more care than the other seniors residing there.

Memory Care at Adult Day Care Centers

Adult day care centers are popular with seniors that want to remain living at home with family but need extra attention while their loved ones are away during the day. Similar to nursing homes, they don’t typically charge any additional fees for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, it’s important to do your research on each program available in your area, as many are not able to properly accommodate seniors who are in later stages of memory loss.

Memory Care and Senior Living

Most senior living communities are equipped to accommodate residents who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, focusing on providing residents with access to dedicated memory care residences. At the Philadelphia Protestant Home, we have a dedicated residential memory care program called The Chapters Program. Here, our memory care residents can enjoy specialized care in a comfortable, welcoming and safe atmosphere.

How Can Families Pay for Memory Care?

Finding the right memory care facility for your parents can seem like an overwhelming process at first but with lots of research and education, you can make a difference in their quality of life while preserving your family’s financial security. When compared with other more traditional senior living facilities, retirement communities that offer a dedicated memory care program tend to cost more initially. However, when seniors have access to a continuum of care, families often save over time because they don’t have to worry about the additional expenses associated with moving to a new community.

While paying out-of-pocket typically allows families to have the most control in terms of choosing their provider, there are many resources available through non-profit organizations, government funding, Medicaid and private insurance. Some of the most common ways that families may be able to pay for memory care include:

Learn More About PPH’s Memory Care Program Today

Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of dedicated memory care for your loved ones? At the Philadelphia Protestant Home, our highly skilled and experienced memory care team is happy to provide a safe and comfortable place for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments to enjoy their golden years. For more information about The Chapters Program at PPH, contact our admissions team today.