What Is Memory Care ~ Options In Denver, Colorado
To schedule a free consultation with a Senior Advisor, please call Marnie Biln, (303) 222-5281 or e-mail marnie@seniorgevity.com. The consultation is free to seniors and their families and the senior advisement, and placement services are also free.
Click here for a list of memory care facilities in the Denver metro area.
Memory care options in the Denver metro area are becoming more varied and widespread as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss afflict more seniors. While there are “standalone” memory care facilities and units, increasingly, memory care is being integrated into assisted living facilities, residential care homes, and nursing homes.
What Is Memory Care
Memory care is a type of care that’s provided (for people of all ages) who suffer from memory loss issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Memory care facilities typically have secured and locked wards, to ensure, the safety of residents who might be prone to wandering and/or behavioral issues.
Levels Of Care In Memory Care In Denver
The levels of care in memory care vary by facility and are typically categorized by the degree of cognitive ability.
Memory Care Services In Denver
Memory care support can vary dramatically (according to the needs of each resident), but often includes the following:
- administration of medications
- assistance with dressing
- assistance with eating
- assistance with bathing
- assistance with using the toilet and/or incontinence care
- monitoring of behavioral issues
- reminders
- instructions
How To Compare Memory Care Facilities In Denver
When choosing a memory care facility (for yourself or someone you love), here are some of the criteria you can compare:
- cost
- private pay or Medicaid
- levels of care
- level of personal assistance provided
- staff to resident ratio (during the day and at night)
- how the facility is secured
- shared rooms or private rooms
- shared bathrooms or private bathrooms
- outdoor spaces
- types of activities and programs for residents
- level of functioning of most of the residents and whether residents are grouped by cognitive level
- location in the Denver metro area (general area and neighborhood)
Memory Care Facilities vs Assisted Living Facilities In Denver
Depending on the degree of memory loss, seniors might not be eligible to live in assisted living facilities that don’t specifically offer memory care. However, more and more assisted living communities are beginning to offer some level of memory support for residents. Because memory loss typically gets worse with time, seniors who are experiencing cognitive difficulties should be completely candid with the admissions staff at assisted living facilities in order to ensure that the facility of their choice is a good choice – not only for today, but for years to come.
Memory Care Facilities vs Residential Care Facilities In Denver
Residential care facilities that offer memory care support can be a viable option for seniors who are experiencing mild levels of memory impairment, with few other health issues. Because there are generally only about 4-12 residents in a residential care home, staff can provide more personalized attention, which is often what seniors with memory problems need the most.
Memory Care Facilities vs Nursing Homes In Denver
Memory care facilities are expensive, sometimes even more costly than nursing homes, but they’re often a more appropriate setting for someone with Alzheimer’s or severe dementia. In memory care facilities, staff are trained to work with residents who have memory issues, many of whom have few or no other medical issues. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are designed to offer 24/7 nursing care and often have residents with chronic and/or complex medical issues.
Click here for further information about the top 10 reasons to move into memory care.
Contact A Senior Advisor For Help In Finding The Right Community Or Facility
If you would like help finding the right community or facility for yourself or a loved one, contact Senior Advisor, Marnie Biln, (303) 222-5281. Her senior advisement and placement services are free.
Marnie helps seniors and their families find communities and facilities in the Denver metro area and Front Range, including: Denver, Aurora, Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Denver Tech Center, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Rock, Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, Louisville, Longmont, Lafayette, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.
Other Resources For Senior Living In Denver
Below are resources that describe other senior living options:
What Is Independent Living
What Is Assisted Living
What Are Residential Care Facilities
What Are Nursing Homes
What Are Multi-Level Care Communities
What Are Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
What Is Hospice Care
What Are In-Home Care Agencies
What Are Senior Advisors